Happy Hump Day, friends and fans!

According to 247Sports, the Oklahoma Sooners currently boast the Big 12’s top recruiting class one week from the start of the early signing period (Dec. 16). Nationally, OU checks in at No. 11, with a very real chance of climbing well into the top 10 with some key additions.

One of those players who could potentially give Oklahoma’s 2021 class a significant boost in the rankings is five-star WR Emeka Egbuka, who recently announced that he will be making his verbal commitment known on Friday, Dec. 11 at 7 p.m. CT.

The 6’1, 190-pound Steilacoom, Washington product is rated as the nation’s No. 1 overall receiver prospect, and this past Saturday, he joined Sooner commit Caleb Williams and others for an unofficial recruiting visit at OU.

Following the emotional high of the visit, the Sooners appeared to have all of the momentum, but Ohio State has since been able to stem the tide. While things aren’t looking as good as they were earlier in the week, our Stephen Brown is saying that he “wouldn’t write the Sooners off just yet” (he’ll have a post later this week).

Whether or not the Sooners ultimately land Egbuka’s commitment, there is still plenty of talent that remains in play.

Now onto today’s Hot Links! More award nominations announced for deserving Sooners, three former Oklahoma quarterbacks are now starting in the NFL, the Big Ten plans to change the rules for OSU and more!

OU Links

• The OU men’s basketball team is set to take on Xavier tonight as part of this year’s Big 12/Big East Battle. When it’s all said and done, one squad will remain undefeated, while the other will fall for the first time this season. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. CT on FS1.

• On Tuesday, defensive line coach Calvin Thibodeaux was announced as a nominee for the Broyles Award — an honor that recognizes college football’s top assistant. Oklahoma’s defense is currently playing at a championship level, and his unit up front is a major reason why. Well deserved recognition for Coach Thibbs.

• Redshirt sophomore receiver Drake Stoops was recently named a nominee for the 2020 Burlsworth Trophy — an award reserved for the nation’s most outstanding player who began their career as a walk-on. This season, the son of coaching legend Bob Stoops has been a key player for Oklahoma’s offense, hauling in 12 receptions for 185 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Baker Mayfield notably received this honor twice in both 2015 and 2016.

• As the Baltimore Ravens dominated the Dallas Cowboys on Tuesday night, 34-17, Marquise ‘Hollywood’ Brown continued his hot streak with another smooth outing, this time securing five catches for 39 yards and this sweet 20-yard TD connection from Lamar Jackson.

• This Sunday, Philadelphia Eagles rookie Jalen Hurts will reportedly earn his first career start against the New Orleans Saints in place of former starter Carson Wentz. Lincoln Riley can now claim he has three QB pupils actively starting in the NFL. Boomer!
• If Spencer Rattler is a fan, we stan. Speak these into existence, Seven!

Around the Sports World

• Ohio State’s season finale contest with rival Michigan has been canceled, meaning OSU will have only played five games by the time the Big Ten Championship comes around. Before the league’s belated season kicked-off, a rule was created that required a team to participate in a minimum of six games in order to be eligible for the conference title game. Now, the Big Ten is expected to make an exception to said rule.
• Denver Broncos CB A.J. Bouye has been suspended six games for his use of performance enhancing drugs. The penalty is effective immediately, meaning he will miss the four remaining contests on the schedule this season as well as the first two in 2021.
• The NBA is nearing its return after a shortened off-season, and not only are there several big name players suiting up for other teams by way of trade or free agency, there are also some major household names making their own comebacks off of injuries.
• D-II’s Fort Hays State upset Kansas State, 81-68 in Bramlage Coliseum on Tuesday night. The Wildcats weren’t necessarily expected to compete for a Big 12 title this season, but yikes, this is pretty low. Congratulations to the Tigers for rising up!

Follow Crimson & Cream Machine on Twitter!