Oklahoma Sooners lose a former committed player who’s deciding to go to a worse program for more playing time

The Oklahoma Sooners lost a player in their 2027 recruiting class who has chosen a different career path.

Justin Churchill — College Football & NFL Trending News Writer
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Oklahoma Sooners offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle
Ben Arbuckle, Oklahoma offensive coordinator, walks on the field during a Sooners football spring practice in Norman, Okla., Thursday, April 9, 2026. BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The Oklahoma Sooners have one of the best, if not the best, recruiting classes for 2027. Depending on which ranking system you use, you will have OU in different places. However, they are consensus top-five regardless. That did just take a minor hit, though, with some recent news.

According to Hayes Fawcett of Rivals, the Sooners have lost running back commit Jaxsen Stokes, who decommitted and then flipped to the Cal Golden Bears. Stokes had a message delivered by Fawcett, too.

“The best in California play for California! Psalm 23:3.”

The Sooners, along with several other big-time schools, are losing out on a very talented RB to a program that is much worse, respectively.

Sooners will be fine at running back despite Stokes’ departure from the class

The Sooners have not had any trouble getting RBs, and elite ones at that. The 2026 class is filled with two guys who could see the field as freshmen. The 2027 class could have four-star Keldrid Ben by himself, and it would still be fine there.

Cal is a good program, but it’s not on par with programs like OU, USC, Oregon, or even UCLA, you could argue. Stokes was committed to the Sooners since Nov. 7. He is the No. 571 overall prospect and No. 51 RB in the 2027 cycle, according to the Rivals Industry Ranking, and he’s also the No. 51 player in California.

Stokes opened up a bit on his recent decision.

Jaxsen Stokes rankings per Rivals

  • No. 51 RB in the 2027 cycle
  • No. 571 overall prospect
  • No. 51 player in California
  • 87.10 composite rating

“It’s unfortunate, but that’s how things go. Football has become a business, especially at this level, and people have to do what they have to do. Things happen.

“I just have to move on. I’m still grateful for what he did in my recruitment. I’ve been talking to him for about three years since my freshman year. I’m still locked in with Oklahoma and the university. I chose the university first, and people beside him on the staff, especially the coach (Brent) Venables, being the head guy. I still have faith in that university.”

The Sooners will be fine without Stokes.

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