Oklahoma Sooners head coach Brent Venables has been singing the praises of his 2026 recruiting class, but one true freshman in particular has caught his attention more than any other.

During the Sooner Caravan in Oklahoma City, Venables was asked which first-year players stood out most this spring. Without hesitation, he named offensive lineman Noah Best first—a telling sign for a coach who doesn't hand out compliments lightly.

Best, a 6'4", 300-pound interior lineman from Texas, arrived in Norman as a three-star recruit (No. 533 nationally, No. 48 IOL). But as Sooners fans have learned under Venables, star ratings don't tell the whole story. Just last season, three-star true freshman Courtland Guillory started on defense, and edge rusher Taylor has also turned heads despite modest recruiting rankings.

The Sooners' 2026 starting offensive line appears set with Michael Fasusi (LT), Eddy Pierre-Louis (LG), Jake Maikkula (C), Ryan Fodje (RG), and transfer addition E'Marion Harris (RT). Depth at center looks solid too, with Caleb Nitta and Peyton Joseph in the mix. But Best, along with fellow freshman lineman Deacon Schmitt, has the kind of potential that could force him onto the field sooner than expected—especially in non-conference blowouts where young players get valuable reps.

Venables also mentioned other standout true freshmen including Jahsiear Rogers, DeZephen Walker, Jonathan Hatton, Tank Carrington, and Derrick Johnson. But the fact that Best was the first name out of his mouth speaks volumes about the impact this young lineman is already making.

For a program that prides itself on developing talent, Best could be the next diamond in the rough who proves that a recruiting ranking is just a number—and that hard work in the spring can lead to fall Saturdays.