Oklahoma Football Adds Four-Star Defensive Back to 2025 Recruiting Class

The Oklahoma Sooners’ 2025 recruiting class continues to grow. On Wednesday, the program landed a commitment from four-star defensive back Maliek Hawkins. The program won the recruiting battle over Arkansas, Mississippi State and Texas.

BREAKING: Four-Star CB Maliek Hawkins has Committed to Oklahoma, he tells me for @on3recruits

The 6’2 185 CB from Allen, TX chose the Sooners over Arkansas, Mississippi State, & Texas

Is the younger brother of Oklahoma Freshman QB Michael Hawkins Jr.https://t.co/wLnO134fja pic.twitter.com/tLCUHotZgO

— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) April 10, 2024

The 6-foot-2, 180 pound defensive back from McKinney, TX, is the No. 33-ranked cornerback in the nation. Not only is he an incredible talent, but Hawkins’ family is incredibly involved with the Sooners. Not only did his father, Michael Hawkins Sr., spend time in Norman before playing defensive back for the Dallas Cowboys, but his older brother, Michael Hawkins Jr., is currently on Oklahoma’s roster.

Hawkins is the 11th player to commit to Oklahoma’s 2025 class, which is ranked No. 6 in the nation (247Sports). Brent Venables and his staff have continued to recruit well as the program is set to move to the SEC. Landing a defensive back like Hawkins only proves Venables’ recent success on the trail, as the Sooners landed a commitment from four-star wide receiver Marcus Wimberly within the past week.

Sooners’ future defensive outlook

Oklahoma is headed to the SEC next season. The move from the Big 12 adds pressure for the Sooners to continue and build a stout defense. Last season, the program showed plenty of promise in that department, and there are plenty of returnees — headlined by linebacker Danny Stutsman — to begin building long-term success on that side of the football.

“Coach BV harps on that a lot, about defense, defense, defense. It’ll win the game,” Michael Hawkins Sr. told Greg Powers Dave Campbell’s Texas High School Football. “Growing up with my dad going there and him knowing all the coaches and things like that, it definitely played a part in that.”

Venables’ focus on the defensive side of the ball is going to help them continue to land big-time defensive recruits, making a transition to the SEC — the sport’s top league — much, much more simple.

Want to join the discussion? Like SoonerPulse on Facebook and follow us on Twitter. Bookmark SoonerPulse.com to stay informed about all things Sooners.