The pipeline from Colorado to the national stage just got stronger.

Windsor High School offensive lineman Deacon Schmitt — a four-star guard and top prospect in the Class of 2026 — officially committed to the University of Oklahoma on Wednesday, announcing his decision in front of a packed gymnasium full of family, teammates, coaches, and media.

Flanked by his parents, Windsor staff, and longtime trainer Matt McChesney of Six Zero Academy, Schmitt ended his recruitment with a defining moment: picking the Sooners over Alabama and Colorado.

“I personally think Oklahoma is O-line U,” Schmitt said after revealing his decision. “I’m playing for the best offensive line coach in the country in Coach B [Bill Bedenbaugh]. It’s different there. It’s a brotherhood. When I was on my visit, I really got to experience that. I fit in really well with the guys and the alumni support is huge.”

At 6-foot-5 and 320 pounds, Schmitt has been a force on the field since his underclassman days. Ranked No. 1in the state by ESPN, he’s regarded as one of the top interior offensive linemen in the country, known for his physicality, polished footwork, and relentless motor.

“Coach Venables is a great dude. Coach B is a great dude,” he added. “They love football and they love relationships — and to me, that’s what it’s all about. It’s not just football, it’s life after football too.”

Colorado Talent, National Respect

Schmitt’s commitment continues a growing trend of elite-level prospects emerging from Colorado, especially in the trenches — a trend McChesney has worked to spotlight through his work at Six Zero Academy.

“This place is a hotbed — people just don’t know it,” said McChesney, a former CU Buff and NFL lineman who’s trained dozens of top recruits. “If you’ve been gifted with the three Gs — genetics, girth, and gravity — and you grow into them the right way, you’re going to be a dominant big. Deacon is that guy.”

McChesney’s resume includes coaching players like Dalton Risner, Josh Bates, and Drake Nugent, and he’s been a major voice pushing for Colorado linemen to get national attention.

“Deacon is about as mean as it gets with a helmet on — and as respectful as it gets off the field,” McChesney said. “That’s a lethal combination. You can’t teach that flip-switch mindset.”

“First play of last season, he took a D-end 50-yards downfield and dumped him in front of the ref. That’s not just physical — that’s mental dominance. That’s a dog.”

Choosing Oklahoma

Though the Sooners weren’t the only big-name program in pursuit — Alabama and Colorado were heavy contenders — Schmitt said Oklahoma simply stood out.

“I knew for a little while,” he admitted. “These decisions are so hard, and I’m just so grateful for everyone who recruited me. I haven’t had a bad experience. It’s been a great ride — and I’m happy to be committed to one place.”

McChesney credited Oklahoma’s offensive line coach Bill Bedenbaugh for consistently recognizing and recruiting elite Colorado talent.

“Coach Bedenbaugh recruits the hell out of the gym,” McChesney said. “He’s straightforward. He knows his product is elite, and he’s just looking for the right kind of guy mentally. Deacon fits that to a T. This is a massive get for Boomer Sooner.”

Six Zero & the Grind Behind the Glory

Schmitt has trained for years at Six Zero Academy, where he credits McChesney and the program for shaping his edge and work ethic.

“Six Zero is where it’s at,” Schmitt said. “Big Matt — I love that guy to pieces. Without him, none of this would be possible. It’s a grind in there. It’s not for the weak. You’ve got to be mentally tough and physically strong.”

McChesney echoed the sentiment that success in the trenches goes far beyond size.

“There are a lot of big guys who are soft,” he said. “But when you get a big dude who knows what he is — and can turn it on and off — you’re dealing with something rare. Deacon figured that out young, and that’s why he’s going to be elite.”

Legacy and Next Steps

Schmitt now turns his attention to his upcoming senior season at Windsor, where he’ll anchor a team with serious postseason aspirations. Despite his national profile, he remains grounded in his goals.

“Now it’s about finishing strong here,” he said. “We’ve got a great team at Windsor, and I want to lead us all the way. That’s the next goal.”

When asked what advice he would offer younger athletes following his path, Schmitt’s answer was simple — and lived.

“Just put your head down and work,” he said. “I know at times it’s hard, but if you do the work, God has a plan for you.”

Oklahoma is getting a mauler, a technician, and a leader. Colorado is sending out another national recruit. And Deacon Schmitt — still only entering his junior year — is just getting started.