No. 1 TE Recruit Chooses Oklahoma Sooners in Midnight Football Showdown…Read More…
NORMAN, Okla. — February 4, 2026 — In one of the most anticipated recruiting decision nights in recent memory, No. 1 tight end prospect Tex Brannan announced his commitment to the University of Oklahoma Sooners in a dramatic “Midnight Football Showdown” event at his hometown high school, electrifying Sooners fans and turning heads across the college football landscape.
Brannan, a 6-6, 250-pound tight end from Whitesboro (TX) High School, entered the decision period as the nation’s top tight end prospect in the Class of 2026, drawing scholarship offers from powerhouse programs including Alabama, Texas, USC, Georgia, and Ohio State. But in a statement delivered before a packed gymnasium and a national livestream audience, Brannan made it clear where his future lies.
“Oklahoma has become more than a football program to me,” Brannan declared at the midnight event. “From the first time I stepped on campus, I felt like part of the family. I’m proud to say I’m a Sooners commit.”
The announcement sent a wave of excitement through the Norman campus and across social media, where Sooners fans quickly flooded platforms with congratulatory messages, Sooners gear photos, and #BrannanToOU trending within minutes.
A Recruiting Battle for the Ages
Brannan’s recruitment had become a marquee national story over the past year, with top coaching staffs making late pushes to secure his commitment as National Signing Day approached. Oklahoma head coach Brent Venables and his staff were widely praised for their relationship-building approach, which Brannan’s family cited as a key factor in the decision.
“Coach Venables treated me and my family with so much respect and honesty throughout this process,” Brannan said. “That meant a lot in the end.”
Oklahoma’s offensive staff, including newly appointed tight ends coach Jason Witten, had made Brannan a centerpiece of their recruiting strategy. Witten — a future Hall of Famer and one of the greatest tight ends in NFL history — is expected to bring unparalleled mentorship to Oklahoma’s tight end room, and his presence was reportedly a major selling point for Brannan.
“Getting coached by someone like Jason Witten? That’s unreal,” Brannan added after his announcement. “I want to get better every day and the opportunity at Oklahoma to learn from the best? It doesn’t get much better than that.”
Oklahoma’s program has prioritized elite skill-position talent in recent recruiting cycles, and adding the nation’s top tight end is a statement of intent as the Sooners aim to rise in the SEC and national title contention. Though Oklahoma’s 2025 season ended short of playoff aspirations, landing Brannan adds a high-profile piece to Venables’ offensive future.
What Brannan Brings to Norman
As the No. 1 tight end in the country, Brannan is a rare combination of size, athleticism, and receiving ability. At 6-6 and 250 pounds, he dominates at the catch point but also possesses the speed to attack seams, make plays in space, and serve as a legitimate mismatch against linebackers and safeties.
Rivals and 247Sports consistently rated Brannan as a five-star recruit throughout his senior season, highlighting his polished route running, reliable hands, and blocking prowess in the run game. Analysts project that he could be an early impact starter at the collegiate level — a rare distinction even for a recruit of his stature.
Oklahoma’s offensive coordinator praised the move, noting that Brannan’s skill set fits perfectly with their evolving passing attack. “Tex is a game-changer,” said the coordinator in a statement released after the commitment. “He can move the chains, make defenders miss after the catch, and be a true vertical threat from the tight end position.”
Reactions from Oklahoma and Beyond
Sooners fans and former players alike embraced the news with enthusiasm. On social media, supporters celebrated the potential impact Brannan could have on the Sooners’ offense for years to come.
“Huge pickup for Oklahoma! Brannan’s a future First-Team All-American,” one fan wrote, while another chimed in, “This is the difference-maker we’ve been waiting for!”
Rivals and recruiting analysts agreed that Brannan’s commitment was a massive win for Oklahoma’s 2026 class and could help shift the balance in future recruiting battles, especially among tight ends and offensive skill players.
Even some recruiting insiders noted that Brannan’s choice to “bet on the Sooners” over perennial powers like Alabama and USC reflects a growing confidence in Venables’ vision for the program.
Midnight Decision — A New Tradition?
Brannan’s commitment night itself drew attention for its unique format. Instead of a typical afternoon press conference or quiet social media announcement, Brannan opted for a “Midnight Showdown” event complete with family, teammates, coaches, and fans packed into his high school gym well past 12 a.m.
The festive environment featured highlight reels, speeches from Brannan’s coaches, and a countdown leading up to the official reveal. Oklahoma staff members were on site, sporting crimson and cream gear and celebrating alongside Brannan’s supporters.
“You could feel the excitement in the air,” said Brannan’s high school offensive coordinator. “It was a night he’ll never forget.”
Looking Ahead — Oklahoma’s Future with Brannan
With his commitment official, Brannan now prepares for spring workouts with the Sooners and eventually his arrival in Norman this summer. He’ll join a tight end room that blends experienced upperclassmen with incoming talent, and Brannan’s presence is expected to boost both the passing game and run blocking schemes.
As Oklahoma continues to build toward national prominence in the SEC, fans and analysts alike will be watching how Brannan’s early enrollment and development shape the Sooners’ offensive identity.
“I’m here to compete, to grow, and to win,” Brannan said at the close of his announcement speech. “Oklahoma is where I belong.”
If his commitment night — and the thousands who watched it — is any indication, the Sooners and their fans are ready for what comes next.
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