4-star OT Deacon Schmitt commits to Oklahoma: ‘Bowe Bentley needs his bodyguard’

Windsor (Colo.) four-star offensive tackle Deacon Schmitt received an offer from Oklahoma on June 26, 2024. Just over a year later, the Sooners’ recruiting efforts have paid off. 

Schmitt has announced his commitment to Oklahoma over Colorado. The 6-foot-5, 310-pound recruit took official visits to the Sooners, Buffaloes and Alabama before choosing to play for head coach Brent Venables and his staff. 

“I have known for a bit that I was going to commit to Oklahoma,” Schmitt told On3. “This was such a hard decision, but I am confident in going to Oklahoma. Bowe Bentley needs his bodyguard.” 

Schmitt is looking forward to learning from Venables and offensive line coach Bill Bedenbaugh during his time in Norman. Both coaches played a key role in him pledging to the SEC program. 

“I love how passionate coach Venables is with his coaching,” Schmitt said. “I love that it is a brotherhood there and everyone loves everyone. Also, I love that I get a chance to play for the best offensive line coach in college football.” 

The Colorado native is the latest addition to the Sooners’ 2026 recruiting class. In the coming years, he is excited to suit up in the crimson and cream and play for Oklahoma. 

“Coach Bedenbaugh is my guy,” Schmitt said. “We have a great relationship. He’s a coach who helps his players develop and since he can see potential in me, that means I have potential. He loves his guys, but he’s hard on them. That’s exactly what I need in a coach.” 

“Coach Venables is my guy,” he added. “I love how passionate he is about everything. We have a great relationship. He reminds me a lot of my high school head coach. He has talked with me about relationships and becoming a man. I went with him for a ride in his truck and he’s an awesome guy.”