By Apollo Lundin
From 2000 to 2023, the Oklahoma Sooners have been one of the most consistent teams in the nation, being ranked every year and ending the season ranked in the AP poll in all but three seasons (2009, 2014, 2022). During that span, the Sooners had multiple elite quarterbacks, including three Heisman Trophy winners. (Sam Bradford, 2008; Baker Mayfield, 2017; Kyler Murray, 2018) Additionally, Jalen Hurts, Spencer Rattler, and Caleb Williams suited up for the Sooners before transferring. While the quarterback job is in turmoil for head coach Brent Venables in the 2024 season, Oklahoma looks to get back on track with their 2025 recruiting class led by five-star OT Michael Fasusi.
Michael Fasusi
Lewisville, TX (Lewisville)
#27 NAT, #5 OT, #8 TX
At 6’5” and 295 lbs., Michael Fasusi has a great build for an offensive tackle. Fasusi is explosive and quick, making him an excellent pass protector. In the run game, Fasusi demonstrates the motor, drive, and power coaches look for on the offensive line. Fasusi has a tendency to play upright at times, which SEC edge rushers could exploit, so he’ll need to work on playing lower.
Fasusi competes in shot put and discus, with personal bests of 52-2.5 in shot put and 155-5 in discus.
Michael Fasusi held 37 offers but ultimately chose the Sooners over schools like Alabama, Arkansas, and Colorado.
CJ Nickson
Weatherford, OK (Weatherford)
#74 NAT, #9 EDGE, #1 OK
Oklahoma’s defense has been subpar, to put it lightly, but CJ Nickson is a strong first step toward fixing that. At 6’5’’ and 220 lbs., CJ Nickson has a fantastic build for a prototypical pass rusher. Nickson possesses a quick first step, essential in the SEC, and pairs it with great pursuit. Nickson hits hard when he gets into the back field and should be able to force some fumbles. Throughout his high school career, including three games into his senior season, CJ Nickson has tallied 125 total tackles, 12 tackles for loss, five sacks, two interceptions, and six forced fumbles.
More Sports News
Nickson also plays basketball and received mid-major offers from schools like Tulsa and Oral Roberts.
CJ Nickson held 12 offers but chose the Sooners over schools like Kansas, Auburn, and Wisconsin.
Trystan Haynes
Oklahoma City, OK (Carl Albert)
#107 NAT, #13 CB, #2 OK
At 6’2’’ and 175 lbs., Trystan Haynes will need to bulk up a bit to become a quality cornerback in a power conference. The positives about his size is that it makes him long and quick, useful in man or zone coverages. This also makes him a threat as a returner, being able to use is speed and size to get around defenders. The downside about his size is that he may get ran over by larger receivers. Throughout his high school career, Trystan Haynes taliied 129 tackles, seven tackles for loss, and five interceptions. As a returner, his longest return was 91 yards. Haynes also played receiver, where he went for over 1,000 yards and 12 touchdowns, showing that he could be useful and see snaps on the offensive end of the field.
Haynes also participate in track and field events, running the 400-meter, 4×100, 4×200, and 4×400 relays.
Trystan Haynes held 21 offers but chose the Sooners over schools like Georgia, Nebraska, and Tennessee.
