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Sooners Land First 2025 Recruit: Four-Star Linebacker William Bass Commits

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Wednesday, January 7th 2026 at 21:50 GMT by Tulsa World

NORMAN, OKLAHOMA - January 8th, 2026 - The Oklahoma Sooners have secured their first commitment for the 2025 recruiting class, a major win for Head Coach Brent Venables and his staff. Four-star linebacker William Bass of Bixby High School announced his pledge to the Sooners on Monday, marking a significant step forward in building the future of the Oklahoma defense.

Bass, consistently ranked among the top linebacker prospects nationally, chose Oklahoma over a robust list of suitors, including programs from the Big 12 and SEC. Offers extended from schools like Arkansas, Baylor, Kansas, Kansas State, Louisville, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma State, TCU, and Texas Tech all vying for his services. His decision underscores the growing momentum of the Sooners' recruiting efforts under Venables, known for his defensive expertise.

The Bixby standout is currently rated as the No. 18 linebacker in the nation by 247Sports' composite rankings, a testament to his on-field performance and potential. Furthermore, Bass holds the No. 3 overall ranking among prospects in the state of Oklahoma, solidifying his status as a top in-state talent.

Why Bass is a Crucial Get for the Sooners

Linebacker play has been a focal point for improvement within the Oklahoma defense, and Bass represents a vital piece of the puzzle. Venables, a renowned linebacker coach during his tenures as defensive coordinator at Kansas State and Clemson, understands the importance of having athletic, intelligent, and hard-hitting players at the heart of his scheme. Bass appears to embody all of these qualities.

Scouting reports highlight Bass's impressive athleticism, allowing him to cover significant ground and make plays in space. He's described as a physical player who isn't afraid to tackle, and his instincts suggest a high football IQ. These traits align perfectly with the aggressive, attacking defensive philosophy Venables is implementing in Norman.

Beyond his on-field abilities, Bass's commitment carries significant weight due to his local connection. Securing top in-state talent is paramount for maintaining a strong program foundation, and landing Bass keeps a highly-rated player within the state borders. This not only benefits the Sooners but also reinforces their commitment to Oklahoma high school football.

Early Impact and Future Outlook

While it's early in the 2025 recruiting cycle, Bass's commitment provides a crucial foundation. He's expected to compete for playing time early in his career, potentially contributing to special teams while developing into a key starter. The Sooners are actively pursuing other defensive prospects, and Bass's commitment is likely to attract further interest from other top recruits. Momentum in recruiting is often built on early successes, and this commitment could be the catalyst for a strong finish to the 2025 class.

The Sooners' defensive unit is undergoing a transformation under Venables, and players like Bass will be instrumental in realizing that vision. With continued success in recruiting, Oklahoma aims to consistently field a defense capable of competing for championships.

What's Next for Sooners Recruiting?

Following the Bass commitment, the Oklahoma coaching staff will shift its focus to other priority targets. The Sooners are expected to prioritize defensive linemen and defensive backs in the coming months, as well as adding depth at the offensive positions. The transfer portal also remains an active area of focus, with the potential to address immediate needs.

Venables and his team are aiming to build a deep and talented roster that can compete at the highest level in the evolving landscape of college football. William Bass's commitment is an encouraging sign that they are well on their way to achieving that goal.