Sooners Zero In on Elite 2027 QB Peyton Houston

Sooners Zero In on Elite 2027 QB Peyton Houston

 

The recruiting trail never sleeps, especially when it comes to securing the quarterback of the future. For the Oklahoma Sooners, that search has led them to one unmistakable name — Peyton Houston. A rising star from Evangel Christian Academy in Shreveport, Louisiana, Houston has emerged as a top-10 quarterback in the 2027 class and one of the most talked-about prospects in the nation. What sets this pursuit apart from others in Oklahoma’s storied recruiting history is the laser-focused determination of offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle and the Sooners’ staff to make Houston their quarterback cornerstone for the future. While the 2027 recruiting cycle is still in its early stages, there is no mistaking the seriousness with which Oklahoma is approaching Houston’s recruitment, nor the growing buzz surrounding the talented dual-threat signal caller.

 

Peyton Houston isn’t just another name on a recruiting board — he’s already a record-breaking quarterback with elite production and the kind of leadership traits coaches covet. At 6 feet tall and 195 pounds, he may not yet have the prototypical height of some pocket passers, but his blend of arm strength, accuracy, vision, and athleticism make him one of the most complete quarterback prospects in recent memory. In his sophomore campaign at Evangel Christian Academy, Houston completed 310 of 443 passes for an astounding 4,480 yards and 38 touchdowns. Just as impressively, he kept mistakes to a minimum, tossing only six interceptions across the season. Add to that 690 rushing yards and seven touchdowns on 106 carries, and it becomes clear why so many elite programs are trying to bring him into the fold.

 

His stat lines would be impressive under any circumstances, but what has truly vaulted Houston into national prominence was one singular performance that caught the attention of scouts and fans alike. In a wild shootout against Captain Shreve High School, Houston delivered a jaw-dropping display of offensive firepower, throwing for a record-breaking 767 yards and eight touchdowns. And if that weren’t enough, he also rushed for 101 yards and added two more scores on the ground. That night, Houston set a Shreveport area record for total offense in a single game — a feat that instantly raised his national profile and had analysts scrambling to reassess their quarterback rankings for the class of 2027.

 

Recruiting in modern college football is as much about relationships and long-term trust as it is about highlight reels and stat sheets. That’s where Oklahoma — and specifically Ben Arbuckle — has begun to separate itself in the pursuit of Houston. Arbuckle, who joined Brent Venables’ staff in late 2024 after successful stints coordinating explosive offenses at both the Power Five and Group of Five levels, has made Houston the centerpiece of Oklahoma’s 2027 recruiting efforts. From the moment Arbuckle arrived in Norman, insiders say there was one clear directive when it came to the future of the quarterback position: prioritize Peyton Houston.

 

Arbuckle has taken that responsibility seriously. Since the evaluation window opened, he has made multiple visits to Shreveport to speak directly with Houston, his family, and his coaches. But beyond simply showing up, Arbuckle has gone the extra mile in building a relationship that transcends football. By all accounts, their conversations are rarely limited to Xs and Os — they delve into life, values, and vision. Houston himself has spoken highly of Arbuckle’s approach, noting in interviews that the relationship feels genuine and rooted in more than just recruitment. That kind of rapport could prove pivotal when decision day eventually arrives.

 

And make no mistake — Houston has options. More than 25 schools have extended scholarship offers, including college football heavyweights like Georgia, LSU, USC, Texas, Florida State, and Michigan. His hometown program, LSU, has made him a priority, and the Tigers have the built-in advantage of proximity and familiarity. Georgia’s reputation for quarterback development under Kirby Smart is hard to ignore. And then there’s Texas, Oklahoma’s Red River rival, who also has its eyes on building a quarterback-rich future in the SEC. But despite the crowded field, Oklahoma’s tireless efforts and clear vision for Houston’s future have positioned them among the front-runners.

 

Part of what’s making the Sooners so appealing in this battle is the direction of their offense under Arbuckle’s guidance. Known for high-octane, quarterback-friendly systems, Arbuckle has a proven track record of maximizing his signal callers’ talents. From spreading the field to using tempo and motion, his system is built around getting the ball into the hands of playmakers and letting the quarterback take control. For a player like Houston — who excels in reading defenses, throwing on the run, and extending plays — the fit appears seamless. During visits to Norman, including a recent trip for the “Future Freaks” recruiting event, Houston was able to see firsthand how he would be utilized within the offense. He sat down with Arbuckle for detailed film sessions, walked through offensive schematics, and had opportunities to meet current and future teammates who share the same ambition of bringing Oklahoma back to championship contention.

 

What’s also resonating with Houston and his family is Oklahoma’s commitment to a player-first culture. Venables and his staff have emphasized accountability, development, and character as pillars of the program. Houston, a 4.0 student and known leader at Evangel Christian, appears to embody those same traits. Coaches and teammates rave about his poise under pressure, work ethic, and quiet confidence. For a program like Oklahoma — which has seen the likes of Kyler Murray, Baker Mayfield, and Jalen Hurts lead the charge in recent years — the allure of bringing in a similarly driven quarterback with both athletic and leadership qualities is undeniable.

 

There is also a sense of urgency surrounding Oklahoma’s 2027 recruiting class. With the program now fully entrenched in the SEC, the competition for top-tier talent has never been fiercer. Each class represents not just an opportunity to reload but a necessity to keep pace with the Georgias, Alabamas, and LSUs of the college football world. Landing Peyton Houston wouldn’t just be a win in terms of talent acquisition — it would be a statement. It would tell the rest of the country that Oklahoma is not just keeping up, but setting the tone for the next era of quarterback play in college football.

 

Still, as with all elite recruiting battles, nothing is guaranteed. Houston is expected to take his time with the process, making additional visits and continuing to evaluate how he fits within each program’s culture, system, and vision. His inner circle is tight, and sources close to the family have emphasized that development, relationships, and trust will weigh heavily in the final decision. That bodes well for Oklahoma, given the depth of their pursuit and the connections already in place.

 

As the summer approaches, all eyes will remain on Shreveport, where the future of one of the nation’s most promising quarterbacks continues to unfold. The Sooners are all in. And as Arbuckle and Venables continue to make their pitch, the message is clear: Peyton Houston isn’t just another recruit. He’s the recruit for Oklahoma’s 2027 vision.

 

Whether it’s the record-setting performances, the maturity beyond his years, or the deepening bond with the Sooners’ staff, one thing is for certain — the race for Peyton Houston is heating up. And Oklahoma isn’t just chasing. They’re leading.