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Oklahoma visits 2026 4-star EDGE Jake Kreul

hunterby:Hunter Shelton•about 12 hours•

HunterShelton_

Jake Kreul copy 1.jpg

Four-star EDGE Jake Kreul is a part of the next crop of talent set to emerge from IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla.

After collecting 39 total tackles as a junior for the Ascenders in 2024, Kreul is poised for a breakout senior season in 2025. His recruitment has already taken off, however.

Over 40 college programs have offered the 6-foot-2.5, 220-pounder. A select few have pushed harder than others to this point. Oklahoma is in that group, and on Tuesday, head coach Brent Venables and Co. were in the Sunshine State to visit Kreul:

When speaking with On3’s Chad Simmons back in November, Kreul tabbed communication as something that will be a big factor in his decision. The Sooners, at that time, had done the best in the comms department. In addition to his relationships with OU, Kreul’s time in Norman has also exceeded expectations to this point.

“I have been out there three times and the staff is very personal there. I have built the closest relationships with so far with Oklahoma,” Kreul said. “Every time I am there, they roll out the red carpet. Coach Brent Venables is a great head coach and I talk with coach Miguel Chavis a lot. We have a great relationship.”

Other schools mentioned by Kreul at the end of the year included Ohio State, USC, Miami, Clemson, Nebraska and Oregon. Michigan head coach Sherrone Moore and Florida head coach Billy Napier have also been in to see Kreul this month.

“With my timeline, I should start cutting down my list in spring. It should be a Top 12. I want to go public with that, then commit in June or July. Getting to places is important to me from here. It is hard to get out to schools with my schedule,” Kreul said.

He is the No. 59 overall prospect and No. 8 EDGE in the 2026 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He’s also the No. 6 player in Florida.

To date, Oklahoma has three commits in its 2026 class: Long Beach (Calif.) Narbonne four-star quarterback Jaden O’Neal, Frisco (Texas) Lone Star three-star tight end Ryder Mix and Cleveland St. Ignatius three-star interior offensive lineman Will Conroy.

Kreul coming off big showings at All-American games

January has been packed for Kreul. He began January by competing in the Under Armour All-America Game in Florida. Last week, he was in Hawaii taking part in the Polynesian Bowl.

With the All-American events no longer limited to just the senior class, players like Kreul were able to attend and test their skills against plenty of the nation’s top college signees. On3 Director of Scouting and Rankings Charles Power left Florida feeling positive about Kreul’s future heading into his last year at IMG.

“Kreul continued to show eye-catching burst and bend off the edge. Kreul took a rep from Immanuel Iheanacho in 1-on-1’s, using his first-step quickness to dart into the backfield. We’ve also liked his overall effort level. While Kreul will need to continue adding size and strength, we like his ability as a pure speed rusher,” Power wrote ahead of the UA game.