DL Brian Harris commits to Oklahoma: ‘They showed me that I was No. 1 on their board’

Jacksonville (Fla.) Mandarin three-star defensive lineman Brian Harris received an offer from Oklahoma on Feb. 24. It came just over a week after the 6-foot-4, 290-pound recruit backed off of his pledge to Maryland. Harris eventually visited Norman on March 8 and felt like a priority to the SEC program early on. Oklahoma consistently called and texted him and also, a group chat was created with Harris, his family and the Sooners’ defensive line coaches. The effort from head coach Brent Venables and his staff eventually paid off, as Harris has committed to Oklahoma. 

“Since the offer… I had a different feeling about them,” Harris told On3. “I never had a staff recruit me the way they did. They showed me that I was No. 1 on their board from the start.” 

Harris chose the Sooners over Alabama, Michigan, Penn State and South Carolina. One reason why is because he believes he can “make a huge impact” at Oklahoma during his freshman year. He liked how the Sooners’ coaches not only spoke to him about seeing the field early, but also showed him how it could be done. 

The No. 62 player in Florida was also impressed by Oklahoma’s defensive line room, along with the players and coaches in it. He also loves the Sooners’ culture and the program being “about family” stood out to him. 

“Oklahoma is an underdog right now,” said Harris, On3’s No. 33 defensive lineman in the 2026 cycle. “Coach Venables is going to transform OU’s program to the next level. They aren’t going to be the dark horse anymore. Oklahoma is about to be taken seriously and seen as a top program.” 

The people at Oklahoma helped set the Sooners apart for Harris

Venables played a role in Harris choosing to spend his college football career in Norman. His time at Oklahoma, and previous work at Clemson, caught the attention of the three-star.

“Everywhere he has been, he has won,” Harris said. “He knows what it takes to win national championships. He has always been a part of a top program. What I love about coach Venables is his infectious energy. He makes you want to have a great day every day. His energy is always there.” 

Todd Bates is another Sooners coach that was involved in Harris’ recruitment. Bates – Oklahoma’s associate head coach, co-defensive coordinator and defensive tackles coach – impressed the talented defender. 

“He is very big on family and he is a player’s coach,” Harris said. “Coach Bates has his own family, but he treats his players like they are part of it. He is a lot like a father figure. He coaches his players hard and he had a history of sending players to the NFL when he got to Oklahoma from Clemson. In our time together, he has already taught me a lot of things.” 

Harris is looking forward to eventually suiting up for the crimson and cream. One of the things that helped him realize he wanted to be an Oklahoma Sooner was his trip to Norman earlier this spring. 

“The visit in March was huge,” Harris said. “I felt at home immediately. It was about the people. The night I got there, I had dinner with the entire defensive line. A big factor in my decision was the people who were already there. Jayden Jackson and David Stone, they made a big impact on my recruitment. I leaned on both of them and they helped me understand a lot about Oklahoma. I want to take on a leadership role when I am there, so I want to learn from them.”