Tulsa Adds Trio of Defensive Commitments to 2027 Class
Tulsa’s 2027 recruiting class gained major momentum this week with the verbal commitments of three defensive standouts: defensive end Alan Lefotu, cornerback Brian Muti, and strong safety Zach Good. The additions join defensive tackle Allen Sermons, giving the Golden Hurricane a strong foundation on the defensive side of the ball.
Lefotu, a 6-foot-3, 265-pound defensive end from Spring, Texas, is a three-star prospect ranked No. 534 nationally, No. 77 in Texas, and the No. 16 defensive end in the class. Known for his run-stopping ability, Lefotu brings size and strength to the edge, giving Tulsa a physical presence in the trenches.
Muti, a 6-foot-1, 184-pound cornerback from Tenaha, Texas, also joins as a three-star recruit. Ranked No. 804 nationally and No. 115 in Texas, Muti is the 82nd-ranked cornerback in the 2027 cycle. A man-to-man coverage specialist, Muti’s length and athleticism make him a valuable addition to Tulsa’s secondary.
Good, a 5-foot-11, 191-pound safety from Ponchatoula, Louisiana, rounds out the trio. Ranked No. 526 nationally and No. 17 in Louisiana, Good is the No. 18 strong safety in the class. With his hybrid skill set, Good is versatile in both coverage and run support, bringing flexibility to the Golden Hurricane's defensive scheme.
These commitments give Tulsa a solid core for the 2027 class, with all four recruits—Lefotu, Muti, Good, and Sermons—addressing key needs on defense.
Grind and Glory
Grind and Glory
You can kiss that momentum build against Utah State goodbye
Those Lefotu bois can ball. His cousin Glenn turned out a freshman year for best TE at ULM
Those Lefotu bois can ball. His cousin Glenn turned out a freshman year for best TE at ULM
Grind and Glory
Brandon High Powers Tulsa Past Utah State in Late Comeback, 21-14
Week 8, 2026 - #TLSAvUSU
Maverik Stadium — Logan, UT
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TLSA - 0 / 7 / 7 / 7 // 21
USU - 0 / 14 / 0 / 0 // 14
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Week 8, 2026 - #TLSAvUSU
Maverik Stadium — Logan, UT
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TLSA - 0 / 7 / 7 / 7 // 21
USU - 0 / 14 / 0 / 0 // 14
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Tulsa leaned heavily on running back Brandon High, and he delivered in a big way, scoring all three of the Golden Hurricane's touchdowns in a hard-fought 21-14 win over Utah State at Maverik Stadium on Saturday.
Trailing 14-7 at halftime, Tulsa (3-5) turned to their workhorse, and High responded, rushing for 166 yards on 28 carries, including the go-ahead 3-yard touchdown with just 41 seconds left in the game.
"We knew it was going to be a battle, but I told my guys to keep grinding," High said after the game. "It was tough, but we never stopped believing we could win."
Tulsa's victory snaps Utah State’s five-game win streak, with the Aggies (7-2) struggling to maintain momentum after taking a 14-7 lead into the break. Quarterback Nathan Childress scored the game’s opening touchdown on a 1-yard run midway through the second quarter, but Tulsa quickly responded with a 29-yard touchdown scamper from High.
Utah State answered before the half, as Childress connected with Zakkarii Black for a 10-yard touchdown, capping off a two-minute drill that put the Aggies in control. However, the second half belonged to Tulsa’s defense, as they shut out the Aggies the rest of the way, with key plays from Vontroy Malone, who recorded two sacks, and Nunu Campbell, who grabbed a crucial interception.
Cardell Williams struggled under center for the Golden Hurricane, throwing two interceptions and losing a fumble, but High’s dominant performance on the ground kept Tulsa in the game. His 1-yard touchdown run late in the third quarter tied the game at 14, and Tulsa controlled the clock in the fourth, setting up High’s game-winning score in the final minute.
Nathan Childress completed 17 of 28 passes for 134 yards for the Aggies but was picked off by Campbell in a critical spot, halting a potential game-tying drive.
Utah State's offense stalled in the second half, unable to capitalize on early success from Corbin Cottle, who finished with 74 rushing yards. Tulsa’s defense came up with timely stops, led by Daniel Calloway’s 8 tackles and two tackles for loss.
For Tulsa they keep their bowl hopes alive with the victory.
Scoring Summary
2Q 8:34 - Nathan Childress 1 yard run (USU)
2Q 2:48 - Brandon High 29 yard run (TLSA)
2Q 0:18 - Zakkarii Black 10 yard pass from Nathan Childress (USU)
3Q 2:50 - Brandon High 1 yard run (TLSA)
4Q 0:41 - Brandon High 3 yard run (TLSA)
Tulsa Golden Hurricane (3-5)
Cardell Williams: 14-24, 121 yards, 2 INT, 1 Fumble Lost
Brandon High: 28 rush, 166 yards, 3 TD
Viron Ellison Jr: 5 rush, 46 yards
Corey Smith: 5 catches, 67 yards
Daniel Calloway: 8 tackles, 2 TFL, 0.5 sacks
Vontroy Malone: 2 tackles, 2 TFL, 2 sacks
Nunu Campbell: 3 tackles, 1 INT
Utah State Aggies (7-2)
Nathan Childress: 17-28, 134 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, 1 Rushing TD
Corbin Cottle: 16 rush, 74 yards
Zakkarii Black: 4 catches, 49 yards, 1 TD
Elias Guerrero: 11 tackles, 2 TFL, 1 sack
EJ Fisk: 6 tackles, 1 INT
Mason Edwards: 1 tackles, 1 INT
Player of the Game
HB Brandon High, Tulsa Golden Hurricane
Grind and Glory
damn what a huge upset win for you. High really carried the offense with Williams doing everything he could to lose it for you
Grind and Glory
Seems like a turning point with the commitments and the wins
Grind and Glory
High really giving his body for this team. Guy is just getting worn down with the wear and tear. Williams actually had a really good last drive. We gained a lot of yards through the air on some well executed passes and High just finished it off.
I hope so. I'm starting to get the feel for this team more. The defense can buck up for sure but that offense is a work in progress.
Grind and Glory
Week 8 American Results
Memphis 21 - #14 UTSA 19
Tulane 34 - USF 38
UAB 29 - Oregon State 31
Rice 10 - East Carolina 34
Temple 16 - Navy 10
Tulsa 21 - Utah State 14
Florida Atlantic 20 - Charlotte 13
Army 27 - North Texas 30
American Players of the Week
LE Vontroy Malone, Tulsa: 2 tackles, 2 sacks
HB Brandon High, Tulsa: 28 rush, 166 yards, 3 TDs
Tulsa Injuries
None
American Athletic Conference Standings
1. USF (5-2, 4-0)
2. Temple (4-3, 3-0)
3. Navy (4-2, 3-1)
4. #23 East Carolina (5-2, 2-1)
5. UAB (4-3, 2-1)
6. Memphis (3-4, 2-1)
7. North Texas (4-3, 2-1)
8. UTSA (6-2, 3-2)
9. Army (3-4, 2-3)
10. Florida Atlantic (3-4, 1-3)
11. Tulane (2-6, 1-3)
12. Tulsa (3-5, 1-4)
13. Charlotte (2-5, 0-3)
14. Rice (1-6, 0-3)
Top 25
1. Tennessee (7-1)
2. Oklahoma (7-1)
3. Georgia (6-1)
4. Alabama (6-1)
5. SMU (6-1)
6. Clemson (6-1)
7. Michigan (6-1)
8. Arizona State (6-1)
9. Miami (5-2)
10. Ohio State (5-2)
11. Penn State (5-2)
12. Nebraska (5-2)
13. Minnesota (6-1)
14. Texas A&M (4-3)
15. USC (4-3)
16. Florida State (5-2)
17. Washington (7-2)
18. Oregon (4-3)
19. Maryland (6-1)
20. North Carolina (5-2)
21. Liberty (6-1)
22. Texas Tech (7-2)
23. East Carolina (5-2)
24. Virginia (4-3)
25. Notre Dame (6-3)
Tulsa Upcoming Week
Vs North Texas (4-3, 2-1)
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Tulsa Adds Offensive Talent with Latest 2027 Commitments
Tulsa continued to bolster its 2027 recruiting class this week with the verbal commitments of offensive lineman Zach Wall and punter Phil Driver, adding more depth to the Golden Hurricane’s future roster.
Wall, a 6-foot-5, 321-pound left tackle from Pearland, Texas, is a three-star prospect ranked No. 785 nationally, No. 112 in Texas, and the No. 34 offensive tackle in the 2027 class. Known for his agility despite his size, Wall is a key addition to Tulsa’s offensive line, bringing both athleticism and the ability to protect the quarterback’s blind side.
Driver, a 6-foot-2, 185-pound punter from Beaumont, Texas, also committed to Tulsa as a three-star recruit. Ranked No. 842 nationally, No. 124 in Texas, and the No. 9 punter in the class, Driver’s accuracy and ability to pin opponents deep make him a valuable weapon in the field position game.
With the additions of Wall and Driver, Tulsa’s 2027 recruiting class continues to take shape, addressing key positions on both sides of the ball.
Tulsa continued to bolster its 2027 recruiting class this week with the verbal commitments of offensive lineman Zach Wall and punter Phil Driver, adding more depth to the Golden Hurricane’s future roster.
Wall, a 6-foot-5, 321-pound left tackle from Pearland, Texas, is a three-star prospect ranked No. 785 nationally, No. 112 in Texas, and the No. 34 offensive tackle in the 2027 class. Known for his agility despite his size, Wall is a key addition to Tulsa’s offensive line, bringing both athleticism and the ability to protect the quarterback’s blind side.
Driver, a 6-foot-2, 185-pound punter from Beaumont, Texas, also committed to Tulsa as a three-star recruit. Ranked No. 842 nationally, No. 124 in Texas, and the No. 9 punter in the class, Driver’s accuracy and ability to pin opponents deep make him a valuable weapon in the field position game.
With the additions of Wall and Driver, Tulsa’s 2027 recruiting class continues to take shape, addressing key positions on both sides of the ball.
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Captain Canada
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Grind and Glory
Just caught up on this whole thing. Loved the move to Tulsa even though there has certainly been some growing pains. Hopefully things turn around sooner rather than later with a strong recruiting class.