Oklahoma Looks to Deliver Another Recruiting Blow to Alabama With 4-Star Pursuit

The Oklahoma Sooners and Alabama Crimson Tide developed an instant rivalry when Oklahoma entered the SEC. Since then, OU and head coach Brent Venables have already scored two significant victories over Alabama in the early stages of this new series. Alabama and Kalen DeBoer got the last laugh in December 2025, eliminating the Sooners in the opening round of the College Football Playoff in Norman.

Now, the competition between these SEC heavyweights is moving beyond the field and onto the recruiting trail.

As of Aug. 7, Oklahoma has the stronger 2027 recruiting class, with 27 hard commits and a No. 6 national ranking according to 247Sports. Alabama, meanwhile, sits at No. 42 in the 2027 rankings but currently holds the top spot in the 2028 recruiting cycle.

Still, Oklahoma has an opportunity to land another recruiting victory over the Crimson Tide—this time by making significant progress with a four-star prospect from Alabama’s own backyard.

Oklahoma Pursuing 4-Star Alabama Native

According to 247Sports’ Brendan Sonnone, Oklahoma has emerged as the “team to beat” for four-star wide receiver Dedrick Kimbrough, who plays for Alabama powerhouse Thompson High School in Alabaster.

The Sooners appear to have made a strong early impression on Kimbrough, with several unofficial visits to Norman reportedly in the works.

“Oklahoma offered the Alabaster (Ala.) Thompson product in mid-June and relentlessly recruited him ever since,” Sonnone reported. “It’s resulted in Kimbrough tentatively setting three unofficial visits to Norman this season, with game-day trips planned for Sept. 19, Nov. 14, and Nov. 21.”

As a result, Kimbrough will not be in Alabama for the Crimson Tide’s home matchup against Florida State. He also won’t be at Bryant-Denny Stadium when Alabama hosts Chattanooga.

Instead, his September visit will coincide with New Mexico’s trip to Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium to take on the Sooners. Kimbrough is also scheduled to return to Norman for consecutive marquee matchups against Ole Miss on Nov. 14 and Texas A&M on Nov. 21. Both games could carry major SEC title and College Football Playoff implications.

Why Oklahoma Is Gaining Ground With the 4-Star Receiver

What has allowed Oklahoma to move ahead of Alabama and other contenders for Kimbrough?

The four-star receiver recently explained what has impressed him most about the Sooners’ approach.

“I feel like just the way they’ve been recruiting me, not just talking to me, talking to my parents as well,” Kimbrough told Sonnone. “I feel like a lot of our coaches up here have a good relationship with their staff as well, and they’ve really been doing a great job with just being open and honest with my family about this whole process. So that’s really the main thing I love about them.”

Venables isn’t the only Oklahoma coach heavily involved in Kimbrough’s recruitment. The receiver has specifically pointed to offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle and offensive line coach Bill Bedenbaugh as two of the coaches playing important roles in the Sooners’ pursuit.

Alabama Could Suffer a Major Recruiting Loss

Alabama now faces the possibility of another setback against Oklahoma—although this one would come on the recruiting front and involve an in-state prospect.

The Crimson Tide can still point to its impressive position in the 2028 recruiting cycle. Alabama and DeBoer have also indicated that the program could have more NIL resources available for the 2028 class than it did for the 2027 group.

Landing Kimbrough would give Alabama its first wide receiver commitment in the 2028 class and potentially create an exciting pairing with four-star quarterback Kingston Preyear, an Alexander City native who has already committed to the Crimson Tide.

For now, however, DeBoer and his staff have work to do. If Oklahoma continues to gain momentum, Alabama could watch a highly regarded Yellowhammer State prospect leave home for one of the program’s fastest-growing rivals.