In a dramatic and heartfelt announcement, four-star quarterback Jaden O’Neal has officially decommitted from the Oklahoma Sooners — ending what many believed would be the beginning of a legendary career in Norman.
O’Neal, the No. 1 prospect in OU’s 2026 class, made his emotional decision public late Thursday night in a transparent message on social media, saying he will now take his talent “where it is wanted, appreciated and needed most.”
The California native had committed to the Sooners nearly a year ago, but cracks began to show when the coaching staff underwent a major shake-up. Offensive coordinator Seth Littrell, who initially recruited O’Neal, was fired midseason by head coach Brent Venables. That move changed everything for the young quarterback.
Despite OU’s struggles on the field and Littrell’s dismissal, O’Neal remained loyal. He even transferred to Mustang High School in Oklahoma this spring to be closer to the Sooners ahead of his senior season. But once new offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle arrived, he offered another quarterback — Bowe Bentley — who quickly skyrocketed in the recruiting ranks, eventually surpassing O’Neal.
The Sooners’ interest visibly shifted toward Bentley, and O’Neal began exploring his options. Georgia came calling in January. Then came official visits to Arizona and Florida State, with Florida State emerging as a strong contender following a recent Crystal Ball prediction by recruiting experts.
In his statement, O’Neal expressed gratitude to the former OU staff — notably omitting any mention of the current coaches. He thanked Littrell, Jack Lowary, and Ty Hatch, all of whom are no longer with the program.
“This is not the end of my journey — just the next chapter,” O’Neal wrote. “I understand that college football is a business, and with that comes constant change and the pressure to produce results.”
Sources say the Sooners are now aggressively recruiting Bentley and hope to bring him back to campus this weekend, while O’Neal’s future appears to be narrowing down to Florida State, Arizona, or possibly Georgia.
For Oklahoma, it’s another tough loss in a recruiting cycle full of shifting tides. For Jaden O’Neal, it’s the beginning of a new chapter — one where loyalty must meet opportunity.
