The recruitment saga surrounding Oklahoma Sooners’ quarterback commit Jaden O’Neal is intensifying, and fans should be paying close attention. O’Neal recently dropped a hint on social media that has many speculating about a possible flip to the Arizona Wildcats after a weekend visit. In a post featuring him alongside his mentor, Ortege Jenkins—who himself was a standout quarterback for Arizona and a member of the Wildcats’ Ring of Honor—O’Neal posed the intriguing question, “Will the crown be passed down?”
This cryptic message adds another layer to a story that has been developing for some time. O’Neal, who committed to the Sooners last summer, was thought to be a solid lock for Oklahoma’s 2026 class. However, things changed when the Sooners extended an offer to another quarterback, Bowe Bentley, shortly after the arrival of new offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle. Bentley’s stock has skyrocketed since then, and he’s now weighing options between Oklahoma and LSU, turning up the heat in the competitive recruiting landscape.
In the wake of Oklahoma’s offer to Bentley, O’Neal tweeted about an unexpected offer from Georgia, marking the first public indication of interest from another school since his commitment to the Sooners. A subsequent visit to Georgia further fueled speculation, but with the Bulldogs securing a top quarterback commitment, the team has stepped back from pursuing both O’Neal and Bentley.
Despite the swirling uncertainties, there are still compelling reasons to believe that O’Neal’s heart remains with the Sooners. His recent move from California to Oklahoma to play his senior year at Mustang High School has him firmly entrenched in the local scene. Notably, he has claimed the top spot in the state rankings by 247Sports Composite, showcasing his immense talent and potential. Moreover, Oklahoma’s coaching staff has remained active in their pursuit of O’Neal, with visits to his home just a few weeks ago signifying their strong interest.
However, O’Neal isn’t closing any doors. With an official visit to Florida State scheduled for June 15 following his trip to Arizona, and a planned appearance in Norman on June 20 during Oklahoma’s ChampU recruiting weekend, it’s clear that he is exploring all his options.
Meanwhile, Bentley’s imminent official visit to Oklahoma, following a recent trip to LSU, could be a major turning point for both recruits. If Bentley secures a commitment, it could shape O’Neal’s next move significantly. The Sooners face a crucial moment; they must navigate a scenario where losing both top quarterback targets would force a complete rebuilding of their plans in the shadow of an action-packed official visit season.
In the world of college football recruiting, every update carries weight, and this unfolding drama is no exception. Keep an eye on these developments as the recruiting landscape continues to shift. The future of Oklahoma’s quarterback room may depend on the decisions made in the coming weeks.
