Oklahoma Sooners Make Bold Move by Extending Offer to 2026 USC Commit Vlad Dyakonov
The Oklahoma Sooners have made a strategic and potentially game-changing decision in their ongoing 2026 recruiting efforts. The program has extended a scholarship offer to four-star offensive tackle Vlad Dyakonov, a highly regarded high school prospect who is currently committed to the University of Southern California (USC).
Hailing from the football powerhouse of Folsom High School in Folsom, California, Dyakonov has already built a national reputation as one of the top offensive line prospects in his class. Standing at 6-foot-6 and weighing around 290 pounds, Dyakonov’s blend of size, footwork, and technique has drawn attention from several top-tier college football programs across the country. Now, Oklahoma has thrown its hat into the ring, hoping to sway the talented lineman’s decision in their favor.
The offer was officially made public by Dyakonov himself, who took to social media to share the news with his followers and fans. In his post, he expressed gratitude toward the Oklahoma coaching staff for the opportunity, acknowledging the significance of being pursued by such a prestigious football program. Though he remains committed to USC at the moment, the offer from the Sooners certainly adds an intriguing twist to his recruitment moving forward.
For Oklahoma, this move highlights their aggressive approach on the recruiting trail as they aim to fortify their future offensive line with elite talent. Even though Dyakonov has already pledged to USC, the Sooners are clearly not discouraged by verbal commitments. Instead, they are choosing to actively pursue top-tier prospects who they believe can help shape the future of their program, especially as they prepare for a new chapter in the Southeastern Conference (SEC).
The Sooners’ coaching staff, led by head coach Brent Venables and offensive line coach Bill Bedenbaugh, has made it clear that they are prioritizing physical, athletic, and technically sound linemen to build the trenches. Dyakonov fits that profile perfectly. Known for his dominance in pass protection and his ability to create running lanes, he is exactly the type of player who could flourish in Oklahoma’s offensive system.
Despite his commitment to USC, recruiting in college football—especially in today’s era of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL)—is fluid and ever-changing. Many prospects reconsider their decisions as more offers come in, especially from schools that present strong development pipelines, fan support, and national exposure. Oklahoma certainly checks all of those boxes.
Dyakonov’s recruitment will now likely become even more closely monitored as the Sooners join the list of programs trying to flip the standout tackle. USC, on the other hand, will no doubt continue to work hard to ensure that Dyakonov remains solid in his commitment and stays loyal to their long-term vision. As the recruiting cycle for the 2026 class is still in its relatively early stages, a lot can change over the next year or two.
It’s not uncommon for early commitments to shift as prospects take official visits, build relationships with coaching staffs, and weigh the academic and cultural fit of each program. If Oklahoma can get Dyakonov to visit Norman, the recruiting battle could intensify further. The school’s facilities, tradition, and trajectory—especially with the SEC move—make it an attractive destination for elite talent.
In the end, Oklahoma’s decision to offer Vlad Dyakonov speaks volumes about their recruiting philosophy. They’re not just targeting available prospects—they’re going after the best, regardless of commitment status. Whether or not they can flip Dyakonov from USC remains to be seen, but the message is clear: the Sooners are swinging big in their pursuit of elite offensive line talent for 2026 and beyond.
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