Phillips Sets Commitment Date: 5-Star 2026 Linebacker Tristan Phillips Talks Oklahoma Official Visit, Relationships with Coaches, and Upcoming…

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: 5-Star Norman, OK – The Oklahoma Sooners are making a strong push to land one of the top linebackers in the 2026 recruiting class. Tristan Phillips, a 5-star prospect from Texas, recently took an official visit to Norman and came away impressed with the Sooners’ program.

In an exclusive interview with our staff, Phillips discussed his visit, his upcoming commitment date, and more.

“The visit to Oklahoma was amazing,” Phillips said. “The atmosphere was electric, and the fans were incredible. I loved the energy and the passion that the Sooners’ fans showed.”

Phillips, who is ranked as the No. 1 linebacker in the 2026 class, said that he was impressed with the Sooners’ coaching staff, particularly defensive coordinator Ted Roof.

“Coach Roof is a great guy, and I love his defensive philosophy,” Phillips said. “He’s a coach who really knows how to get the most out of his players, and I think I would thrive in his system.”

Phillips also said that he was impressed with the Sooners’ facilities and the overall campus atmosphere.

“The facilities at Oklahoma are top-notch,” Phillips said. “The weight room, the locker room, everything is just first-class. And the campus is beautiful. I loved the scenery and the overall vibe of the place.”

Phillips, who has also taken visits to Texas, Alabama, and Georgia, said that he is nearing a decision on his college future.

“I’m planning to commit on December 7th,” Phillips said. “I’m going to take a few more visits between now and then, but I’m feeling good about my decision. I’m excited to get this process over with and start focusing on my senior season.”

When asked about his timeline for making a decision, Phillips said that he is looking forward to getting the recruiting process behind him.

“I’m ready to make a decision and move on,” Phillips said. “I’m excited to start this new chapter in my life and focus on my football career.”

Phillips’ commitment will be a highly anticipated event, as he is one of the most sought-after recruits in the 2026 class. The Sooners are considered one of the favorites to land his commitment, but Phillips said that he is still considering several other schools.

“I’m not going to lie, Oklahoma is definitely one of my top schools,” Phillips said. “But I’m still considering a few other options. I’m going to take my time and make the best decision for me and my family.”

_WHAT PHILLIPS’ COMMITMENT WOULD MEAN FOR OKLAHOMA_

If Phillips were to commit to Oklahoma, it would be a major coup for the Sooners’ recruiting class. Phillips is widely regarded as one of the top linebackers in the 2026 class, and his commitment would give the Sooners a major boost in the recruiting rankings.

“Tristan Phillips is a game-changer,” said recruiting analyst Tom Luginbill. “He’s a physical, athletic linebacker who can play all three downs. He’s a guy who can come in and make an immediate impact, and Oklahoma would be lucky to have him.”

Phillips’ commitment would also be a major statement for the Sooners’ program. Oklahoma has been working to establish itself as a major player in the college football world, and landing a top recruit like Phillips would be a major step in that direction.

“Oklahoma is a program on the rise,” said Luginbill. “They’ve got a great coaching staff, a strong recruiting class, and a lot of momentum. Landing a guy like Tristan Phillips would be a major coup for them, and it would show that they’re serious about competing with the best programs in the country.”

_WHAT’S NEXT FOR PHILLIPS_

Phillips said that he plans to take a few more visits before making his commitment on December 7th. He’s already taken visits to Texas, Alabama, and Georgia, and he’s planning to take visits to Oklahoma State and LSU in the coming weeks.

“I’m just trying to take my time and make the best decision for me and my family,” Phillips said. “I’m excited to see what the future holds, and I’m looking forward to making my commitment on December 7th.”