Oklahoma’s 2027 recruiting class has encountered a significant setback with the decommitment of four-star defensive end Zane Rowe. Rowe, a standout at Denton Guyer High School in Texas, had been the Sooners’ sole pledge for the 2027 class since his commitment in April 2024.

 

Standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing 235 pounds, Rowe has been a formidable presence on the field. In his freshman season, he recorded 75 tackles, 19 tackles for loss, nine sacks, and four forced fumbles, earning him recognition as a MaxPreps Freshman All-American.

 

Rowe’s decision to reopen his recruitment comes after accumulating over 30 offers from major programs, including Georgia, Texas, Texas A&M, USC, and Miami. He expressed a desire to explore these opportunities fully, stating that he wants to visit other schools without being “disrespectful” to Oklahoma’s coaching staff by doing so while committed.

 

This development leaves Oklahoma without any commitments for the 2027 class, underscoring the challenges of securing early pledges from underclassmen. Rowe’s decommitment follows a similar move by his former high school teammate, quarterback Kevin Sperry, who flipped his commitment from Oklahoma to Florida State last fall.

 

As Rowe reopens his recruitment, he remains a highly sought-after prospect, with numerous elite programs vying for his commitment. His decision highlights the dynamic nature of college football recruiting, especially with younger athletes who have several years before officially joining a collegiate program.

 

Oklahoma’s coaching staff, led by head coach Brent Venables and defensive ends coach Miguel Chavis, will need to refocus their efforts on building the 2027 class from the ground up, aiming to attract top talent to bolster their future defensive lineup.