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OU football loses QB Jaden O'Neal from 2026 recruiting class amid Bowe Bentley battle
NORMAN — What was speculated for months is now official.
Four-star 2026 quarterback Jaden O'Neal decommitted from OU on Thursday night, he announced via social media. O'Neal had been committed to the Sooners since last June.
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"I was recruited by (former offensive coordinator) coach Seth Littrell and I believed in the vision and support I felt from the entire Sooner family," O'Neal wrote. "More than just my talent and 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."
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O'Neal's decision comes as the Sooners are in a hotly contested battle with LSU for four-star quarterback Bowe Bentley. Bentley visited OU earlier this month and is expected to make his decision soon.
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Bentley participated in Elite 11, the nation's premier quarterback competition, this past week in Los Angeles and ESPN reported Thursday night the Sooners are efforting heavily to get Bentley back on campus this weekend.
O'Neal, the No. 1 player in Oklahoma and No. 14 quarterback nationally according to 247Sports' Composite ranking, transferred from Narbonne High School in California to Mustang High School this past spring. He visited Florida State earlier this week.
O'Neal is the second commit the Sooners have lost this week, joining three-star interior offensive lineman Will Conroy, who flipped to North Carolina.
"I want to personally thank coach Seth Littrell, coach Jack Lowary and coach (Ty Hatchett) for believing in me," O'Neal wrote.
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Colton Sulley covers the Oklahoma Sooners for The Oklahoman. Have a story idea for Colton? He can be reached at csulley@ or on X/Twitter at @colton_sulley. Support Colton's work and that of other Oklahoman journalists by purchasing a digital subscription today at
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: OU football loses QB Jaden O'Neal from Sooners' 2026 recruiting class
