Full Breakdown
Oklahoma Sooners Secure Major Recruiting Wins with Cooper Hackett and Kaeden Penny
9/25/2025, 9:56:40 PM
Key Commitments Propel Oklahoma's 2027 Recruiting Class
On Thursday, September 25, 2023, the Oklahoma Sooners achieved significant milestones in their 2027 recruiting efforts by securing commitments from two highly regarded offensive linemen: five-star Cooper Hackett and four-star Kaeden Penny. These additions have propelled Oklahoma to the third position nationally in recruiting rankings.
Cooper Hackett, a 6-foot-7, 250-pound offensive tackle from Fort Gibson, Oklahoma, flipped his commitment from Texas Tech to Oklahoma after initially committing to the Red Raiders on August 30. Hackett is ranked as the top player in Oklahoma and the No. 10 overall prospect in the 2027 class according to the 247Sports Composite rankings. His decision to join the Sooners was influenced by his desire to bet on himself and pursue a path to the NFL, stating, “If I’m in the NFL, which is what I want to do overall, that money is not going to matter and I’m going to bet on myself a good amount of the time.” Hackett's commitment follows visits to Oklahoma's recent home games against Michigan and Auburn, where he felt a strong connection to the program and its environment.
Shortly after Hackett's announcement, Kaeden Penny, a 6-foot-4, 265-pound offensive tackle from Bixby, Oklahoma, also committed to the Sooners. Penny is considered Oklahoma's No. 2 recruit and is ranked as a top-three interior offensive lineman nationally. He chose Oklahoma over offers from LSU and Ohio State, solidifying the Sooners' offensive line class. Penny's commitment adds to a growing list of recruits, which includes four-star athlete Demare Dezeurn and three-star offensive tackle Luke Wilson.
Impact on Oklahoma's Recruiting Strategy
The commitments from Hackett and Penny are pivotal for Oklahoma's recruiting strategy, particularly as the program prepares for its transition to the Southeastern Conference (SEC). Offensive line coach Bill Bedenbaugh has been instrumental in attracting top talent, with both recruits expressing confidence in his ability to develop players for the NFL. Hackett noted, “I love Coach (Brent) Venables. (Offensive line) Coach (Bill) Bedenbaugh has proven he can get me to the NFL; that’s a big thing.”
The Sooners' strong start to the 2023 season, highlighted by victories over ranked opponents, has created an appealing atmosphere for recruits. Both Hackett and Penny attended these games, which played a crucial role in their decision-making process.
Criticism & Opposition
While the commitments are celebrated within the Oklahoma program, there is acknowledgment of the competitive landscape. Texas Tech had made significant efforts to retain Hackett, particularly through name, image, and likeness (NIL) opportunities. Hackett's decision to prioritize his development over financial incentives has sparked discussions about the evolving dynamics of college football recruiting.
Verbatim Quotes
- “If I’m in the NFL, which is what I want to do overall, that money is not going to matter and I’m going to bet on myself a good amount of the time and that’s what I’m doing.” — Cooper Hackett, Offensive Tackle
- “It’s always felt like home,” — Cooper Hackett, reflecting on his connection to Oklahoma
- “He’s young, but he’s really an old player just because of the experience and the growth he’s had.” — Loren Montgomery, Kaeden Penny's Coach
The commitments of Hackett and Penny mark a significant step forward for the Oklahoma Sooners as they build a formidable recruiting class for 2027, reinforcing their position as a competitive force in college football.
