Jaden O’Neal, a 6-foot-3, 200-pound quarterback from Narbonne High School in Harbor City, California, committed to the Sooners on June 24, 2024. His decision was influenced by Oklahoma’s strong tradition of developing quarterbacks and the supportive coaching staff led by head coach Brent Venables and offensive coordinator Seth Littrell. O’Neal expressed confidence in his choice, stating that he felt wanted and valued by the program .
Despite O’Neal’s commitment, the Sooners have continued to recruit other quarterbacks for the 2026 class. Notably, four-star quarterback Bowe Bentley from Celina High School in Texas received an offer from Oklahoma and visited Norman multiple times. Bentley’s impressive junior season and subsequent rise in recruiting rankings have made him a sought-after prospect, leading to concerns about his potential commitment to the Sooners .
Additionally, the Sooners extended an offer to Dereon Coleman, a dual-threat quarterback from Jones High School in Florida. Coleman, who has over 15 offers from various programs, expressed excitement about the opportunity to play for Oklahoma, citing the program’s winning tradition and his admiration for the coaching staff .
In response to the growing interest in other quarterbacks, the Sooners have taken proactive measures to solidify O’Neal’s commitment. O’Neal’s father, Jerren, confirmed that his son remains fully committed to Oklahoma, dismissing any speculation about a potential decommitment. He clarified that a recent visit to Colorado was solely for O’Neal to observe Shedeur Sanders, a quarterback he admires, and not an indication of interest in transferring schools .
Furthermore, O’Neal’s decision to enroll at Mustang High School in Oklahoma for his senior season underscores his dedication to the program and his desire to integrate into the local community. His move to Oklahoma is seen as a strong signal of his commitment to the Sooners .
While the Oklahoma Sooners have extended offers to other quarterbacks in the 2026 class, their primary focus remains on retaining Jaden O’Neal’s commitment. The program’s proactive approach, including supporting O’Neal’s transition to Oklahoma and addressing any concerns about other recruits, demonstrates their commitment to securing top talent and maintaining stability in their recruiting efforts. As the 2026 recruiting cycle progresses, the Sooners’ ability to manage multiple quarterback prospects will be crucial in shaping the future of their program.
