Jake Kreul breaks out with monster game against Kentucky

The Oklahoma Sooners got a big win when they landed five-star EDGE Jake Kreul for the 2026 recruiting class. Kreul played at IMG Academy and earned a five-star rating from ESPN, along with a high four-star rating from 247Sports and Rivals. The SEC Freshman of the Week had a huge performance for the Sooners on Saturday.

He entered this season behind veterans Adepoju Adebawore, Danny Okoye, and Taylor Wein at EDGE. However, he's slowly but surely getting more game reps. Kreul has nine tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, and three sacks this season. His breakout performance came on Saturday against the No. 15 Kentucky Wildcats. He finished with six tackles, three tackles for loss, and 2.5 sacks.

Head coach Brent Venables praised how well he prepared for the game.

"Just his readiness," Venables said. "He's been practicing well, incredibly eager and focused. He puts a lot of work in, and (Saturday) he just had his opportunity. He made some fantastic plays and really impacted things."

Kreul's performance against Kentucky could mark a turning point in his freshman season. With established players ahead of him on the depth chart, he has had to make the most of his opportunities, and his production suggests he is becoming a legitimate part of Oklahoma's defensive rotation. His ability to generate pressure and finish plays gives the Sooners another edge option as they move deeper into SEC play.

For Venables and his coaching staff, Kreul's emergence is also an encouraging sign for the program's future. Oklahoma has invested heavily in recruiting elite defensive talent, and seeing a young player translate his preparation into meaningful production reinforces that approach. If Kreul continues to develop and earn playing time, he could become an increasingly important piece of the Sooners' pass rush this season and beyond.