Done Deal: No. 1 American 5-Star QB Shocks College Football World With Commitment to Oklahoma Sooners Over Alabama, Clemson, and Ohio State.
In a stunning turn of events that has sent shockwaves through the college football landscape, the nation’s top-ranked 5-star quarterback, Jackson Rivers, announced his commitment to the Oklahoma Sooners. Rivers, who is regarded as a generational talent and the No. 1 prospect in the 2024 recruiting class, chose Oklahoma over powerhouse programs such as Alabama, Clemson, and Ohio State.
Those in the know anticipated the quarterback’s choice would be between the traditional football powerhouses, but Rivers had other plans. The 6-foot-4, 220-pound standout from Dallas, Texas, made the announcement via a live stream on his social media platforms, revealing his intentions to don the crimson and cream of the Sooners.
“I want to thank God and my family for supporting me throughout this process,” Rivers said, visibly emotional during the announcement. “After visiting Norman and seeing the community, the coaching staff, and the incredible potential for my development as a player, I knew this was the right fit for me. I’m excited to rush into an offense that is known for developing quarterbacks and I can’t wait to get to work!”
Rivers’s decision comes as a significant blow to traditional powers like Alabama and Clemson, both of whom have been perennial contenders for the nation’s top recruits. Alabama’s head coach Nick Saban and Clemson’s Dabo Swinney had reportedly been in a fierce recruitment battle for Rivers, each making their case for why their program could better serve his talent.
Oklahoma head coach Brent Venables, who has worked diligently to restore the program’s reputation defensively while maintaining its offensive prowess, expressed his excitement over Rivers’s commitment. “Jackson is not just a phenomenal quarterback; he is a leader, a competitor, and someone who embodies what we stand for at Oklahoma. We believe he can take us back to the top of college football,” said Venables in a statement.
The Sooners had been looking to bolster their quarterback depth after losing their previous starter. Rivers fits the bill with his dual-threat capabilities, arm strength, and poise in the pocket, making him an ideal successor in Oklahoma’s fast-paced offense.
Recruiting analysts are already buzzing about how Rivers’s choice will alter the dynamics of college football for years to come. Given Oklahoma’s history of developing quarterbacks—producing NFL talents like Baker Mayfield, Kyler Murray, and Jalen Hurts—Rivers’s decision could signal the beginning of a new golden age for the program.
The commitment adds further excitement to the Sooners’ 2024 recruiting class, which has already garnered significant attention. With Rivers leading the way, Oklahoma looks poised to compete not only for Big 12 championships but also for a spot in the College Football Playoff in the coming years.
As the college football world processes this impressive coup by the Sooners, all eyes will be on Jackson Rivers and how he helps to shape Oklahoma’s future on the gridiron.
