Oklahoma has secured a major asset for their future with the commitment of Jaden O’Neal, a highly sought-after four-star quarterback for the class of 2026. O’Neal, a top 100 recruit according to three of the four major recruiting services, has nearly 30 offers from top programs nationwide.
In a bold move, O’Neal showed his allegiance to the Sooners by flashing a ‘Horns Down’ sign in his commitment photo, signaling his embrace of the storied Red River Rivalry with Texas. His decision to join Oklahoma over other major programs like Texas A&M, Florida State, UCLA, and Auburn has made him a favorite among Sooners fans.
Explaining his choice, O’Neal cited the influence of Oklahoma head coach Brent Venables and Coach Seth Latrell, whose values align closely with those of his father. “Being at Oklahoma, I can develop as a QB. Horns Down, baby!” O’Neal stated, underscoring his enthusiasm for the rivalry.
The California native’s commitment has intensified the rivalry, with some Texas fans claiming the Longhorns are already occupying a significant place in O’Neal’s thoughts. The ‘Horns Down’ gesture, previously outlawed in the Big XII due to Texas’ complaints, will face new scrutiny in the SEC, where it will be evaluated on a “case-by-case basis,” according to commissioner Greg Sankey.
Oklahoma’s entry into the SEC alongside Texas will likely see the rivalry, and the ‘Horns Down’ gesture, gain even more prominence. O’Neal’s commitment, marked by his on-field talent and his off-field bravado, positions him as a key player in Oklahoma’s 2026 class and a favorite among Sooners supporters.
