Oklahoma moves near the top for 2028 tight end Ridge Janes

What Happened

Oklahoma is emerging as an early leader for four-star tight end Ridge Janes, the No. 8 tight end in the 2028 recruiting class. Janes, a St. Louis native, holds offers from Missouri, Ohio State, Alabama and LSU. He’s scheduled to visit Oklahoma on Halloween. Rivals recruiting expert Steve Wiltfong said Oklahoma and tight ends coach Jason Witten are in a strong position, with the Sooners closer to the top of Janes’ list. The recruitment remains early, and there’s no reported commitment or official announcement from Janes or Oklahoma.

Why It Matters

• The Halloween visit gives Oklahoma a chance to turn early interest into a stronger position before more programs crowd the recruitment.
• Jason Witten’s role gives the Sooners a direct connection between their tight end recruiting pitch and the NFL experience he brings to the position.
• Janes’ offer list means Oklahoma is competing with Missouri, Ohio State, Alabama and LSU for a prospect already ranked among the class’s top tight ends.

THE PATE STATE READ

Oklahoma gets credit for starting early and getting Janes to Norman, while the player still has four major programs in the room. The task isn’t landing a commitment now. It’s proving that Witten’s presence and Oklahoma’s tight end plan can become a better answer than the established options. This moves the Sooners toward the front, not across the finish line.(Josh has not yet commented.)

What's Next

• Halloween: Ridge Janes’ planned visit to Oklahoma.
• After the visit: Janes’ recruitment will be watched for any change in Oklahoma’s position or his school list.