🔴 Boomer Bound: Four-Star RB DeZephen Walker Commits to Oklahoma Sooners After Official Visit, Giving Venables and Murray a Game-Changing Addition to 2026 Class Over National Powerhouses…

NORMAN, OK — Oklahoma football just secured a pivotal victory in the 2026 recruiting cycle with the commitment of DeZephen Walker, a four-star running back out of Missouri. Following a high-profile official visit over the weekend, Walker made his decision public Monday afternoon via a social media announcement that electrified the Sooner Nation. The 5-foot-11, 195-pound ball carrier had been heavily pursued by several national powerhouses, including Georgia, Alabama, Michigan, and Texas, but ultimately chose Brent Venables’ Oklahoma Sooners.

Walker becomes one of the highest-rated running back commitments of the 2026 class and one of the most significant summer recruiting wins in recent OU history. His pledge adds instant credibility and momentum to an already promising recruiting cycle, with position coach DeMarco Murray playing a crucial role in closing the deal.

A Statement Commitment

Walker’s commitment sent a strong message to the college football world—not only about Oklahoma’s ability to compete with the nation’s best on the recruiting trail but also about how Venables and his staff are rebuilding the program’s identity.

In his commitment video, Walker said, “I felt the love in Norman. The culture, the brotherhood, the history—Oklahoma just felt right. I want to be part of something special.”

For many analysts, this is more than just a standard four-star pledge. This is a potential cornerstone piece in Oklahoma’s future offense.

“Walker has game-changing ability,” said 247Sports recruiting analyst Brian Perroni. “He’s got a rare combination of burst, vision, and toughness that you don’t often see in players his age. Oklahoma didn’t just land a four-star—they landed a future difference-maker.”

Who is DeZephen Walker?

Hailing from Park Hill South High School just outside of Kansas City, Missouri, Walker is currently ranked as the No. 18 running back nationally and a top-150 overall prospect in the class of 2026. He’s posted eye-popping stats through his sophomore and junior years—1,834 rushing yards and 24 touchdowns in 2024 alone—earning All-State honors and national attention.

Scouting reports emphasize his dynamic ability in open space, strong vision behind the line, and elite acceleration. He’s also shown consistent growth in pass protection and has soft hands out of the backfield, making him a true every-down back in today’s college game.

The Visit That Sealed the Deal

Walker’s official visit to Norman this past weekend proved decisive. He was joined by several other high-profile recruits, and the Sooners coaching staff rolled out the red carpet. According to sources close to the program, Walker’s visit included a deep dive into Oklahoma’s offensive vision for the future—and how he fits into it.

Insiders say that Venables, offensive coordinator Seth Littrell, and running backs coach DeMarco Murray spent significant one-on-one time with Walker, presenting detailed film study sessions and walking him through future plans. Former OU running backs Adrian Peterson and Joe Mixon were even referenced as stylistic comparisons in terms of development trajectory.

Walker also got to spend time with OU’s current players, some of whom were key figures in swaying his decision.

“After seeing how tight the players are, how they compete, and how they look out for each other, it just felt like family,” Walker said. “It wasn’t fake. It was real.”

DeMarco Murray’s Recruiting Magic

While Brent Venables oversees the big picture, the individual position coaches often play the biggest role in a recruit’s decision—and few do it better than DeMarco Murray. The former OU and NFL star continues to prove himself not only as an elite developer of talent but also as a top-tier recruiter.

Walker and Murray formed a strong bond during the recruiting process. Walker has repeatedly cited Murray’s authenticity and track record as key factors in his decision.

“When Coach Murray tells you what it’s like to be a Sooner, you listen,” Walker said. “He’s been there, done it, lived it. And he knows how to get guys to the league.”

For Oklahoma fans, this is the latest example of Murray’s impact. The Sooners’ RB room is young and talented, and Walker’s addition for 2026 only strengthens the group’s long-term outlook.

Beating the Blue Bloods

Perhaps the most impressive aspect of this recruitment is who Oklahoma beat out. Walker had offers from more than 20 Division I programs, including Georgia, Alabama, Texas, Michigan, Oregon, and Penn State. Many believed Georgia and Texas had an edge heading into the summer, especially after visits earlier this year.

Insiders report that Alabama had made a strong late push, and Texas was considered a legitimate contender after a spring visit to Austin. Yet Oklahoma held firm, and the official visit weekend in Norman proved to be the turning point.

“This is a battle Oklahoma would have lost two years ago,” said ESPN’s Craig Haubert. “But Venables has made significant strides in recruiting organization and relationships. Winning a head-to-head with Texas and Georgia for a national prospect speaks volumes.”

How He Fits Into the 2026 Class

Walker becomes the fifth verbal commitment in Oklahoma’s 2026 class and easily the highest-ranked thus far. He joins quarterback Preston Guidry (three-star), wide receiver Marcus Benton (four-star), linebacker Tray McKnight (three-star), and offensive tackle Eli Thomas (three-star).

With Walker on board, Oklahoma is expected to surge up the 2026 recruiting rankings. More importantly, his commitment could act as a domino, helping the Sooners attract more top-tier offensive talent.

“There are several receivers and offensive linemen watching Walker’s move closely,” said Rivals recruiting analyst Cole Patterson. “This could have ripple effects across the region.”

Fan and Program Reactions

The reaction across Oklahoma fandom was swift and enthusiastic. Social media exploded with celebratory posts, and Sooner Twitter declared Walker’s pledge as one of the biggest wins of the 2026 cycle so far.

OU head coach Brent Venables didn’t publicly comment immediately following the announcement but posted a subtle “BOOMER!!!” tweet within minutes—a move widely recognized among Sooner fans as a signal that something big had just gone down.

DeMarco Murray followed with a post of a Sooner helmet emoji and a flexed arm, which many interpreted as both celebratory and symbolic of the strength Walker brings to the backfield.

OU insiders say the staff is thrilled not only with Walker’s talent but also his character. “He’s the kind of guy you build a team around,” said one staffer. “Humble, hardworking, and ready to compete.”

What Comes Next?

Though Walker is verbally committed, his recruitment technically won’t end until he signs his National Letter of Intent in December 2025. That said, sources close to his family suggest he is 100% solid and unlikely to waver unless a major shift occurs.

Still, OU’s staff will continue to build the relationship, likely bringing Walker back for unofficial visits during the fall, including the Red River Rivalry matchup against Texas in Dallas.

Additionally, now that they’ve landed their top RB target, the Sooners will shift focus toward complementing him with elite offensive line talent and a second running back in case of future depth needs.

Final Thoughts: Why This Matters

The commitment of DeZephen Walker goes beyond recruiting rankings. It represents a strategic milestone for Oklahoma as the program continues its transition into the SEC. In a conference where physicality, depth, and elite skill talent define success, Walker checks every box.

For Brent Venables, this is the kind of win that silences critics who questioned whether he could recruit at a high level consistently. For DeMarco Murray, it’s another validation of his coaching trajectory and his power on the trail.

And for Oklahoma fans, it’s a reason to celebrate—because with players like Walker choosing Norman, the Sooners’ future just got a lot brighter.

Stay tuned as the Sooners continue to build what could be one of the most exciting recruiting classes of the 2026 cycle. With DeZephen Walker now in the fold, the rest of the college football world has officially been put on notice.