Where Ole Miss, Oklahoma and Texas Turn After Missing on 4-Star Darrin Kirkland

Darrin Kirkland revealed his collegiate decision Monday afternoon during an announcement ceremony, verbally committing to play at Tennessee. The 4-star Indianapolis linebacker chose the Volunteers from a group of finalists that featured Texas, Ole Miss and Oklahoma:

Tennessee lands one of its top defensive targets in Kirkland, who decommitted from Michigan last month. The 6'2", 232-pound prospect picked up dozens of scholarship offers at Lawrence Central High School, where he tallied more than 200 tackles as an upperclassman.

Kirkland is considered the nation's fourth-best inside linebacker recruit in 247Sports' composite rankings. He's the latest addition to another top-10 recruiting class assembled by Tennessee coach Butch Jones and his staff.

While there's reason to celebrate in Knoxville, the commitment reveal will incite much different reactions on the campuses of his three other finalists. Let's take a look at what Kirkland's choice means for each program moving toward national signing day.

Oklahoma

The Sooners could use an infusion of defensive talent, and though Bob Stoops has done a solid job addressing his secondary during this cycle, there's a lot of work to do in that department. Oklahoma has struggled to land top-tier linebackers, and that remains the case after whiffing on Kirkland.

The team is set to welcome several quality additions at cornerback and should improve depth along the defensive line, but it must secure young, versatile talent in the middle. Oklahoma remains a contender for top-ranked outside linebacker Malik Jefferson, but the Sooners are a long shot, with Texas and Texas A&M leading the chase.

Fellow Texan Anthony Wheeler is a more realistic target. The Dallas Skyline High School standout has been a frequent guest in Norman since securing a Sooners offer in January.

Ole Miss

The Rebels are in much better shape at linebacker than Oklahoma in this class. Hugh Freeze is faced with the task of replacing the position coach, as ESPN's Derek Tyson (h/t CBS Sports' Jerry Hinnen) first reported Monday that Tom Allen had accepted a defensive coordinator opportunity at South Florida, but player commitments in place appear solid.

Top-rated inside linebacker Leo Lewis pledged to Ole Miss this season. The in-state star initially committed to Alabama and has the makings of an SEC stalwart.

Florida prospect Zedrick Woods and junior college pickup Terry Caldwell are best-suited for outside roles and should immediately challenge for special teams reps. Expect the Rebels to explore other options after seeing Kirkland head to a conference opponent, but edge-rushers CeCe Jefferson and Kyle Phillips are more crucial priorities than any inside linebacker at this stage.

Texas

Charlie Strong made a late push for the prized Indiana prospect, hosting Kirkland for an official visit earlier this month. Despite the trip to Austin, he elected to commit elsewhere, leaving the Longhorns with a need.

The new coaching regime is attempting to rebuild Texas' defensive approach and made some strides during its first season. However, the most impactful efforts will come from the recruiting trail.

No Texas target is currently more important than Malik Jefferson, who is also considering LSU, Texas A&M, Baylor, TCU, Oklahoma and UCLA. The 5-star Poteet High School linebacker can provide pass coverage, rush the quarterback and stuff the run when called upon.

Strong secured a commitment from 4-star outside linebacker Cameron Townsend in October. If he's able to pair him up with Jefferson, a culture change at Texas could accelerate on defense.

Recruit ratings courtesy of 247Sports.