Eli Merck is a wide receiver from Norris, South Carolina who starred at D.W. Daniel High School, where he set a program record with 3,233 career receiving yards while recording 183 receptions and 49 total touchdowns. He led his team to consecutive undefeated seasons and Class AAA SCHSL state titles, with over 1,000 receiving yards in each of his final three seasons. Merck enrolled at Oklahoma in June 2023 and redshirted that season after appearing in two games against Arkansas State and Tulsa. He was named to the SEC Fall Academic Honor Roll in 2024 but did not see playing time. The RS JR returns to the Sooners for the 2026 season as a management major.