The Oklahoma Sooners are up to five former players that have been chosen in the 2026 NFL Draft. After R Mason Thomas went in the second round, and Febechi Nwaiwu, Gracen Halton, and Kendal Daniels went in the fourth round, OU was back on the board deeper into the draft on Saturday.
The Pittsburgh Steelers selected defensive back Robert Spears-Jennings in the seventh round (224th overall) of the draft. Spears-Jennings spent four seasons with the Sooners, signing with OU in the 2022 recruiting class, which was head coach Brent Venables' first at Oklahoma. The in-state product became a leader in Norman at the safety position.
As a senior is 2025, Spears-Jennings logged 59 total tackles, one interception, and one forced fumble as the veteran of the OU secondary, helping the Sooners make the College Football Playoff. His size, speed, and physicality were a big part of the Oklahoma defense, as he was an standout DB against the run in the SEC.
Spears-Jennings heads to Pittsburgh, a town that knows a thing or two about physical, athletic, run-stuffing safeties. As the fifth Sooner off the board, he becomes the fourth OU defender chosen in this week's NFL draft.
RJ to Steel City‼️The @steelers select @RobertJ3nnings #OUDNA x #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/HEANIDt3Fk
Aug 30, 2024; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive back Robert Spears-Jennings (3) celebrates with Oklahoma Sooners defensive back Jacobe Johnson (19) after recovering a fumble during the second quarter against the Temple Owls at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY SportsOct 21, 2023; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Kip Lewis (10) celebrates with Oklahoma Sooners defensive back Robert Spears-Jennings (3) during the first half against the UCF Knights at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY SportsOct. 29, 2022; Ames, Iowa, USA; Oklahoma fan Antonio Record shakes hands with Sooner defensive back Robert Spears-Jennings after Oklahoma's 27-13 win over Iowa State at Jack Trice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bryon Houlgrave/Des Moines Register-USA TODAY SportsSafety Robert Spears-Jenings (3) runs through drills during the University of Oklahoma's first Spring football practice at the Everest Training Center in Norman, Okla. on Tuesday, March 22, 2022. Ou Spring Fb PracticeDec 19, 2025; Norman, OK, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide running back Daniel Hill (4) attempts to elude a tackle by Oklahoma Sooners defensive back Eli Bowen (23) and defensive back Robert Spears-Jennings (3) in the second half at Gaylord Family OK Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-Imagn ImagesOklahoma Sooners defensive back Robert Spears-Jennings (3) can't hold on for an interception beside Missouri Tigers tight end Brett Norfleet (87) during a college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Missouri Tigers at Gaylord Family à Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., on Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025. Oklahoma won 17-6.Nov 15, 2025; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive back Robert Spears-Jennings (3) reacts as Alabama Crimson Tide kicker Conor Talty (31) misses a field goal at the end of the first half at Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby Jr.-Imagn ImagesOklahoma defensive back Robert Spears-Jennings (3) catches an interception during a NCAA football game between the Tennessee Volunteers and Oklahoma Sooners at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn., on November 1, 2025.Oklahoma Sooners defensive back Robert Spears-Jennings (3) and linebacker Kip Lewis (10) celebrate during a college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Ole Miss Rebels at Gaylord Family à Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025. Ole Miss won 34-26.Oklahoma Sooners defensive back Robert Spears-Jennings (3) brings down Ole Miss Rebels wide receiver De'Zhaun Stribling (1) beside Oklahoma Sooners defensive back Courtland Guillory (4) during a college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Ole Miss Rebels at Gaylord Family à Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025.Oct 18, 2025; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive back Robert Spears-Jennings (3) stops South Carolina Gamecocks wide receiver Nyck Harbor (8) in the second half at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn ImagesSep 20, 2025; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Auburn Tigers quarterback Jackson Arnold (11) runs for yardage as Oklahoma Sooners defensive back Robert Spears-Jennings (3) defends during the second half at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn ImagesSep 13, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive back Robert Spears-Jennings (3) looks on after the game against the Temple Owls at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn ImagesOklahoma Sooners defensive back Robert Spears-Jennings (3) and Marvin Jones Jr. (97) bring down Michigan Wolverines running back Jordan Marshall (23) during a college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the University of Michigan Wolverines at Gaylord Family à Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025.July 16, 2025; Atlanta, GA, USA; Oklahoma defensive back Robert Spears-Jennings signs autographs for fans during SEC Media Days at the College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta.Jul 16, 2025; Atlanta, GA, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive back Robert Spears-Jennings answers questions from the media during the SEC Media Days at Omni Atlanta Hotel. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Godfree-Imagn ImagesSep 28, 2024; Auburn, Alabama, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive back Robert Spears-Jennings (3) scans the Auburn Tiger offense during the third quarter at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-Imagn ImagesSep 21, 2024; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive back Robert Spears-Jennings (3) sacks Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Nico Iamaleava (8) and causes a fumble during the second quarter at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn ImagesSep 21, 2024; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive back Robert Spears-Jennings (3) sacks Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Nico Iamaleava (8) and causes a fumble during the second quarter at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn ImagesSep 14, 2024; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive back Robert Spears-Jennings (3) knocks the helmet off of Tulane Green Wave quarterback Darian Mensah (10) during the second half at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn ImagesOklahoma Sooners defensive back Robert Spears-Jennings (3) brings down Houston Cougars wide receiver Mekhi Mews (83) during a college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Houston Cougars at Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024.Sep 7, 2024; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive back Robert Spears-Jennings (3) intercepts the ball in front of Houston Cougars tight end Maliq Carr (6) during the second half at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn ImagesOklahoma defensive back Billy Bowman Jr. (2) celebrates with Oklahoma defensive back Robert Spears-Jennings (3) in the first half of an NCAA football game between Oklahoma (OU) and Temple at the Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., on Friday, Aug. 30, 2024.Oklahoma Sooners defensive back Robert Spears-Jennings (3) brings down TCU Horned Frogs running back Emani Bailey (9) during a college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the TCU Horned Frogs at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Friday, Nov. 24, 2023. Oklahoma won 69-45.1 / 24Photos of Robert Spears-Jennings during his time with OklahomaAug 30, 2024; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive back Robert Spears-Jennings (3) celebrates with Oklahoma Sooners defensive back Jacobe Johnson (19) after recovering a fumble during the second quarter against the Temple Owls at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports1 / 24Photos of Robert Spears-Jennings during his time with OklahomaAug 30, 2024; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive back Robert Spears-Jennings (3) celebrates with Oklahoma Sooners defensive back Jacobe Johnson (19) after recovering a fumble during the second quarter against the Temple Owls at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports2 / 24Photos of Robert Spears-Jennings during his time with OklahomaOct 21, 2023; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Kip Lewis (10) celebrates with Oklahoma Sooners defensive back Robert Spears-Jennings (3) during the first half against the UCF Knights at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports3 / 24Photos of Robert Spears-Jennings during his time with OklahomaOct. 29, 2022; Ames, Iowa, USA; Oklahoma fan Antonio Record shakes hands with Sooner defensive back Robert Spears-Jennings after Oklahoma's 27-13 win over Iowa State at Jack Trice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bryon Houlgrave/Des Moines Register-USA TODAY Sports4 / 24Photos of Robert Spears-Jennings during his time with OklahomaSafety Robert Spears-Jenings (3) runs through drills during the University of Oklahoma's first Spring football practice at the Everest Training Center in Norman, Okla. on Tuesday, March 22, 2022. Ou Spring Fb Practice5 / 24Photos of Robert Spears-Jennings during his time with OklahomaDec 19, 2025; Norman, OK, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide running back Daniel Hill (4) attempts to elude a tackle by Oklahoma Sooners defensive back Eli Bowen (23) and defensive back Robert Spears-Jennings (3) in the second half at Gaylord Family OK Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images6 / 24Photos of Robert Spears-Jennings during his time with OklahomaOklahoma Sooners defensive back Robert Spears-Jennings (3) can't hold on for an interception beside Missouri Tigers tight end Brett Norfleet (87) during a college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Missouri Tigers at Gaylord Family à Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., on Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025. Oklahoma won 17-6.7 / 24Photos of Robert Spears-Jennings during his time with OklahomaNov 15, 2025; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive back Robert Spears-Jennings (3) reacts as Alabama Crimson Tide kicker Conor Talty (31) misses a field goal at the end of the first half at Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby Jr.-Imagn Images8 / 24How many OU players could get drafted this week?Oklahoma defensive back Robert Spears-Jennings (3) catches an interception during a NCAA football game between the Tennessee Volunteers and Oklahoma Sooners at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn., on November 1, 2025.9 / 24Photos of Robert Spears-Jennings during his time with OklahomaOklahoma Sooners defensive back Robert Spears-Jennings (3) and linebacker Kip Lewis (10) celebrate during a college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Ole Miss Rebels at Gaylord Family à Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025. Ole Miss won 34-26.10 / 24Photos of Robert Spears-Jennings during his time with OklahomaOklahoma Sooners defensive back Robert Spears-Jennings (3) brings down Ole Miss Rebels wide receiver De'Zhaun Stribling (1) beside Oklahoma Sooners defensive back Courtland Guillory (4) during a college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Ole Miss Rebels at Gaylord Family à Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025.11 / 24Photos of Robert Spears-Jennings during his time with OklahomaOct 18, 2025; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive back Robert Spears-Jennings (3) stops South Carolina Gamecocks wide receiver Nyck Harbor (8) in the second half at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images12 / 24Photos of Robert Spears-Jennings during his time with OklahomaSep 20, 2025; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Auburn Tigers quarterback Jackson Arnold (11) runs for yardage as Oklahoma Sooners defensive back Robert Spears-Jennings (3) defends during the second half at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images13 / 24Photos of Robert Spears-Jennings during his time with OklahomaSep 13, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive back Robert Spears-Jennings (3) looks on after the game against the Temple Owls at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images14 / 24Photos of Robert Spears-Jennings during his time with OklahomaOklahoma Sooners defensive back Robert Spears-Jennings (3) and Marvin Jones Jr. (97) bring down Michigan Wolverines running back Jordan Marshall (23) during a college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the University of Michigan Wolverines at Gaylord Family à Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025.15 / 24Photos of Robert Spears-Jennings during his time with OklahomaJuly 16, 2025; Atlanta, GA, USA; Oklahoma defensive back Robert Spears-Jennings signs autographs for fans during SEC Media Days at the College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta.16 / 24Photos of Robert Spears-Jennings during his time with OklahomaJul 16, 2025; Atlanta, GA, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive back Robert Spears-Jennings answers questions from the media during the SEC Media Days at Omni Atlanta Hotel. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Godfree-Imagn Images17 / 24Photos of Robert Spears-Jennings during his time with OklahomaSep 28, 2024; Auburn, Alabama, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive back Robert Spears-Jennings (3) scans the Auburn Tiger offense during the third quarter at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-Imagn Images18 / 24Photos of Robert Spears-Jennings during his time with OklahomaSep 21, 2024; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive back Robert Spears-Jennings (3) sacks Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Nico Iamaleava (8) and causes a fumble during the second quarter at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images19 / 24Photos of Robert Spears-Jennings during his time with OklahomaSep 21, 2024; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive back Robert Spears-Jennings (3) sacks Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Nico Iamaleava (8) and causes a fumble during the second quarter at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images20 / 24Photos of Robert Spears-Jennings during his time with OklahomaSep 14, 2024; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive back Robert Spears-Jennings (3) knocks the helmet off of Tulane Green Wave quarterback Darian Mensah (10) during the second half at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images21 / 24Photos of Robert Spears-Jennings during his time with OklahomaOklahoma Sooners defensive back Robert Spears-Jennings (3) brings down Houston Cougars wide receiver Mekhi Mews (83) during a college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Houston Cougars at Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024.22 / 24Photos of Robert Spears-Jennings during his time with OklahomaSep 7, 2024; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive back Robert Spears-Jennings (3) intercepts the ball in front of Houston Cougars tight end Maliq Carr (6) during the second half at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images23 / 24Photos of Robert Spears-Jennings during his time with OklahomaOklahoma defensive back Billy Bowman Jr. (2) celebrates with Oklahoma defensive back Robert Spears-Jennings (3) in the first half of an NCAA football game between Oklahoma (OU) and Temple at the Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., on Friday, Aug. 30, 2024.24 / 24Photos of Robert Spears-Jennings during his time with OklahomaOklahoma Sooners defensive back Robert Spears-Jennings (3) brings down TCU Horned Frogs running back Emani Bailey (9) during a college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the TCU Horned Frogs at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Friday, Nov. 24, 2023. Oklahoma won 69-45.Contact/Follow us @SoonersWire on X, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oklahoma news, notes, and opinions. You can also follow Aaron on X@Aaron_Gelvin.
This article originally appeared on Sooners Wire: Oklahoma Sooners defensive back picked by Pittsburgh in seventh round