Latest news with #TraceRudd
Yahoo
12 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
OU football lands Trace Rudd, 5-star kicker, in 2026 recruiting class
NORMAN — Oklahoma special teams coordinator Doug Deakin gained a big-time commitment on Saturday. The Sooners notched a pledge from 2026 five-star specialist Trace Rudd on Saturday evening, he announced on social media. Rudd is ranked as the No. 27 kicker and No. 73 punter nationally by Kohl's Professional Camps. Advertisement Rudd committed while on a visit during OU's massive recruiting event this weekend. Rudd competed at the 2025 Kohl's Underclassman Challenge and scored 114.90 points on kickoffs, 14 points on field goals, and 99.45 points in punting. Rudd attends Blue Valley Northwest High School in Overland Park, Kansas. Rudd's commitment comes a day after 2026 four-star quarterback Bowe Bentley pledged to the Sooners. OU now has 11 players committed to its 2026 class. Zach Schmit replaced Tyler Keltner, who started atop the depth chart, as the Sooners' No. 1 kicker last season. After struggling in 2023, Schmit drilled nine of his 11 field-goal attempts this season and was a perfect 19 of 19 on extra points. Advertisement OU found its 2025 kicker following spring camp after landing UTSA transfer Tate Sandell in the transfer portal. More: OU football lands Bowe Bentley, beats LSU for 4-star QB in Sooners' 2026 recruiting class Colton Sulley covers the Oklahoma Sooners for The Oklahoman. Have a story idea for Colton? He can be reached at csulley@ or on X/Twitter at @colton_sulley. Support Colton's work and that of other Oklahoman journalists by purchasing adigital subscription today at This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: OU football lands Trace Rudd, 5-star kicker, in 2026 recruiting class
Yahoo
13 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Oklahoma Sooners earn commitment from Kicker Trace Rudd
The Oklahoma Sooners have made an effort to improve their kicking game through the 2026 recruiting class, going all-in on kicker Trace Rudd from Overland Park, Kansas. The Sooners hosted Rudd for an official visit during the ChampU BBQ and their efforts have paid dividends. Rudd announced his commitment on Saturday to the Oklahoma Sooners. He said, "Sooner Nation, I am home and 100% committed. Unforgettable moment for me." He went on to thank Brent Venables, special teams coach Doug Deakin, and general manager Jim Nagy saying, "thank you... for believing in me and giving me this opportunity." Advertisement He's considered a five-star kicker by Kohl's Kicking and is the No. 27 place kicker in the 2026 recruiting class. He has quick hips and creates explosive power on his contact. He is quickly developing into one of the top field goal kickers in the country. - Kohl's Kicking Given the low margin for error in the SEC, placing a high priority on landing a top-flight kicker is critical. With how good the Sooners defense will be under Venables, Oklahoma needs to shine on special teams and the addition of Rudd, who also had an offer from Texas Tech, gives them a chance to improve their kicking situation. Trace Rudd's Kicking Highlights This article originally appeared on Sooners Wire: Oklahoma Sooners add kicker in 2026 recruiting class
USA Today
13 hours ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Oklahoma Sooners earn commitment from Kicker Trace Rudd
The Oklahoma Sooners have made an effort to improve their kicking game through the 2026 recruiting class, going all-in on kicker Trace Rudd from Overland Park, Kansas. The Sooners hosted Rudd for an official visit during the ChampU BBQ and their efforts have paid dividends. Rudd announced his commitment on Saturday to the Oklahoma Sooners. He said, "Sooner Nation, I am home and 100% committed. Unforgettable moment for me." He went on to thank Brent Venables, special teams coach Doug Deakin, and general manager Jim Nagy saying, "thank you... for believing in me and giving me this opportunity." He's considered a five-star kicker by Kohl's Kicking and is the No. 27 place kicker in the 2026 recruiting class. He has quick hips and creates explosive power on his contact. He is quickly developing into one of the top field goal kickers in the country. - Kohl's Kicking Given the low margin for error in the SEC, placing a high priority on landing a top-flight kicker is critical. With how good the Sooners defense will be under Venables, Oklahoma needs to shine on special teams and the addition of Rudd, who also had an offer from Texas Tech, gives them a chance to improve their kicking situation. Trace Rudd's Kicking Highlights
