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Brent Venables' Oklahoma receive commitment of elite IOL to the Class of 2026

Modified Dec 18, 2024 16:13 GMT

Three-star interior offensive lineman Will Conroy committed to Oklahoma's 2026 class on Tuesday. The standout from St. Ignatius High School in Cleveland, Ohio, chose Brent Venables' program over Ohio State, Missouri, Texas A&M and Oregon, among others.

"With everything going on in college football with the transfer portal, I wanted to have my decision final so I could play free next year," Conroy said, via Ignatius Wildcats.

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Conroy is the third commitment in Oklahoma's 2026 class, which ranks No. 16 nationally and No. 8 in the Southeastern Conference. He is the first offensive lineman in the group, joining four-star quarterback Jaden O’Neal and four-star tight end Ryder Mix.

Conroy’s admiration for Oklahoma dates back to his childhood when he watched the Sooners face West Virginia. That game allowed him to see Baker Mayfield and Dede Westbrook. He continued to look up to those two players on the field and kept loving the program.

Conroy has been a key player for St. Ignatius and made history as the first freshman in legendary coach Chuck Kyle’s 69-year career to earn a varsity spot by debuting two years back. He boosted his role as a starter during his sophomore season and will return as the team captain for his senior season next year.

Conroy is the No. 14 interior offensive lineman in the 2026 class and the No. 13 recruit in Ohio.

Will Conroy shares the reasons behind his Oklahoma commitment

Will Conroy did not have a decision date set for his commitment but his attendance during Oklahoma's game against Tennessee on Sept. 21 gave the Sooners an edge in his recruitment. Despite the 25-15 loss to the Vols, he loved what he saw at Oklahoma.

“When you go to Oklahoma, it starts in the weight room, then on the field you see it happen," Conroy said on Monday, via On3. "Everyone plays for each other. It is really a team and not many programs are like that anymore."

Conroy was impressed by Oklahoma’s developmental opportunities, especially under offensive line coach Bill Bedenbaugh. He believes Bedenbaugh’s reputation for producing elite players makes the Sooners an unparalleled destination for development.

Brent Venables’ long tenure as defensive coordinator and linebackers coach from 1999 to 2011 also added weight to Conroy's favorable view of Oklahoma.

“I love the culture at Oklahoma," Conroy said. "One thing about Oklahoma is, they know who they are. They stand on that and they don’t change for anyone. ... The fan base is passionate about Oklahoma and I love it there.”

Oklahoma’s rich football tradition includes seven Heisman Trophy winners and 416 players drafted into the NFL. Conroy can continue the legacy when he officially signs with the Sooners next year.