The Sooners maintained their momentum in the 2025 recruiting class on Tuesday by securing one of the top players in Oklahoma.
On Tuesday, 4-star athlete CJ Nickson from Weatherford, OK, announced his commitment to Oklahoma.
According to 247Sports, CJ Nickson ranks as the No. 74 overall prospect and No. 9 edge rusher nationally, as well as the top player in Oklahoma. Despite offers from Georgia, Tennessee, Notre Dame, and others, the standout from Weatherford’s Eagles recently narrowed his choices to OU and Oklahoma State.
Nickson’s decision follows his official visit to Norman last weekend for the Sooners’ annual ChampU BBQ event, where Oklahoma commits and targets gathered. This year, Brent Venables and his staff brought back several former OU football players to speak with recruits attending the barbecue.
Nickson, who plays for the same high school as current Sooners edge rusher Ethan Downs, joins Emmanuel Choice, a 4-star wide receiver from Lancaster (TX), in Oklahoma’s 2025 recruiting class. With Nickson’s commitment, the Sooners now boast 18 verbal commitments.
Primarily excelling as a tight end and edge rusher in high school, Nickson’s 6-foot-6, 235-pound frame positions him well for collegiate competition on the defensive line, likely in the SEC. He also shines on the basketball court, competing with Team Griffin in AAU.
Nickson’s commitment helps offset the disappointment of Max Granville choosing Penn State over Oklahoma on Monday. Following the ChampU BBQ, more pledges to OU could be forthcoming, with recent commitments from three 4-star prospects, including Nickson, Choice, and Marcus Harris from Mater Dei (CA).
