Latest news with #BoweBentley
Yahoo
4 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Oklahoma 2026 QB target shines at Elite 11 finals
While Oklahoma's quarterback situation remains a mystery in the 2026 recruiting class, one of their targets is having a week at the Elite 11 Finals in California. Four-star quarterback and Oklahoma Sooners target, Bowe Bentley, has performed well at the Elite 11 finals and earned the distinction of top performer from night two by Rivals recruiting expert Adam Gorney. Down to Oklahoma and LSU, Bentley delivered arguably the best performance of the night. What we loved the most is that the Celina, Texas four-star was firing the ball on most throws, really spinning it and getting it there with purpose. He was good throwing from the pocket, escaping pressure, resetting and getting it out and hitting receivers on every kind of route. It was a really strong, impressive showing that showed off a range of skills. - Gorney, Rivals In addition to Gorney's praise, Bentley earned high praise from 247Sports recruiting analysts Andrew Ivins and Tom Loy, who lauded Bentley's intermediate passing ability. Charles Power of On3 liked what he saw from Bentley and said he was 18 of 20 on his throws. Bentley is an incredible dual-threat quarterback. He can throw to all levels and has the athleticism and speed to create big plays with his legs. He's drawn some comparisons to Oklahoma starting quarterback John Mateer after an undefeated season for Celina. In his junior season, Bentley threw for 3,211 yards and 47 touchdowns and ran for 923 yards and 16 more scores on the ground. Advertisement The Oklahoma Sooners are working to secure a commitment from Bentley. Both OU and LSU hosted Bentley for an official visit in the last month, and both schools feel like they're in a strong position to earn his pledge. This article originally appeared on Sooners Wire: 4-Star QB Bowe Bentley shines on night two of Elite 11 finals
Yahoo
4 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Oklahoma Sooners QB commit predicted to flip to Florida State
The Oklahoma Sooners quarterback situation has been a roller coaster ride in the 2026 recruiting class. The Sooners have a four-star quarterback, Jaden O'Neal, committed to the class. He's been pledged to OU since last summer. However, Ben Arbuckle and Oklahoma's pursuit of four-star quarterback Bowe Bentley has put that commitment on shaky ground. O'Neal originally committed to former offensive coordinator Seth Littrell, but remained committed to the Sooners throughout the offensive coordinator turnover that brought Arbuckle to Norman. Advertisement Since the Sooners offered Bentley back in January, the word was OU wanted to sign two signal callers in the 2026 cycle. Though unlikely, Oklahoma was able to keep O'Neal committed even as it pursued Bentley. But that commitment may not stick much longer. O'Neal just completed an official visit to Tallahassee with the Florida State Seminoles, a place the four-star prospect has visited twice over the last few months. Not long after the visit, Zach Blostein of Noles247 issued a crystal ball prediction, expecting O'Neal to flip his commitment to Florida State. "To see that energy displayed time and time again, it shows the consistency," O'Neal told Noles247. "And the support staff around him as well, it shows that he knows what he's doing. He has a couple vets in there, a couple Pro Bowlers. Coach knows what he's doing." Head coach Mike Norvell, offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn, and the Seminoles have heavily pursued O'Neal over the last six months, hoping to pull him away from the Sooners. Though there hasn't been any decision made, Florida State looks like it has made a major play to get the blue-chip prospect away from OU. Advertisement While the college football world, specifically Oklahoma and LSU, await a decision from Bentley, O'Neal may not wait for an announcement to decide to switch his pledge to Florida State. Contact/Follow us @SoonersWire on X, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oklahoma news, notes, and opinions. You can also follow John on X @john9williams. This article originally appeared on Sooners Wire: Oklahoma QB commit Jaden O'Neal predicted to flip to Florida State
Yahoo
4 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
4-Star QB Jaden O'Neal decommits from Oklahoma Sooners
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. Advertisement 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. More: Oklahoma 2026 QB target shines at Elite 11 finals 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Contact/Follow us @SoonersWire on X, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oklahoma news, notes, and opinions. You can also follow John on X @john9williams. This article originally appeared on Sooners Wire: 4-Star QB Jaden O'Neal decommits from the Oklahoma Sooners
Yahoo
4 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Oklahoma attempting to get Bowe Bentley on campus for ChampU BBQ per report
The Oklahoma Sooners' 2026 quarterback recruiting took a turn late Thursday night when Jaden O'Neal decommitted from the Sooners. That leaves the Sooners to focus entirely on four-star quarterback Bowe Bentley. In the wake of O'Neal's decommitment, the Sooners are looking to get Bentley back on campus this weekend, according to ESPN's Eli Lederman (formerly of Tulsa World). Bently just completed a strong showing in the Elite 11 finals in California this week. Advertisement Bentley was the top performer on night two of the Elite 11 finals after completing 18 of 20 passes and looking good in the Pro Day element of the drills. Analysts marveled at his accuracy and ability to throw on the move. It's that athleticism that's made him one of the more highly sought after quarterbacks over the last six months. The four-star quarterback out of Celina, Texas has seen a meteoric rise in the rankings this offseason. In 247Sports rankings back in November, he was considered the No. 296 player in the class. In March, he shot up to No. 75 overall in the class. Now Bentley is down to two schools, the Sooners and the LSU Tigers. According to Lederman, a decision could be coming sooner rather than later. If Oklahoma is able to get Bentley back on campus this weekend for the ChampU BBQ, just two weeks after his official visit at the beginning of June, it would be a significant development in his recruitment. Bowe Bentley Recruiting Profile Vitals Projected Position Quarterback Height 6-foot-1 Weight 200 pounds Hometown Celina, Texas Ratings Site Stars Overall Position State Rivals 4 102 10 15 ESPN 4 261 6 32 247Sports 4 78 7 12 247Sports Composite 4 94 10 14 On3 4 41 5 4 On3 Industry 4 76 7 11 Offers Per 247Sports Advertisement Oklahoma LSU Arizona Boston College Cal Cincinnati Colorado Duke East Carolina Florida State Georgia Georgia Tech Indiana Kansas State Missouri Ohio State Oklahoma State Texas Tech Tulane UCF USF UTEP UTSA Virginia Tech Wisconsin Appalachian State Arkansas State Colorado State North Texas Sam Houston Social Media Contact/Follow us @SoonersWire on X, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oklahoma news, notes, and opinions. You can also follow John on X @john9williams. This article originally appeared on Sooners Wire: Oklahoma Sooners working to get Bowe Bentley on campus per report
USA Today
4 hours ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Oklahoma attempting to get Bowe Bentley on campus for ChampU BBQ per report
Oklahoma attempting to get Bowe Bentley on campus for ChampU BBQ per report The Oklahoma Sooners' 2026 quarterback recruiting took a turn late Thursday night when Jaden O'Neal decommitted from the Sooners. That leaves the Sooners to focus entirely on four-star quarterback Bowe Bentley. In the wake of O'Neal's decommitment, the Sooners are looking to get Bentley back on campus this weekend, according to ESPN's Eli Lederman (formerly of Tulsa World). Bently just completed a strong showing in the Elite 11 finals in California this week. Bentley was the top performer on night two of the Elite 11 finals after completing 18 of 20 passes and looking good in the Pro Day element of the drills. Analysts marveled at his accuracy and ability to throw on the move. It's that athleticism that's made him one of the more highly sought after quarterbacks over the last six months. The four-star quarterback out of Celina, Texas has seen a meteoric rise in the rankings this offseason. In 247Sports rankings back in November, he was considered the No. 296 player in the class. In March, he shot up to No. 75 overall in the class. Now Bentley is down to two schools, the Sooners and the LSU Tigers. According to Lederman, a decision could be coming sooner rather than later. If Oklahoma is able to get Bentley back on campus this weekend for the ChampU BBQ, just two weeks after his official visit at the beginning of June, it would be a significant development in his recruitment. Bowe Bentley Recruiting Profile Vitals Projected Position Quarterback Height 6-foot-1 Weight 200 pounds Hometown Celina, Texas Ratings Site Stars Overall Position State Rivals 4 102 10 15 ESPN 4 261 6 32 247Sports 4 78 7 12 247Sports Composite 4 94 10 14 On3 4 41 5 4 On3 Industry 4 76 7 11 Offers Per 247Sports Oklahoma LSU Arizona Boston College Cal Cincinnati Colorado Duke East Carolina Florida State Georgia Georgia Tech Indiana Kansas State Missouri Ohio State Oklahoma State Texas Tech Tulane UCF USF UTEP UTSA Virginia Tech Wisconsin Appalachian State Arkansas State Colorado State North Texas Sam Houston Social Media Contact/Follow us @SoonersWire on X, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oklahoma news, notes, and opinions. You can also follow John on X @john9williams.
