4-Star QB Jaden O'Neal decommits from Oklahoma Sooners
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The Oklahoma Sooners quarterback recruitment in the 2026 recruiting class has been one of the top storylines as spring gives way to Summer.
Late Thursday night, Jaden O'Neal decommitted from the Oklahoma Sooners, according to Hayes Fawcett of On3. This comes after an official visit earlier in the week with Florida State and on the eve of the ChampU BBQ weekend in Norman, which takes place June 20-22.
On Wednesday, a crystal ball was issued by Noles247 contributor Zach Blostein. That was followed on Thursday afternoon with a prediction flip from Florida State insider for Noles247, Brendan Sonnone. At that point, it seemed like a decommitment was imminent.
Oklahoma's quarterback situation was in flux not long after Ben Arbuckle arrived as the permanent solution at offensive coordinator. O'Neal originally committed to play for the Sooners when Seth Littrell was the offensive coordinator. Though Littrell was relieved of his duties after the loss to South Carolina, O'Neal remained committed. However, Arbuckle and the Oklahoma Sooners offered fast-rising quarterback Bowe Bentley out of Celina, Texas.
There was discussion that the Sooners were hoping to sign two quarterbacks in the class. However, became more and more likely over the last few months that that wasn't going to be the case. O'Neal began taking visits to Florida State, Auburn, and Arizona while Bentley narrowed his recruitment to Oklahoma and LSU. Bentley hasn't made a decision, but O'Neal doesn't seem interested in waiting around to find out.
The eventual landing spot for O'Neal seems most likely to be Florida State at this point. If he commits to Mike Norvell and the Seminoles and signs to play for Florida State, that will be the second quarterback in the last two recruiting classes who was committed to OU but flipped to Florida State. Kevin Sperry was committed to Oklahoma for a long time before changing his pledge before the 2025 early signing period.
O'Neal is considered the No. 14 quarterback in the 247Sports Composite rankings and marks the second decommitment on the offensive side of the ball this week, following interior offensive lineman Will Conroy, who committed to North Carolina.
Now, the Sooners fully set their sights on locking up a commitment from Bowe Bentley and making sure they keep that pledge to signing day.
Statement from Jaden O'Neal
It is with deep gratitude and heavy heart that I announce my decommitment from the University of Oklahoma. When I committed to OU nearly a year ago, I felt a genuine connection to the program. I was recruited by Coach Seth Littrell and I believed in the vision and support I felt from the entire Sooner family.
More than just my talent or skill set, I appreciated how the staff respected me for who I am and for the values my parents instilled in me.
But a lot has changed since last June. I understand that college football is a business, and with that comes constant change and the pressure to produce results.
After much prayer, thoughtful conversations with my family and those closet to me, I've made the decision to reopen my recruitment.
I want to personally thank Coach Seth Littrell, Coach Jack Lowary, and Coach Ty Hatch for believing in me -- not just as a quarterback but as a young man. I also want to thank Sooner Nation for embracing me and supporting me throughout the past year. That love has never gone unnoticed.
To my parents, thank you for your unwavering support from the first time I picked up a football at five years old. And to my coach, Lee Blankenship, and my teammates at Mustang High School, thank you for standing by me. Let's go chase greatness together. This is not the end of my journey, just the next chapter. I will take my talent where it is wanted, appreciated, and needed most.
AG2G🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/Ll63bjXPXK— Jaden O’Neal (@Jadenoneal_26) June 20, 2025
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This article originally appeared on Sooners Wire: 4-Star QB Jaden O'Neal decommits from the Oklahoma Sooners
