Oklahoma Sooners' elite 2026 player may be exploring his options with other big-time programs
The Oklahoma Sooners have their quarterback in John Mateer. But, an elite season in 2025 could have him going to the NFL next season. So, they have to recruit well to have a backup plan. Now, they do have Michael Hawkins still on the roster, along with stud quarterback Jett Niu, but they need to […]
The Oklahoma Sooners have their quarterback in John Mateer. But, an elite season in 2025 could have him going to the NFL next season. So, they have to recruit well to have a backup plan.
Now, they do have Michael Hawkins still on the roster, along with stud quarterback Jett Niu, but they need to continue to recruit past those two, because you simply just don't know what will happen between now and then.
And, they have done that with guys like Jaden O'Neal and Bowe Bentley. But, O'Neal could be exploring his options.
Jaden O'Neal could be exploring options
Jaden O'Neal is a top high school quarterback from the class of 2026. He's 6-foot-3, 200 pounds, and originally from California. He played his first two years at Newport Harbor High School, then transferred to Narbonne High School for his junior year, and now he's at Mustang High School in Oklahoma for his senior year. In June 2024, he committed to play college football at the University of Oklahoma.
At Narbonne in 2024, O'Neal missed the first seven games due to transfer rules but still led his team to a championship. In the title game, he threw for 396 yards and six touchdowns, plus ran for another score, winning 75-31. Over eight games, he had 1,798 passing yards and 16 touchdowns, completing over 71% of his passes. As a sophomore at Newport Harbor, he threw for 2,475 yards and 27 touchdowns. Scouts rate him as a four-star recruit because of his strong arm, accuracy, and mobility.
O'Neal had nearly 30 college offers from big schools like Ohio State, Miami, and Auburn before picking Oklahoma. He liked their history with quarterbacks and felt a good connection with the coaches and their values. Now at Mustang High School since March 2025, he’s ready to shine in Oklahoma before heading to college. With his skills and work ethic, Jaden O'Neal is a standout player to keep an eye on.
And, while he has been completely locked in on the Sooners, turning away everything to one day wear Crimson and Cream while also recruiting other high school players to go to OU, he is taking advantage of some visits he has lined up. Now, this could be him exploring other options since OU has started pursuing Bowe Bentley heavily. Or, this could be him doing what we said already — taking advantage of a few visits.
O'Neal is set to visit with Florida State and Auburn. And, whatever it is he is doing this for, the Sooners have to make sure that he stays committed to Oklahoma.
Oklahoma Sooners have yet another quarterback interested in playing in Crimson and Cream for 2026
The Sooners already have one for 2026, but another wouldn’t hurt.
