Oklahoma Sooners fans shouldn’t panic about latest recruiting news as bigger things are on the horizon
Jakore Smith’s decommitment could panic fans, but there’s no need to worry just yet.
If you’ve kept up with the recruiting of the Oklahoma Sooners, you’d know they are aiming to finish the season hot on and off the field, closing on a College Football Playoff appearance and pushing for a top-15 recruiting class in 2026 just before Early Signing Period begins.
However, their efforts in the latter seemingly took an odd blow on Monday, as 2026 three-star linebacker Jakore Smith decommitted from the Sooners. Smith, an early commitment in the class, was a priority addition for this coaching staff over the summer.
Don’t panic about latest decommit, Sooners fans
This one might be a surprise for fans who have kept up with Oklahoma’s recruiting. Jakore Smith was one of the first commitments of the Sooners’ steadily rebuilt 2026 recruiting class, joining the Sooners way back in May. For a coaching staff that has done a great job of keeping guys committed through ups and downs, Oklahoma’s recent success should have kept every commit locked in, especially this close to Early Signing Period.
However, this may or may not have been a decision left entirely up to the player. This seems like a decision by the front office led by new general manager Jim Nagy to clear up a spot up for a different recruit to take his place (i.e. processing).
Keep in mind that the Sooners are expecting a decision from 2026 linebacker Dane Bathurst soon, who is primarily being recruited by Oklahoma’s inside linebackers coach Nate Dreiling. They are also reopening doors to try and pull back in other recruits committed elsewhere and get involved late in the process with players they believe are hidden gems. The staff is sending the house just before Early Signing Period begins to try and finish the cycle with their best possible class.
In an interview with Rivals, Smith admitted Oklahoma wasn’t making him a priority anymore. They dropped his NIL and said they wouldn’t budge off his price. Essentially, they cleared room for other players.
So even if it feels odd, don’t panic.
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