The Oklahoma Sooners, one of the most storied programs in college football, continue to bolster their reputation as a powerhouse by attracting top-tier talent from across the nation. One of the latest prospects to show significant interest in the Sooners is Highland (Utah) Lone Peak offensive tackle Austin Pay, a highly-touted recruit in the 2025 class. This weekend, Pay will make an official visit to Oklahoma, marking a critical point in his recruitment journey.
Austin Pay, a towering lineman with tremendous potential, has emerged as one of the top offensive line prospects in the 2025 recruiting cycle. Standing out with his physicality, agility, and football IQ, Pay has garnered attention from several major college football programs. He already took four official visits during the offseason, and his visit to Oklahoma is a highly anticipated next step. Assistant coach Bill Bedenbaugh, who has been in close communication with Pay throughout the recruitment process, is playing a pivotal role in the Sooners’ pursuit of the talented tackle.
Pay’s decision to visit Oklahoma reflects the program’s strong reputation for developing offensive linemen and competing at the highest level in college football. Under head coach Brent Venables and Bedenbaugh’s leadership, the Sooners have emphasized building a dominant offensive line, a crucial element of their high-powered offense. Pay’s visit will give him an opportunity to get an in-depth look at Oklahoma’s facilities, coaching staff, and football culture.
The Oklahoma Sooners have a rich football tradition that dates back over a century. With seven national championships, 50 conference titles, and a long list of All-Americans and NFL draft picks, the Sooners are synonymous with success. The program has consistently been a force in both the Big 12 Conference and, historically, on the national stage. Oklahoma’s high-powered offense, often referred to as “Sooner Magic,” has been a hallmark of the program, producing dynamic quarterbacks, explosive skill players, and dominant offensive linemen.
In recent years, Oklahoma has remained a national contender, frequently reaching the College Football Playoff and producing top-tier NFL talent, particularly on the offensive line. Players like Orlando Brown Jr., Creed Humphrey, and Trent Williams have solidified the Sooners’ reputation as an offensive line factory. This history of success, combined with their forward-thinking approach to recruitment and player development, makes Oklahoma a highly appealing destination for top recruits like Austin Pay.
One of the key figures in Oklahoma’s offensive line success is assistant coach Bill Bedenbaugh. Recognized as one of the best offensive line coaches in the country, Bedenbaugh has been instrumental in shaping the Sooners’ offensive line into a dominant force. His ability to recruit and develop talent is unmatched, as evidenced by the number of Oklahoma linemen who have gone on to have successful careers in the NFL.
Bedenbaugh’s relationship with Austin Pay is a significant factor in Pay’s interest in Oklahoma. The communication between the two has been steady, with Bedenbaugh working to ensure that Pay finds the right fit both athletically and academically. Pay’s upcoming visit will allow him to experience firsthand the coaching style, culture, and atmosphere that Bedenbaugh and the rest of the staff have cultivated in Norman.
For the Sooners, the offensive line is more than just a position group – it’s the backbone of their offensive success. With a run-heavy offense that relies on strong blocking and protection for the quarterback, Oklahoma has consistently fielded some of the best offensive lines in the country. As the team prepares for its transition to the Southeastern Conference (SEC), the development of their offensive line is more important than ever.
The SEC is known for its fierce defenses and physical style of play, and Oklahoma’s ability to compete at the highest level will depend on the strength of its offensive line. Securing a talent like Austin Pay could be crucial in ensuring that the Sooners continue to dominate in the trenches and maintain their competitive edge.
Austin Pay’s official visit to Oklahoma marks an exciting development in his recruitment and a significant opportunity for the Sooners. As one of the top offensive line prospects in the 2025 class, Pay has the potential to make a substantial impact on whichever program he chooses. Oklahoma’s rich football tradition, combined with their proven track record of developing offensive linemen, makes them a strong contender in Pay’s recruitment.
With Bill Bedenbaugh leading the charge and the Sooners preparing for the challenges of the SEC, landing a prospect like Austin Pay would be a major win for the program. As Pay continues to evaluate his options, Oklahoma’s blend of success, culture, and coaching expertise positions them as a top destination for one of the nation’s best offensive tackles.
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