Breaking News: 2026 Edge Rusher Hudson Woods Praises Oklahoma, Says the “Best Fans” Are One of the Key…

Breaking News: 2026 Edge Rusher Hudson Woods Praises Oklahoma, Says the “Best Fans” Are One of the Key Reasons He’s Considering the Sooners

Norman, OK – January 20, 2025
As one of the most highly sought-after recruits in the nation, 2026 edge rusher Hudson Woods has been the subject of intense recruitment efforts from major college football programs across the country. However, it’s not just the football pedigree or the prestigious coaching staff that has captured the attention of the five-star prospect. According to Woods himself, it’s the atmosphere surrounding a program—specifically, the fans—that makes Oklahoma football stand out in a crowded field.

In a recent interview, Woods, who hails from Dallas, Texas, and is regarded as one of the top edge rusher prospects in the class of 2026, spoke candidly about his admiration for the University of Oklahoma football program and its passionate fanbase. “I’ve been to a lot of places, and there’s something about Oklahoma and its fans that’s different,” Woods said, visibly excited about the idea of potentially donning the crimson and cream. “The energy at their games is unreal, and you can just feel the love and support from everyone. It’s not something you find everywhere. That’s one of the biggest reasons I’m so high on them right now.”

Woods’ comments have sent shockwaves through the recruiting landscape, as many fans and analysts were already predicting that Oklahoma would be a strong contender for his services. However, this latest statement adds another layer of intrigue to his recruitment and underscores the importance of the Sooner Nation in helping to secure one of the nation’s top recruits.

Early Life and Rise to Prominence

Hudson Woods’ journey to becoming one of the top edge rushers in the country is a testament to his relentless work ethic and raw talent. Raised in Dallas, Woods grew up watching football with his father, a former college athlete who introduced him to the game at a young age. Although he played a variety of sports as a child, it didn’t take long for Woods to develop a passion for football, particularly as a defensive player. By the time he reached high school, his physical attributes—standing 6’5” and weighing in at 240 pounds with explosive speed—made him a natural fit at edge rusher.

As a sophomore at Skyline High School, Woods began to turn heads with his exceptional combination of size, speed, and football IQ. In his first year as a starting edge rusher, Woods recorded 14 sacks, 22 tackles for loss, and forced three fumbles. His dominant performances quickly earned him a spot as one of the top recruits in Texas, with scouts predicting he would be a future five-star prospect.

By his junior year, Woods had already secured offers from numerous top programs, including Alabama, Georgia, Ohio State, and, of course, Oklahoma. Despite the intense competition, Woods remained focused on improving his game. He continued to develop his pass-rush technique, adding a refined spin move and devastating bull rush to his already impressive repertoire. His senior season is expected to be even more impressive, with many analysts predicting he could finish with over 20 sacks and solidify his place as the top edge rusher in the 2026 class.

The Importance of Fan Culture in College Football Recruiting

For many recruits, the coaching staff and the program’s football history are key factors when choosing a school. However, for Woods, it’s clear that the culture surrounding the team plays an equally significant role in his decision-making process. As one of the top players in the nation, Woods has visited numerous schools and witnessed firsthand the energy that can be generated by passionate fanbases.

“I’ve been to a lot of schools, and it’s not just about the football program for me. It’s about the whole experience,” Woods explained. “I want to go to a place where I feel like I’m going to be supported not just by the coaches and teammates, but by the entire community. The best fans are the ones who are there for you through thick and thin, and that’s what I’ve seen with Oklahoma.”

It’s easy to see why the Sooners’ fanbase has made such a strong impression on the young rusher. Oklahoma is known for its rabid, loyal fanbase, which is a staple of the college football experience. The crowd at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium is one of the loudest in the country, and the atmosphere during home games is often electric, with the fanbase showing unwavering support for the Sooners, win or lose.

Woods has made several visits to Norman over the past year, taking in games and interacting with the fanbase. He notes that there is a certain level of enthusiasm that Oklahoma fans exude, which sets them apart from other schools.

“There’s a different level of passion in Oklahoma,” Woods said. “I went to the Bedlam game [against Oklahoma State] last season, and it was just insane. The fans are all in. They’re not just cheering for the team—they’re invested in every play, every moment. I’ve been to other schools where the fans are more casual, but Oklahoma fans live and breathe football. That’s something that really stuck with me.”

Oklahoma’s Tradition of Success and Player Development

While fan support is crucial, Woods’ admiration for the Sooners isn’t limited to the stands. The Oklahoma football program itself has a rich history of success, and this is a major factor in his decision-making process. Oklahoma has won seven national championships and produced countless NFL players over the years, making it one of the premier programs in the nation.

At the heart of Oklahoma’s success is its ability to develop players, particularly on the defensive side of the ball. The Sooners have been known for producing elite pass rushers in recent years, with players like Ronnie Perkins, Nik Bonitto, and even future stars like Clayton Smith coming through the ranks. Woods sees the potential for continued growth under Oklahoma’s current coaching staff, particularly with the presence of head coach Brent Venables, who is known for his prowess in developing defensive talent.

“I’ve been really impressed with Coach Venables and what he’s been doing with the defense,” Woods said. “He knows how to get the best out of his players. He’s coached at some of the biggest programs in the country, and now he’s bringing that mentality to Oklahoma. I want to play for a coach who can take my game to the next level, and I think Coach Venables can do that.”

Venables’ reputation as a defensive mastermind is certainly a strong selling point for the Sooners, and Woods recognizes that his development under the former Clemson defensive coordinator could be the key to unlocking his full potential. “I want to be the best edge rusher in the country, and I know I can do that with the right coaching staff,” Woods explained.

Additionally, the Sooners’ commitment to player development extends beyond the field. Woods is impressed by the resources available to student-athletes at Oklahoma, including state-of-the-art training facilities, academic support, and career development programs. For Woods, the ability to develop as a person both on and off the field is just as important as his football success.

The Recruiting Battle for Hudson Woods

As one of the top recruits in the 2026 class, Woods is the target of a fierce recruiting battle between some of the best programs in the country. His recruitment is expected to be one of the most closely watched stories in college football over the next few years. With Oklahoma firmly in the mix, the Sooners are looking to leverage their passionate fanbase and championship pedigree to land Woods’ commitment.

For Oklahoma fans, Woods’ praise of the Sooner Nation is an encouraging sign. It’s clear that the program has made a strong impression on the young star, and many believe that Oklahoma’s combination of a great football program, elite coaching staff, and passionate fanbase gives them a legitimate chance to land one of the nation’s top prospects.

However, with offers from programs like Alabama, Georgia, Ohio State, and Texas, Woods’ decision will not come easily. He has already expressed his desire to take his time with the process and carefully consider all of his options. “I want to make sure I’m making the right choice for my future, both on and off the field,” Woods said. “I’m not in any rush, and I want to take my time to see where I feel the most comfortable.”

Conclusion: A Bright Future for Oklahoma and Hudson Woods

As Hudson Woods continues to evaluate his options and explore the world of college football, it’s clear that Oklahoma has emerged as one of the top contenders for his services. The Sooner Nation’s passionate fanbase, the program’s tradition of success, and the opportunity to be developed by elite coaches like Brent Venables have made a lasting impact on the young edge rusher. With his combination of size, skill, and football IQ, Woods has the potential to be a game-changer at the collegiate level, and Oklahoma is hoping to be the place where he reaches his full potential.

For Oklahoma fans, Woods’ comments are a testament to the power of their community and the influence they have on recruiting. While the road to landing Woods’ commitment will be long and competitive, the Sooners are well-positioned to make a strong case. Regardless of where Woods ultimately chooses to play, it’s clear that Oklahoma football will continue to be a force to be reckoned with in the recruiting world.