Norman, OK – June 17, 2025 – In a significant recruiting coup that sent ripples across the collegiate football landscape, four-star running back DeZephen Walker has announced his commitment to the Oklahoma Sooners, rejecting overtures from prominent programs like Texas Tech, Missouri, and Auburn. Walker’s pledge makes him the first running back to commit to the Sooners in their burgeoning 2026 recruiting class, signaling a major win for Head Coach Brent Venables and his staff.
Hailing from Raymore-Peculiar High School in Peculiar, Missouri, the 5-foot-11, 190-pound blue-chip prospect had been a sought-after talent since his freshman year, garnering offers from a multitude of Power Four conferences. His decision to commit to Oklahoma, especially after receiving a scholarship offer from the Sooners only five weeks prior, underscores the impactful work done by Oklahoma’s coaching staff, particularly running backs coach DeMarco Murray.
“It truly felt like home,” Walker stated in an interview following his announcement, which was first shared by his father on social media and later confirmed by Walker himself on Instagram. “Coach Murray was incredibly transparent about his plan for me, emphasizing my explosive speed and how he believes I can make an immediate impact as a freshman. Seeing him interact with his players on my visit, and feeling that family-centered atmosphere, made the decision clear. It’s a great Father’s Day gift, and I’m ready to be great.”
Walker’s recruitment saw him take official visits to other strong contenders, including Notre Dame, Kansas State, and Kansas, with a visit to Nebraska also reportedly on his schedule before he ultimately chose to shut down his recruitment early. His decision to bypass these established programs, some of which had been pursuing him for a considerably longer period, highlights the effectiveness of Oklahoma’s late but fervent push.
According to various recruiting services, including Rivals, On3, and ESPN, Walker is consistently rated as a four-star recruit. The 247Sports Composite ranks him as the No. 25 running back in the 2026 class and the No. 5 overall player in the state of Missouri. Rivals holds an even higher opinion, placing him as the 18th-best running back nationally. These rankings reflect his impressive on-field production, which saw him rush for 957 yards and eight touchdowns on 176 carries as a junior in 2024, averaging 5.4 yards per carry and over 106 rushing yards per game in nine outings, according to MaxPreps. He also contributed in the passing game with five receptions for 47 yards.
For the Oklahoma Sooners, Walker’s commitment is a significant milestone for their 2026 class, which now boasts 11 pledges and is steadily climbing the national recruiting rankings. He joins a group of seven other four-star prospects who have committed to Oklahoma, including quarterback Jaden O’Neal, tight end Ryder Mix, wide receiver Daniel Odom, linebacker Jakore Smith, defensive end Brian Harris, offensive lineman Noah Best, and safety Niko Jandreau. Securing a running back of Walker’s caliber as the first at his position for the class is a strategic victory, addressing a crucial need for the program’s future.
The addition of Walker is particularly noteworthy for Coach Murray, who, despite offering Walker later than some other schools, managed to establish a strong rapport during an in-home visit and Walker’s initial official visit to Norman. This rapid connection proved instrumental in swaying the talented back. His skillset—described as an explosive runner with solid vision, exceptional ability to evade tackles, and breakaway speed—makes him a versatile asset capable of contributing across various offensive schemes. His contact balance and physical running style, combined with his potential as a receiver out of the backfield, position him as a well-rounded, three-down threat.
The impact of a four-star commitment on a college football program extends beyond mere roster depth. These high-profile pledges generate significant buzz, bolstering the team’s national recruiting profile and often serving as catalysts for other top recruits to consider the program. For Oklahoma, navigating its transition into the SEC, securing commitments from elite talents like Walker is crucial for building a competitive roster that can contend in a challenging new conference environment.
As the 2026 recruiting cycle continues to unfold, DeZephen Walker’s commitment marks a strong statement from the Oklahoma Sooners. It signifies their growing momentum on the recruiting trail and their ability to attract top-tier talent even in the face of stiff competition from other college football powerhouses. The crimson and cream faithful will undoubtedly be eager to see Walker bring his “explosive plays” to Norman, as he embarks on building his own legacy as a Sooner.
