Oklahoma Secures First Commitment of 2028 Recruiting Class
Patty Gasso and the Oklahoma Sooners have officially kicked off their 2028 recruiting class by landing a commitment from a talented in-state prospect.
Middle infielder Braylyn Saenz announced Monday that she has committed to Oklahoma, giving the Sooners their first pledge in the 2028 class.
The Moore, Oklahoma, native is ranked No. 41 nationally by Softball America and is considered the No. 13 player at her position.
Gasso appeared to hint at the news Monday night with her familiar “Go Boomer” post on X, formerly known as Twitter. Saenz’s commitment announcement followed shortly afterward on Instagram.
“I have decided to commit to the University of Oklahoma to further my academic and softball career,” Saenz wrote in her announcement.
She also expressed gratitude to her faith and her parents for supporting her throughout her journey.
“First and foremost, I want to thank my Lord and Savior because without him none of this is possible,” Saenz said. “I couldn’t always see him working through my journey, but he was present every step of the way, working everything together according to his plan. I kept my faith, continued working, and I’m incredibly grateful and thankful.”
Saenz also thanked her parents for the sacrifices they have made to help her reach this point.
“Next, I want to thank my mom and dad for all the sacrifices they have made for me and for making this opportunity possible,” she added.
Her commitment came during an important recruiting weekend for Oklahoma. Saenz was among several highly ranked prospects visiting campus, including pitcher Sophia Schlader, the No. 3 overall player in the class; outfielder Caelyn Campos, ranked No. 4; and infielder Gia Ryan, ranked No. 22.
The Sooners already have three commitments in the 2027 recruiting class, which is one year ahead of Saenz.
Outfielder Finlee Williams, the No. 1 overall prospect, committed to Oklahoma last September. She was joined by Riley Hilliard, the No. 9 overall player and top-ranked catcher, as well as infielder Emma Reynolds, who is ranked No. 25 nationally by Softball America.
Oklahoma’s biggest addition to that 2027 group, however, is already on campus.
Local standout Juliana “Goose” Hutchens committed to the Sooners last September before reclassifying and joining the program a year early. Her decision allowed her to immediately become part of Oklahoma’s roster.
Prior to reclassifying, Hutchens was ranked as the No. 1 prospect in the 2027 class. After moving into the 2026 class, she finished as the No. 2 overall recruit, trailing only fellow Oklahoma signee and outfielder Payton Westra.
With the NCAA’s new five-for-five eligibility model now in place, Westra, Hutchens, Saenz and Oklahoma’s other commits and signees will have the opportunity to spend up to five years with Gasso and the Sooners’ coaching staff.
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