‘They Really Stood Out’: Why 5-Star 2027 DL DeMarco Jenkins Shocked Everyone by Putting Oklahoma on His Shortlist — And What It Says About the Sooners’ New Recruiting Power
August 4, 2025 — Norman, OK
In a recruiting landscape filled with elite programs vying for top-tier talent, one name is rising faster than most in the 2027 class: DeMarco Jenkins — a 6-foot-4, 280-pound defensive lineman with speed, strength, and a motor that has scouts across the country buzzing. And in a move that has surprised many insiders, the Oklahoma Sooners have officially made the final shortlist for the blue-chip prospect’s commitment.
Jenkins, who is widely considered one of the top three defensive linemen in the 2027 cycle, announced his top schools earlier this week, and Oklahoma was prominently featured alongside perennial recruiting juggernauts like Alabama, Georgia, Michigan, and Texas.
But why OU?
Speaking with reporters after a weekend visit to Norman, Jenkins didn’t hold back:
“Oklahoma really stood out. I could feel the energy the second I stepped on campus. Coach Venables was straight up with me, and the D-line coach broke everything down in a way that just clicked. It felt real.”
The Sooners’ pitch wasn’t just about tradition — it was about vision. And the Jenkins family took notice.
“It wasn’t just football. It was the whole vibe — the culture, the facilities, the players. They treated us like family,” said Jenkins’ father, who also noted the program’s commitment to player development and academic balance.
🔹 Inside Oklahoma’s Recruiting Shift
The Sooners’ inclusion in Jenkins’ final schools is more than just a personal win — it’s symbolic of Oklahoma’s growing footprint in national recruiting. Since transitioning to the SEC, Brent Venables and his staff have revamped the program’s approach to recruiting elite defensive talent — prioritizing not only star ratings but system fit, character, and developmental upside.
OU’s aggressive push for Jenkins included multiple in-home visits, exclusive position breakdowns, and a tailored NIL presentation focusing on brand-building and long-term success. And Jenkins was paying attention.
“You can tell they care about you as a person. Not just a football player,” he said. “They have a plan for you — on and off the field.”
🔹 What Comes Next?
Jenkins plans to take official visits this fall, with Oklahoma reportedly penciled in for a primetime weekend in October — possibly during the Texas game or another high-profile SEC matchup. His commitment timeline remains fluid, but sources close to the recruitment suggest a decision could come as early as January 2026.
OU fans, meanwhile, are already buzzing with anticipation. Landing a talent like Jenkins would mark a pivotal win for the Sooners as they continue to bolster their defensive line unit in the new SEC era.
If Oklahoma can close the deal, DeMarco Jenkins might just become the anchor of a new-look defensive front — and the face of a recruiting renaissance in Norman.
