Breaking: 5-Star Wide Receiver Michael Caraway Jr. Switches Commitment to Oklahoma Sooners, Decommits from Southern Miss Golden Eagles
In the world of college football recruiting, few moments carry the weight of a five-star prospect flipping his commitment. This week, that moment arrived when Michael Caraway Jr., one of the nation’s top wide receiver prospects for the 2025 recruiting class, made headlines by decommitting from the Southern Miss Golden Eagles and announcing that he would now be joining the Oklahoma Sooners, over other powerhouse programs such as Alabama and Tennessee. His decision has sent shockwaves through the college football world, as fans, coaches, and analysts alike try to make sense of his sudden change of heart and what it means for the future of these prominent programs.
Caraway, who has long been regarded as a top-tier talent, has had a decorated high school career at Ridgeview High School in Jacksonville, Florida. With exceptional speed, hands, and an innate ability to make plays downfield, Caraway has been compared to some of the best receivers to come out of Florida in recent years. Standing at 6’2” and possessing blazing 4.4-second 40-yard dash speed, the wide receiver has put together a stunning highlight reel, which helped him climb to the top of the recruiting rankings.
This dramatic shift in Caraway’s commitment, however, isn’t just about his talent—it also raises questions about the power dynamics in college football recruiting and how quickly a commitment can change in today’s climate. Caraway’s flip has also illuminated the increasing importance of the transfer portal, social media, and other off-field factors in shaping the decisions of young athletes.
The Background: Southern Miss and the Initial Commitment
Caraway had initially committed to Southern Miss in late 2024, much to the surprise of many. The Golden Eagles, while a respected program in Conference USA, don’t have the same recruiting pull as some of the top schools in the Southeastern Conference or the Big 12. Many speculated that Caraway’s decision was motivated by his desire to play early and make an immediate impact. Southern Miss had promised him a key role in their offense, and at the time of the commitment, it seemed like a good fit for both parties.
The Golden Eagles had been recruiting Caraway for months, and they worked hard to build a relationship with him and his family. They were excited to have the talented wide receiver join their program, and they sold him on the idea of being a star player in an up-and-coming offense. Southern Miss head coach Will Hall and his staff made a strong case for why Caraway should be part of their program, emphasizing the opportunity for early playing time and the chance to leave a lasting legacy.
For Caraway, this commitment was seen as a bold one, given the widespread belief that he could have gone to one of the traditional powerhouses of college football. His decision raised eyebrows, and many thought it would be difficult for Southern Miss to hold on to such a highly coveted recruit as offers from elite programs started to flood in.
Despite his early commitment, Caraway continued to receive interest from some of the biggest names in college football. The whispers about the possibility of him flipping his commitment began to grow louder, and it wasn’t long before the first real signs of doubt appeared. Rumors swirled about Caraway’s growing interest in programs like Alabama, Oklahoma, and Tennessee, three schools that could offer him both a chance to compete for championships and the exposure that comes with playing at a major football program.
The Flipping of the Commitment: Oklahoma Emerges as the Winner
In a stunning turn of events, Caraway made the decision to decommit from Southern Miss and announced on social media that he was opening up his recruitment once again. It didn’t take long for the recruiting landscape to shift, as it was clear that Caraway had shifted his focus to a new set of programs: the Oklahoma Sooners, Alabama Crimson Tide, and Tennessee Volunteers.
While many fans and analysts expected a long and drawn-out recruitment process, Caraway surprised everyone by making his final decision just days after announcing his decommitment. On January 20, 2025, Caraway took to his social media accounts to officially announce that he had chosen to join the Oklahoma Sooners. The decision was met with a mix of excitement and disbelief from the Oklahoma faithful, who had already been following Caraway’s recruitment closely.
“I want to thank all the schools that recruited me, especially Southern Miss, for offering me a scholarship and believing in my ability to succeed,” Caraway said in his announcement. “But after careful consideration and reflection, I’ve decided that my future lies with the Oklahoma Sooners. I’m excited to be a part of the Sooners’ football program and can’t wait to contribute to the legacy of this great school.”
Caraway’s decision to pick Oklahoma came as a surprise to many, considering the immense pull of Alabama and Tennessee. Both schools have rich football traditions and have been perennial contenders in the college football playoff race. Alabama, under head coach Nick Saban, has been a recruiting juggernaut for years, and Tennessee, led by Josh Heupel, has made major strides in recent seasons. Many thought Caraway might be enticed by the idea of playing for these powerhouse programs. However, Caraway’s decision to commit to Oklahoma speaks to a number of factors that went into his decision-making process.
Why Oklahoma? The Sooners’ Appeal
Oklahoma’s ability to secure Caraway’s commitment speaks volumes about the program’s resurgence under head coach Brent Venables. Despite having to rebuild the team after Lincoln Riley’s departure for USC, Oklahoma has maintained its status as one of the most respected programs in the nation. The Sooners have been competitive in the Big 12 and have produced numerous NFL talents, including wide receivers like CeeDee Lamb and Hollywood Brown.
For Caraway, the chance to join a program with such a rich offensive history was undoubtedly a major draw. Oklahoma has a reputation for producing high-octane offenses, and Caraway could see himself fitting into this system. Under Venables, the Sooners have been improving their defense, but the program has always had an eye for top-tier offensive players. For a wide receiver like Caraway, who thrives on making plays downfield, Oklahoma offers the perfect environment to develop his skills.
Additionally, Oklahoma’s consistent presence in the College Football Playoff picture was likely a big factor. Caraway is no stranger to the national spotlight, and the opportunity to play for a program that regularly competes for championships would appeal to his competitive nature. With the Sooners having a chance to compete for a Big 12 title every year, and potentially more, Caraway could not ignore the allure of playing in high-stakes games on the national stage.
Another factor in Caraway’s decision could have been Oklahoma’s deep talent pool and potential for mentorship. The Sooners boast one of the best coaching staffs in the country, and Caraway may have been drawn to the idea of learning from experienced coaches and fellow elite players. The chance to develop and grow under the guidance of seasoned professionals would be an attractive proposition for any young player looking to make an impact on the next level.
The Competition: Why Alabama and Tennessee Were Close
While Oklahoma ultimately emerged as the victor in Caraway’s recruitment, both Alabama and Tennessee were formidable contenders, and many fans expected Caraway to end up in one of these two programs. Alabama, under the legendary Nick Saban, has long been a destination for elite wide receivers. The Crimson Tide consistently recruits at an elite level and has produced some of the best wide receivers in college football history, such as Julio Jones, Amari Cooper, and Jerry Jeudy. The prospect of following in the footsteps of these NFL stars could have been a strong pull for Caraway.
Tennessee, on the other hand, has been making major strides under head coach Josh Heupel, whose offense has proven to be one of the most explosive in college football. Tennessee is quickly becoming a powerhouse, and Caraway would have had the opportunity to be a key piece in that high-powered offense. The Volunteers’ ability to develop wide receivers and give them the spotlight in their offense was certainly a selling point in Caraway’s recruitment.
However, while both schools made a strong push for Caraway, the opportunity to play at Oklahoma—where the program’s history, offensive system, and potential for future success were clear—was too enticing to pass up.
What’s Next for Caraway?
Caraway’s commitment to Oklahoma marks a pivotal moment in his recruiting journey. As a five-star prospect, his decision will have ramifications not just for Oklahoma but for the rest of the college football landscape. With his talent and work ethic, Caraway is poised to make an immediate impact on the Sooners’ offense. The big question now is how quickly he can adapt to the collegiate level and make his presence felt in Norman.
For Oklahoma, landing Caraway is a major coup, especially as the Sooners continue to make their mark in the Big 12 and beyond. With his combination of size, speed, and hands, Caraway could very well be the type of wide receiver who transforms an offense. If he continues to develop and work hard, he could be a household name in college football in no time.
In conclusion, Michael Caraway Jr.’s decision to decommit from Southern Miss and commit to Oklahoma is a monumental shift in his recruitment, one that has sent ripples through the college football world. His talent and potential are undeniable, and his choice to join the Sooners will have significant implications for the program’s future. As Caraway embarks on his college football career, all eyes will be on him to see if he can live up to the immense hype surrounding him and make his mark in the world of college football.