Sooners land in-state star CJ Nickson
Just moments ago, Oklahoma landed the commitment of Weatherford (Okla.) High two-way standout CJ Nickson. The talented prospect, who is ranked as the nation’s No. 5 athlete in the On3 Industry rankings, chose the Sooners over Oklahoma State.
Nickson made the choice on Friday night during his official visit in Norman and went public Tuesday afternoon.
The 6-foot-5, 216-pound athlete has been targeted since early on by Miguel Chavis as a defensive end target for the Sooners. At the time he was offered, Nickson was seen as a pass rusher with both length and burst off the edge to become a potentially dynamic pass rusher. Oklahoma’s young defensive ends coach has definitely made a big impression on Nickson.
“Coach Chavis is a different breed,” Nickson said over a year ago. “Coach Chavis is crazy, I like it. He’s very energetic.”
That said, he’s also a player that boasts plenty of talent on the offensive side of the ball with a junior campaign that saw him reel in 34 receptions for 577 yards and five touchdowns – all team highs for the Eagles.
Nickson became a name, even as a freshman, for his ability in both football and basketball. His love of basketball never went away, but it became clear that football would be his calling.
Schools across the country came Nickson’s way, but he announced earlier this month it would be a Bedlam battle. OU and the SEC or OSU and the Big 12.
He’s the first big-time Weatherford recruit since, coincidentally, OU senior defensive end Ethan Downs.
Nickson’s pledge makes him Oklahoma’s commitment No. 18 in the class of 2025, a group currently ranked as the nation’s No. 10 class. Nickson becomes the second commitment from those that attended the ChampUBBQ event, joining Emmanuel Choice. The wide receiver announced Sunday afternoon.
OU got even more good news Monday when 2026 quarterback Jaden O’Neal picked the Sooners. Three days? Three major commitments.
Two down from the BBQ, how many more to go from the uncommitted targets? It is fully expected for the good news to keep coming for the Sooners after the event.