4-star TE Tyler Ruxer commits to Sooners: 'I like Oklahoma's winning culture'

Lincoln City (Ind.) Heritage Hills four-star tight end Tyler Ruxer announced his commitment to Oklahoma on Monday.

The 6-foot-4, 220-pound Ruxer chose the Sooners over Duke, Northwestern, Purdue and West Virginia among others.

Ruxer ranks as the No. 1 prospect in the Hoosier State, No. 9 tight end in America and No. 164 prospect overall. He becomes commit No. 15 for head coach Brent Venables and Oklahoma in the 2026 class.

“For the longest time I had been leaning towards Duke and thought I’d go to Duke and made that decision mentally,” Ruxer explained. “It didn’t sit right with me and I had some regrets with it. At the end of the day it came down to where I can get developed the most. Where am I gonna go and compete every day and be a better player and get elite-level coaching.

“I just think Oklahoma checked all those boxes.”

Ruxer built a a great relationship with the Oklahoma staff

Ruxer visited Norman twice during his process and grew close with several staffers.

“Coach (Joe Jon) Finley played for Oklahoma and had a short stint in the NFL,” Ruxer said. “He has that experience and knows what it takes. I think Venables is a high-level coach, he’s coached in a lot of big-time games. I like the way he creates a good culture.

“Having (General Manager) Jim Nagy there, he has a lot of resources and insight in general and is a good resource to have.”

Ruxer loves the trajectory of Oklahoma’s program.

“I think they have a good quarterback right now in (John) Mateer and a good quarterback in my class in Bowe Bentley and I think we are going to be really good.”

New Sooners commit dominates on both sides of the ball

As a junior en route to a state championship Ruxer turned 43 receptions into 893 yards and 12 touchdowns, averaging over 20 yards per catch. he had 30 tackles, two interceptions, eight pass breakups and a forced fumble as well.

Ruxer made a name for himself as a sophomore with 27 catches for 545 yards and nine touchdowns to go along with 58 tackles, three interceptions and seven passes defended.

Ruxer spoke highly of Oklahoma prior to his commitment and above all it was the environment and history around the program.

“I like Oklahoma’s winning culture. I felt the staff there was very genuine and is going to be successful in the future. As well, Coach Finley and Arbuckle want to get the tight end involved on the offense and develop me which Is important to me.”