The Football Brainiacs

The Sooners pick up a really nice commitment as 2026 linebacker Jacob Curry has announced his pledge to the University of Oklahoma!

In every recruiting cycle, there are players who start under the radar and steadily climb their way into the spotlight. For the class of 2026, one of those names is Jacob Curry, a linebacker/safety hybrid from Nease High School in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. At 6’1” and around 200 pounds, Curry doesn’t yet boast the prototypical frame of a college inside linebacker, but his athleticism, production, and versatility have made him one of the more intriguing prospects in his class.

Curry’s junior season showed why Power Five programs have taken notice. He racked up over 100 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, and 8 sacks, while also flashing his coverage skills with pass breakups and turnovers. That kind of all-around impact paints the picture of a defender who doesn’t come off the field, someone who can blitz off the edge, play in the box against the run, and drop into space against tight ends and slot receivers.

What jumps off the page with Curry is his athletic profile. Reports note sub-4.5 speed in the 40-yard dash and a vertical leap of around 37 inches, underscoring the kind of quick-twitch explosiveness that allows him to close ground in a hurry. He plays fast on film and has the range to chase down plays sideline to sideline, traits that make him a natural fit in today’s spread-heavy college football landscape.

Curry’s versatility is his greatest asset. He can line up in multiple spots, bringing flexibility to a defensive coordinator who values hybrid defenders. He’s comfortable in space, aggressive as a blitzer, and active around the football.

The challenge for Curry moving forward will be physical development and positional clarity. At around 200 pounds, he’ll need to add size and strength to take on the physical demands of playing linebacker at the Power Five level. Likewise, while some programs view him strictly as a linebacker, others see him as a safety, or in a hybrid role like Oklahoma’s “Cheetah” position. His long-term fit will depend on scheme and how his body develops over the next two years.

While Curry may not carry the star power of some of the top-ranked linebackers in his class, his upside is significant. With time in a college strength program, he could develop into a full-time linebacker capable of defending the run and holding up in coverage. His skill set also suggests early contributions on special teams, where his speed and tackling ability will stand out.

Ultimately, Curry’s future will be determined by two factors: how his frame develops and which defensive system he lands in. If those align, he has the tools to become a difference-maker at the next level, and possibly beyond.