Oklahoma trending to flip 2025 4-star TE Nate Roberts
Oklahoma’s 2025 recruiting class is off to a scorching start, with the Sooners currently sitting at No. 4 in the On3 Industry Football Team Recruiting Rankings. And more good news could be on the way in the near future.
After losing out on four-star Washington (Okla.) tight end Nate Roberts when he committed to Notre Dame earlier this summer, the Sooners never gave up their pursuit of him. And now, they’re trending heavily in the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine (RPM) to flip the nation’s No. 2 tight end away from the Fighting Irish.
OU currently has an 83.1 percent chance of pulling off the flip, per the RPM, and that is largely driven by an expert prediction from SoonerScoop.com insider Josh McCuistion.
“In speaking with a few sources it’s clear that Oklahoma had, not surprisingly, never given up on Roberts and their pursuit of him,” McCuistion wrote in making the pick. “And after talking to some other sources it seems that there’s some cause for optimism. As such I’m putting in a prediction I really didn’t expect to make, a flip for the Sooners to reel in Roberts.
The reasoning is Oklahoma continuing to work on the nearby talent, developing their relationship, and the clear need Oklahoma has at the position going forward. It’s more solid work from Joe Jon Finley after landing elite 2024 tight end Davon Mitchell last month.”
Sooners selling Roberts on being a hometown football star
The 6-foot-4, 225-pound Roberts has been around Oklahoma’s program his whole life. His family lives roughly 15 miles outside of Norman, and he’s very familiar with what the Sooners have to offer.
Prior to his decision in June, he broke down what he liked about OU with On3 Director of Recruiting Chad Simmons.
“Oklahoma is only about 20 minutes from me so that’s definitely cool,” he said. “It’s an easy, quick trip. I like the coaches, the facilities and how coach (Joe) John (Finley) knows his stuff. Coach (Jeff) Lebby, the offensive coordinator, has told me how I would be a great fit in his offense. It’s a great school with tradition and it would be easy for my family to get to. Oklahoma is a place I could see myself fitting in at.”
The Sooners already have one of the nation’s best pass-catching groups assembled in the 2025 class, and Roberts would only add to its firepower. Oklahoma already has commitments from four-star quarterback Kevin Sperry, four-star wide receivers Elijah Thomas and Gracen Harris, and they’re trending heavily as the favorite to land four-star wideout Jaden Nickens on August 12 when he announces his commitment.
Roberts is the No. 134 overall prospect and No. 2 tight end in the 2025 class, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He also ranks as the No. 3 recruit in Oklahoma.