**BREAKING: Minnesota LB Cody Lindenberg Plans to Commit to Oklahoma**

In a major development for both the University of Minnesota and the University of Oklahoma, highly touted linebacker Cody Lindenberg has announced that he intends to commit to the Sooners. The decision, expected to send ripples throughout the college football world, marks the end of a recruitment saga that had been building for months. The 6-foot-3, 220-pound linebacker from Minnesota’s class of 2024 is a versatile and dynamic player who has attracted attention from some of the top college programs across the country. However, after much speculation and deliberation, Lindenberg has reportedly decided that Oklahoma is where he will take the next step in his football journey.

### The Player: Cody Lindenberg

Cody Lindenberg is one of the most highly-regarded linebackers in the 2024 recruiting cycle. Known for his elite athleticism, high football IQ, and leadership on and off the field, Lindenberg has excelled at the high school level for the Eden Prairie Eagles in Eden Prairie, Minnesota. Throughout his high school career, he has showcased his ability to excel in both pass coverage and run defense, making him a rare dual-threat linebacker in today’s game. His performance in the 2023 season only increased his stock, as he finished with over 100 tackles, several sacks, and multiple interceptions, all while playing in a competitive high school football program.

Lindenberg is a player who possesses a combination of speed, strength, and agility that allows him to cover ground quickly, read plays effectively, and make tackles in a variety of situations. Scouts have pointed to his natural ability to diagnose plays as one of his strongest attributes. With his high football IQ, he’s able to anticipate offensive movements, giving him a distinct advantage when it comes to disrupting plays in the backfield.

In addition to his defensive prowess, Lindenberg is also known for his leadership qualities. As a captain for Eden Prairie, he’s demonstrated the ability to motivate his teammates and step up in critical moments. His maturity and work ethic have drawn rave reviews from coaches, making him one of the most coveted prospects in the Midwest.

### Oklahoma’s Recruitment of Lindenberg

Oklahoma’s interest in Lindenberg has been evident for some time. The Sooners have been known for their strong defensive programs in recent years, and they have been looking to bolster their linebacker corps with a player of Lindenberg’s caliber. Oklahoma has consistently been one of the top programs in the Big 12, and the addition of Lindenberg would give them an instant impact player who could make an immediate difference on defense.

Oklahoma’s defensive coordinator, Ted Roof, has been particularly active in the recruitment of Lindenberg, emphasizing how his skill set aligns with the Sooners’ defensive needs. Oklahoma has historically favored linebackers who are quick, agile, and able to play both in coverage and in the box, and Lindenberg fits that mold perfectly. His ability to move laterally and quickly change direction makes him an ideal candidate for the Sooners’ defense, which often requires linebackers to make quick decisions and respond to fast-paced offenses.

Lindenberg’s versatility and adaptability on the field are qualities that Oklahoma has emphasized throughout their recruitment efforts. The Sooners are looking for a linebacker who can contribute both on first and second downs and also excel in coverage situations during passing downs. Lindenberg’s skill set has made him a priority for Oklahoma’s coaching staff, who have worked hard to keep the Sooners in the race for his commitment.

### Minnesota’s Efforts to Keep Lindenberg

The University of Minnesota, where Lindenberg has long been considered a potential in-state commit, has also made a significant push to retain his services. Minnesota has been in the mix for Lindenberg for years, given his proximity and family ties to the program. The Golden Gophers have been a staple in his recruitment, and at one point, they were seen as the favorite to land him.

However, despite their efforts, Minnesota faced challenges in keeping Lindenberg on board. The Gophers’ coaching staff made several pitches to Lindenberg, highlighting the opportunity to stay close to home, play in the Big Ten, and be part of a rising program that has shown flashes of competitiveness in recent seasons. The Gophers’ defensive staff, particularly linebackers coach and defensive coordinator Joe Rossi, had worked tirelessly to make Lindenberg feel comfortable with the idea of being the centerpiece of Minnesota’s defensive future.

Nevertheless, Lindenberg’s decision to move away from his home state and commit to Oklahoma is a major blow to Minnesota’s recruiting efforts. Lindenberg had long been a pillar of the state’s high school football community, and his potential decision to leave could signal challenges for the Golden Gophers in maintaining their recruiting momentum in Minnesota.

### The Decision: What This Means for Oklahoma

The addition of Cody Lindenberg to the Oklahoma Sooners’ football program is a massive coup for head coach Brent Venables and his staff. Venables, who took over as Oklahoma’s head coach in 2022, has been focused on improving the Sooners’ defense, which has struggled in recent seasons. Lindenberg’s commitment provides an instant upgrade at linebacker, a position that has been a key focus of Venables’ defensive philosophy.

Lindenberg’s ability to make plays sideline to sideline, combined with his physicality, will give Oklahoma a linebacker who can step in immediately and potentially start as a true freshman. His speed and athleticism will also allow him to fit seamlessly into Venables’ system, which places a premium on speed and intelligence.

Beyond the immediate impact on the field, Lindenberg’s commitment adds another feather in the cap for Oklahoma’s recruiting efforts. The Sooners have been actively working to reload their defense after a down year in 2023, and Lindenberg’s commitment sends a strong message to other recruits about the program’s commitment to developing elite talent on that side of the ball.

### Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Cody Lindenberg?

While Cody Lindenberg’s decision to commit to Oklahoma represents a major milestone in his recruitment, it is only the beginning of what will surely be a highly anticipated collegiate career. Lindenberg is expected to make an immediate impact when he arrives in Norman, but he also faces the challenge of adjusting to the speed and complexity of college football.

The Sooners will likely integrate Lindenberg into their defensive schemes quickly, and it will be fascinating to see how he adapts to the rigors of playing at the highest level of college football. His versatility will allow him to play a number of different roles, but one thing is certain: he will be expected to contribute immediately.

For Oklahoma, Lindenberg’s commitment marks a step forward in their quest to return to national prominence. With a solid foundation of recruits and the leadership of Brent Venables, the Sooners are positioning themselves to be a force in the Big 12 and beyond for years to come.

As Lindenberg prepares to make his decision official, the Sooners are already looking ahead to how they will incorporate him into their defensive schemes. Oklahoma fans will be watching closely, eager to see how this highly-touted recruit can help them return to prominence on the national stage.