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Sooners Still in the Race for Elite RB

by:Josh McCuistion•about 9 hours•

Josh_Scoop

2026 TX RB Jonathan Hatton4
Jonathan Hatton. (Photo by: Josh McCuistion - SoonerScoop.com/On3)

When long-time top 100 running back commitment Jonathan Hatton backed away from Oklahoma on Dec. 2 of last year things felt like they were all but done for the Sooners. In fact it seemed that Oklahoma was going to have a tough time with simply overcoming nearby Texas A&M. And while the Sooners are far from back where they want to be with Hatton, they do seem to have found their feet.

Since early in his recruitment Hatton has discussed his relationship with Demarco Murray as being a huge pull for the Sooners. But after this week it isn’t just Murray who is making a strong impression.

“I just had an amazing conversation with coach Murray and Coach Ben Arbuckle,” Hatton offered. “I got some answers on the offense and things that concerned me.”

A few weeks ago Oklahoma was by Cibolo (Texas) Steele to see Hatton and the Knights ever-talented roster and it was at that point that Arbuckle and Hatton just met. From there things seem to have been regaining steam between he and the Sooners.

“I like his energy and he seems to be a really good person and coach,” he explained of Arbuckle.

In fact, the Sooners have already set up what Hatton says will be his final official visit. And, in his own words, seem to be connecting well with him.

“I set my official visit as well – June 20-22,” he said. “They definitely have and I’m making my announcement after their official visit because it’s my mom’s birthday weekend too.”

The nation’s No. 62 overall player says that while he’s not ‘officially’ down to a top three, it’s definitely trending in that direction.

“[My others visits would be] just A&M and Bama possibly Ohio State but I’m probably only doing 3 [visits],” he said. “I’m still talking things over with my parents but I think [it comes down to those three].

“OU is one of those 3.”

Sooners Have New Connection with New Offer

In the world of recruiting and the transfer portal there can be strange connections between a school and a player. And one of the newest Sooners has given Oklahoma a bond with one of their most recent offers.

Milton (Ga.) Cambridge wide receiver Craig Dandridge picked up an offer from the Sooners a little over a week ago and has already set plans to be in Norman.

“I’ll be there on March 8,” Dandridge said of his visit for the Future Freaks event. “I’m hoping to see how they operate during practices. [I want to see] how each of the coaches like to coach, the facility, how players like the program, and a little bit of the campus.”

But as mentioned, the Sooners will have something of a surprise secret weapon, recent tight end transfer Carson Kent.

“I only know one of the tight ends that just transferred in, Carson Kent, and that’s because he used to play for my school,” Dandridge said.

Future Freaks Looking Strong for OU

It’s more than a month away but already there are a number of big-time prospects from multiple classes talking about hitting up Norman. Here’s our look at some early names to expect.

2026

Craig Dandridge – WR – Milton (Ga.) Cambridge – OU OFFER
Vincent Johnson – OL – Sulphur Springs, Texas – OU OFFER
Gene Riordan – OL – Hinsdale (Ill.) Central – OU OFFER
John Stephens – OL – Windsor, Colo.

Tavian Branch – DL – Taylor (Penn.) Riverside – OU OFFER
Jaimeon Winfield – DL – Richardson, Texas – Top 250 – OU OFFER
Brandon Arrington – CB – La Mesa (Calif.) Mount Miguel – FIVE-STAR – OU OFFER

2027

Greydon Howell – ATH – Broken Bow, Okla.
Jordan Carraway – OL – Forney (Texas) North Forney
Demarrion Johnson – OL – Tyler (Texas) Legacy – OU OFFER
Kaeden Penny – OL – Bixby, Okla. – OU OFFER

2028

Sydney Hubbard – RB – Forney (Texas) North Forney
Michael Martin – RB – Simpsonville (S.C.) Christ Church Episcopal School
David Thomas – WR – Stillwater, Okla.

Brayden Bonik – LB – Missouri City (Texas) Ft. Bend Ridge Point

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