NORMAN — Oklahoma special teams coordinator Doug Deakin gained a big-time commitment on Saturday.
The Sooners notched a pledge from 2026 five-star specialist Trace Rudd on Saturday evening, he announced on social media. Rudd is ranked as the No. 27 kicker and No. 73 punter nationally by Kohl’s Professional Camps.
Rudd committed while on a visit during OU’s massive recruiting event this weekend.
Rudd competed at the 2025 Kohl’s Underclassman Challenge and scored 114.90 points on kickoffs, 14 points on field goals, and 99.45 points in punting. Rudd attends Blue Valley Northwest High School in Overland Park, Kansas.
Rudd’s commitment comes a day after 2026 four-star quarterback Bowe Bentley pledged to the Sooners. OU now has 11 players committed to its 2026 class.
Zach Schmit replaced Tyler Keltner, who started atop the depth chart, as the Sooners’ No. 1 kicker last season. After struggling in 2023, Schmit drilled nine of his 11 field-goal attempts this season and was a perfect 19 of 19 on extra points.
OU found its 2025 kicker following spring camp after landing UTSA transfer Tate Sandell in the transfer portal.
Colton Sulley covers the Oklahoma Sooners for The Oklahoman. Have a story idea for Colton? He can be reached at csulley@oklahoman.com or on X/Twitter at @colton_sulley. Support Colton’s work and that of other Oklahoman journalists by purchasing adigital subscription today at subscribe.oklahoman.com.
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Publish date : 2025-06-22 00:48:00
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