Oklahoma Sooners Flip Oklahoma State QB Commit Jett Niu in Early Signing Period Drama
The Oklahoma Sooners just made a major splash in the early signing period, flipping three-star quarterback Jett Niu from their in-state rivals, the Oklahoma State Cowboys. The announcement came on Wednesday morning, sending shockwaves through the college football recruiting world. Niu, a 6-foot-2 quarterback from Lehi, Utah, is ranked as ESPN’s No. 73 pocket passer prospect in the 2025 class. This move comes as a significant win for the Sooners, who have been looking to fill a key gap in their 2025 recruiting class.
For Oklahoma, this flip couldn’t have come at a better time. The Sooners had been left scrambling after four-star quarterback Kevin Sperry, ranked No. 132 in the ESPN 300, flipped his commitment to Florida State late last month. Niu’s decision to join Oklahoma provides a much-needed boost to the program’s future quarterback depth chart.
In a heartfelt statement posted to social media, Niu explained his decision: “After much thought and reflection, I’ve decided to decommit from Oklahoma State and commit to the University of Oklahoma. I am incredibly grateful for the amazing support and opportunities I received from Oklahoma State and their coaching staff. Thank you for believing in me and helping me grow. I’m looking forward to this new chapter at OU and can’t wait to see what the future holds!”
From Appalachian State to Oklahoma: Niu’s Journey
Niu’s recruiting journey has been nothing short of eventful. Initially committed to Appalachian State, he later pledged to Oklahoma State on September 10, choosing the Cowboys over interest from programs like Washington State, Arizona, and Arkansas State. However, the recent hiring of Washington State offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle by Oklahoma appears to have been a game-changer. Arbuckle, a 29-year-old rising star in the coaching world, had previously offered Niu a spot at Washington State. Now, the two will reunite in Norman, Oklahoma, as the Sooners prepare for potential changes in their quarterback room with the uncertain futures of Jackson Arnold and Michael Hawkins Jr. in 2025.
Niu’s on-field performance has been equally impressive. He emerged as a breakout star during his junior season at Lehi High School, throwing for 3,005 yards and 33 touchdowns. As a senior, he continued to shine, leading his team to a 9-3 record while racking up 2,857 yards, 29 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions. His ability to deliver under pressure and put up big numbers makes him a valuable addition to the Sooners’ roster.
Recruiting Rollercoaster: Gains and Losses for Oklahoma
While the Sooners celebrated Niu’s commitment, the day wasn’t without its setbacks. Just minutes after Niu’s announcement, Oklahoma lost the commitment of four-star wide receiver Cortez Mills, ranked No. 120 in the ESPN 300. Mills flipped to Nebraska, marking the latest blow to Oklahoma’s wide receiver class for 2025. Earlier in the week, four-star wide receiver Marcus Harris (No. 138 in the ESPN 300) decommitted from the Sooners and pledged to Washington. Additionally, three-star pass catcher Gracen Harris remains uncommitted after pulling his pledge from Oklahoma on Monday.
These departures leave the Sooners without a single wide receiver committed in the 2025 cycle, a concerning development for a program that prides itself on its high-powered offense. The loss of Mills, Harris, and Gracen Harris underscores the challenges Oklahoma faces in maintaining its recruiting momentum as it transitions to the SEC in the near future.
What’s Next for the Sooners?
Despite the ups and downs, Oklahoma began the early signing period ranked No. 16 in ESPN’s latest class rankings for the 2025 cycle. The addition of Jett Niu is a step in the right direction, but the Sooners will need to work quickly to rebuild their wide receiver class and solidify their standing among the nation’s top programs.
Here’s a quick recap of the key developments:
- Jett Niu flips to Oklahoma: The three-star quarterback from Utah fills a critical gap in the Sooners’ 2025 class.
- Wide receiver woes: Oklahoma loses commitments from Cortez Mills, Marcus Harris, and Gracen Harris, leaving them without a pass catcher in the 2025 cycle.
- Coaching connection: The hiring of Ben Arbuckle played a pivotal role in securing Niu’s commitment.
As the early signing period continues, all eyes will be on Oklahoma to see how they navigate these challenges and capitalize on their recent successes. Can the Sooners turn the tide and finish strong in the 2025 recruiting cycle? One thing’s for sure: the drama is far from over.
Originally Written by: Tom VanHaaren
