STILLWATER, Okla. — Oklahoma State is among the final six schools vying for the commitment of Eli Thornton, a highly regarded 2027 recruit from Jonesboro, Arkansas. Thornton, a standout player from Valley View High, will announce his commitment on July 4.
Thornton’s Recruitment and Schools in the Mix
The 6-foot-3, 315-pound defensive lineman has narrowed his options to Oklahoma State, Arkansas, Kansas State, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Vanderbilt. Thornton is ranked as the No. 3 player in Arkansas by the 247Sports Composite, and he also sits at No. 934 overall in the 2027 class.
Upcoming Visits and Timeline
Thornton has a busy summer ahead as he plans official and unofficial visits. His official visit to Stillwater is scheduled for June 4, with other visits planned to Illinois (April 1), Wisconsin (May 28), Kansas State (June 12), and Arkansas (June 19). This recruitment has seen momentum shift, as Illinois has recently made a strong push to join the final list of contenders.
Previous Visits and Notable Offers
Earlier this month, Thornton attended Oklahoma State’s Elite Junior Day, where he met with OSU’s defensive tackle coach Mike O’Guin and defensive coordinator Skyler Cassity. His recruitment has rapidly gained traction.
Before 2023 ended, Thornton had offers from Wyoming, Stephen F. Austin, and Lindenwood. However, since the new year began, he has secured 17 additional offers, including many from Power Five programs.
Oklahoma State officially extended an offer on February 2, placing them third among his final six, just behind Wisconsin and Vanderbilt.
Thornton’s Skillset
Thornton’s athleticism for his size stands out, as seen in his Hudl tape. His ability to swim past blockers and disrupt plays is evident, and he has even shown his versatility by appearing on punt return as a lead blocker. He’s also dominated in his high school competition, making him a sought-after recruit.
OSU’s Recruitment and Future Impact
For Oklahoma State, landing Eli Thornton would be a significant early win in the 2027 recruiting cycle, especially under Eric Morris, who is leading his first full recruiting cycle as OSU’s head coach. While OSU, along with BYU, is one of the only Big 12 schools without a commitment in the 2027 class, the Cowboys are well-positioned to secure their first pledge soon.
Summary of Eli Thornton’s Recruitment:
| Recruit | Eli Thornton |
|---|---|
| Position | Defensive Lineman (DT) |
| Height/Weight | 6-foot-3, 315 pounds |
| High School | Valley View High, Jonesboro, Arkansas |
| 247Sports Composite Ranking | No. 3 player in Arkansas, No. 934 nationally in 2027 |
| Final Schools | Oklahoma State, Arkansas, Kansas State, Illinois, Wisconsin, Vanderbilt |
| Upcoming Visits | June 4 – OSU (official), April 1 – Illinois (unofficial), May 28 – Wisconsin, June 12 – Kansas State, June 19 – Arkansas |
| OSU Offer Date | February 2, 2024 |
Eli Thornton has emerged as one of the top recruits in the 2027 class, and Oklahoma State is firmly in the mix for his commitment. With Thornton’s athleticism and dominance on the field, securing his commitment would be a major coup for Eric Morris and the Cowboys in their efforts to build a strong recruiting foundation for the future.
