Jim Nagy Compares Newest Oklahoma Sooners Offensive Addition to One of NFL’s All-Time Great Playmakers, Raves About Game-Changing Ability
In the ever-competitive world of college football recruiting, it’s rare for a newcomer to make such a profound impression before even stepping onto the field. But that’s exactly what has happened with the Oklahoma Sooners’ latest offensive addition—an explosive athlete whose talent has already drawn comparisons to one of the greatest playmakers in NFL history.
Senior Bowl Executive Director and longtime NFL scout Jim Nagy didn’t hold back his enthusiasm when discussing the Sooners’ new offensive weapon during a recent interview. According to Nagy, this young prospect possesses game-breaking ability reminiscent of none other than Pro Football Hall of Famer Steve Smith Sr., the legendary Carolina Panthers and Baltimore Ravens wide receiver known for his intensity, toughness, and big-play potential.
“Watching the tape, it’s hard not to see shades of Steve Smith,” Nagy said. “The explosiveness, the competitive edge, the ability to turn a routine catch into a highlight-reel moment—this kid is electric.”
Though Nagy didn’t name the player outright in the initial remarks, it has since been confirmed he was referring to Zion Ragins, the five-star wide receiver recruit out of Georgia who committed to the Oklahoma Sooners earlier this year. Ragins, who dominated at the high school level with elite speed and sharp route-running, has quickly become a fan favorite and a focal point of offensive coordinator Seth Littrell’s 2025 plans.
The Next Great Weapon in Norman?
Oklahoma’s offensive pedigree is legendary. From Sam Bradford to Kyler Murray to CeeDee Lamb, the Sooners have long been a factory for NFL-caliber talent. But according to multiple analysts, Zion Ragins brings a different kind of dynamic to the field—a blend of twitchy explosiveness and refined football IQ that makes him a threat every time he touches the ball.
“He’s not just fast—he’s football fast,” Nagy emphasized. “There’s a difference. Zion reads leverage incredibly well, adjusts to coverages mid-route, and when he gets the ball in space, it’s like a video game. The play isn’t over until he says it is.”
That versatility is part of what excites the Sooners’ coaching staff. Ragins can line up outside, in the slot, or even in the backfield, opening the door for gadget plays, end-arounds, and quick screens that can disrupt even the most disciplined defenses.
Comparisons to Steve Smith Sr.: More Than Just Speed
Steve Smith Sr., a five-time Pro Bowler and one of the NFL’s most feared receivers during his time, made a career out of playing bigger than his 5’9” frame. What made Smith special wasn’t just speed or strength—it was his relentless will to win, something that Nagy sees mirrored in Ragins.
“There’s a chip on his shoulder that’s very similar,” Nagy noted. “He doesn’t care if the guy across from him is 6’2” or runs a 4.3. Zion plays with heart, grit, and swagger. He knows he’s special, and that confidence bleeds into every rep.”
This attitude has already been on display during early practices in Norman. According to team insiders, Ragins has been fearless in drills, taking on veteran defensive backs and winning matchups more often than not. His willingness to compete at a high level—even before securing a full-time starting role—has impressed not only the coaches but also his teammates.
Brent Venables: “He’s Everything You Want in a Competitor”
Head coach Brent Venables, entering a crucial year in his quest to bring Oklahoma back to the top of the Big 12 before its official SEC debut in 2025, also weighed in on Ragins’ impact.
“He’s everything you want in a competitor,” Venables said. “He’s got that fire, that edge—but he’s also humble, coachable, and team-first. He listens, learns, and then goes out and executes with intensity. We’re incredibly fortunate to have him.”
Venables and his staff are expected to lean heavily on the team’s young offensive talent as they navigate a loaded conference schedule. With Ragins in the fold, Oklahoma suddenly looks much more dangerous—especially in games where one or two big plays can decide the outcome.
A Star on the Rise—and a New Era in Oklahoma
While it’s still early days, the buzz surrounding Zion Ragins is real. For a player yet to play a single down at the college level to draw comparisons to Steve Smith Sr. speaks volumes about both his raw potential and the belief the football world already has in him.
As the Sooners look to reclaim their status as national contenders, Ragins could be the missing piece in an offense ready to explode. If he lives up to even a fraction of the Steve Smith comparisons, Oklahoma fans are in for something special.
And as Jim Nagy concluded, “Players like this don’t come around often. When they do, you notice. You stop, rewind the tape, and just say—wow.”
Final Thoughts
The Oklahoma Sooners have landed a rare gem in Zion Ragins—an athlete with the mindset of a warrior and the tools of a future star. With the endorsement of a respected NFL talent evaluator like Jim Nagy and the full support of a staff known for maximizing offensive talent, Ragins’ rise could be meteoric. And for fans in Norman, the future just got a whole lot brighter.
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