Former Oklahoma Sooners Commit Flips to Florida State Seminoles.
A surprising shift in the college football recruiting landscape has taken place, as a former Oklahoma Sooners commit has now pledged his future to the Florida State Seminoles. The decision marks a major victory for the Seminoles and a notable loss for the Sooners, as the prospect in question had long been viewed as a foundational piece of Oklahoma’s future. His decommitment from Oklahoma sent ripples throughout the recruiting world, and his sudden switch to Florida State only adds to the intrigue surrounding the 2025 recruiting cycle.
The player, a highly touted recruit known for his explosiveness, athleticism, and versatility, originally committed to the Sooners amid much fanfare. Oklahoma had invested a considerable amount of time in his recruitment, and there was mutual excitement about the opportunity to develop within Brent Venables’ program. His commitment was seen not only as a symbol of the coaching staff’s recruiting prowess but also as an endorsement of the direction in which the Sooners were headed as they prepare to enter the SEC full-time.
However, as the months went on and the recruiting cycle matured, murmurs began to circulate about the player possibly reconsidering his pledge. While there was never any public indication of dissatisfaction with Oklahoma, those close to the situation noticed subtle signs. The prospect took unofficial visits elsewhere, maintained strong relationships with coaches outside of Norman, and left the door open for further exploration, despite his public commitment.
Florida State, under head coach Mike Norvell, never stopped pursuing him. Even after his pledge to Oklahoma, the Seminoles remained in contact, believing they still had a shot. They continued to pitch the idea of being a centerpiece in the Seminoles’ resurgence, stressing player development, a renewed winning culture, and the program’s ability to prepare elite talent for the NFL. Norvell’s staff leaned into their relationships and played the long game, fully understanding that the landscape of modern recruiting—fueled by NIL, coaching shifts, and conference realignments—has made it rare for top prospects to stick with their first choice.
What ultimately caused the flip wasn’t a single moment, but rather a steady build-up of belief in what Florida State had to offer. After an impressive visit to Tallahassee, one that featured face-to-face time with coaches, players, and future teammates, the player began to reevaluate. He was reportedly blown away by the facilities, the family atmosphere, and how much Florida State emphasized both football and life beyond it. The Seminoles emphasized that he would not only be developed as a player, but also mentored as a leader and a young man. That approach resonated with him and his family.
Moreover, the opportunity to be part of a team on the rise was too tempting to ignore. Florida State has shown steady improvement under Norvell, with recruiting success now translating to wins on the field. The culture in Tallahassee has become infectious, and the buzz around the program has made it one of the hottest destinations for elite high school talent. The staff’s aggressive yet honest recruiting approach has allowed them to flip several top-tier recruits over the past few cycles, and this most recent flip only adds to the momentum.
Meanwhile, for Oklahoma, this is a difficult pill to swallow. The Sooners have worked hard to reestablish their identity under Venables, particularly on defense, and this player was going to be a centerpiece of that rebuild. Losing such a talent to another national power—particularly in such a public fashion—stings. While Oklahoma has done well overall in recruiting, especially in the defensive trenches and the secondary, this flip creates a hole they’ll now look to fill either through another high school prospect or the transfer portal.
The Sooners will likely rebound. Brent Venables and his staff have proven resilient, capable of adjusting and continuing to land top-tier talent. Still, this situation underscores the competitive nature of modern college football recruiting. No commitment is final until the national letter of intent is signed, and even then, the transfer portal looms as a potential reshuffling mechanism. Coaches are well aware that keeping a player committed can be just as difficult as landing him in the first place.
In the bigger picture, this recruitment reflects the new reality for elite prospects. Players are increasingly choosing programs based not only on tradition and location, but on how the school fits their personal brand, development goals, and family priorities. NIL opportunities, conference strength, future coaching stability, and the presence of NFL alumni all play bigger roles than ever before. In this case, Florida State managed to check more boxes than Oklahoma when it counted most.
From the perspective of the player, the decision to flip wasn’t taken lightly. Decommitting from a prestigious program like Oklahoma comes with backlash, especially in the age of social media. But the maturity shown in handling the process—communicating with coaches, thanking the Sooners for their belief, and choosing what he believes is best for his future—has earned him respect in many recruiting circles. Ultimately, he prioritized what he believes to be the best fit for his development both on and off the field.
For Florida State, this is another statement win on the recruiting trail. The Seminoles continue to reassert themselves as a dominant force in the Southeast, challenging the likes of Georgia, Alabama, and LSU for top-tier talent. Norvell’s aggressive, relationship-driven strategy has paid dividends, and this latest commitment is evidence that elite players view Florida State as a viable destination once again. The buzz in Tallahassee is real, and fans have every reason to be optimistic about the future.
As for what comes next, both programs will pivot. Florida State will work to build around their new commitment, potentially using his flip as a recruiting tool to influence other targets. Oklahoma will continue to chase other top talent, and history suggests they won’t be down for long. But in this particular battle, the Seminoles came out on top, stealing away a player who once seemed destined to wear crimson and cream.
In recruiting, momentum is everything. A flip like this can inspire other recruits to reconsider their options and may signal a changing of the guard in certain regions. For Florida State, it shows that they are no longer just trying to catch up with the elite—they are becoming one of them again. For Oklahoma, it serves as a reminder that the race doesn’t end with a verbal commitment; it’s a constant process, one that requires vigilance and the ability to adapt quickly.
The broader college football world will watch with interest as this recruit makes the most of his time in Tallahassee. If he lives up to the hype—and all signs suggest he will—his flip will be seen not only as a win for Florida State but as a pivotal moment in the program’s return to national prominence. Every major recruiting class has a story-defining signature, and this player might very well be that for the Seminoles’ 2025 haul.
In the end, while the recruiting process may be full of twists and turns, it’s the development and performance at the collegiate level that ultimately defines a player’s legacy. Florida State believes it has landed a future star, and the excitement in Tallahassee is palpable. For Oklahoma, it’s back to the drawing board—though with the kind of talent they’re targeting, there’s every chance they’ll land another difference-maker soon.
One player’s decision can change the trajectory of two programs. In this case, Florida State walks away with the momentum, the headlines, and the commitment of one of the most electric prospects in the country. As for Oklahoma, they’ve lost a key piece—but their mission remains unchanged. The pursuit of greatness never stops, and neither does the intensity of college football recruiting.
