In a monumental commitment that reverberated across the college football world, Bowe Bentley — the No. 5 quarterback nationally per On3 and a consensus five-star recruit — officially announced his pledge to the Oklahoma Sooners. The elite quarterback from Katy, Texas, chose the Sooners over heavyweights such as Alabama, Georgia, Texas, and LSU, citing a long-standing dream to don the crimson and cream, the program’s offensive tradition, and his relationship with OU’s coaching staff.
“This is a dream come true,” Bentley told On3 shortly after making the announcement. “I grew up watching Oklahoma. I’ve envisioned myself playing at Memorial Stadium since I was a kid. Now, it’s finally real.”
The Decision Heard Across the Nation
Bentley’s commitment was no ordinary verbal pledge — it was a thunderclap moment for a program looking to reassert its dominance in the SEC. With the Sooners entering their second season in the SEC under head coach Brent Venables, the addition of a blue-chip quarterback of Bentley’s caliber signals that Oklahoma’s recruiting firepower remains as formidable as ever.
A prototypical modern quarterback standing 6-foot-3 and weighing 205 pounds, Bentley combines a lightning-quick release with surgical precision, high football IQ, and elite mobility. He is widely considered one of the most polished passers in the class of 2026 and has earned comparisons to former Oklahoma Heisman winner Kyler Murray — but in a bigger frame.
Per On3’s Industry Ranking, Bentley is not only the No. 5 QB in the country, but also the No. 22 overall player in the class and the No. 3 prospect in the state of Texas.
Why Oklahoma?
Bentley’s decision boiled down to trust, development, and vision. In a recruiting race that featured college football’s titans, Oklahoma separated itself with a holistic approach focused not just on Bentley’s arm talent, but on nurturing him into a leader and future pro.
“From the first conversation, it was different,” Bentley said of the OU staff. “Coach Venables, Coach (Jeff) Lebby before he left, and now Coach Seth Littrell — they all made me feel like I was the missing piece to a championship puzzle.”
Littrell, OU’s current offensive coordinator and quarterback guru, played an instrumental role in closing the deal. After taking over the reins of Oklahoma’s offense, he made Bentley a priority.
“What stood out was the way Coach Littrell broke down my tape,” Bentley added. “He wasn’t just praising me — he was coaching me. He saw things that I could do better and showed me how their offense would bring out my strengths.”
For Bentley, it wasn’t just about football. He visited Norman three times over the past 12 months, falling in love with the campus, the people, and the culture.
“It just felt like home,” he said. “There’s a brotherhood at OU. It’s not fake. It’s real.”
Big-Time Stats, Bigger-Time Potential
Bentley’s numbers speak for themselves. As a sophomore in 2023 at Katy Ridge High School, he threw for 3,812 yards and 41 touchdowns while rushing for an additional 672 yards and 9 scores. He led Ridge to a state semifinal appearance and earned First-Team All-State honors.
He followed that up in 2024 with another dominant season: 3,965 yards through the air, 45 TDs, only 4 INTs, and a 69.7% completion rate. His dual-threat ability kept defenses on their heels, and his maturity in the pocket drew interest from NFL scouts and college coaches alike.
Beyond the stats, Bentley has the rare “it” factor — the kind of confidence and poise that can’t be coached.
“He processes the game like a senior in college,” said his high school coach, Tom Briscoe. “He sees coverages before the snap and can adjust protections and progressions on the fly. You don’t see that often in 17-year-olds.”
SEC Ready
With Oklahoma entering its new era in the Southeastern Conference, Bentley’s commitment is more than a recruiting win — it’s a statement of intent. The Sooners are not backing down from the Georgia-Alabama-LSU trifecta that’s ruled the SEC for the past decade.
Oklahoma already has a solid quarterback room with 2024 signee Michael Hawkins and 2025 four-star Luke Carney, but Bentley’s pledge elevates the competition.
“Bowe is the kind of player that changes the entire outlook of a program,” said On3 Recruiting Director Charles Power. “He brings instant credibility to Oklahoma’s 2026 class and will attract elite offensive talent to join him.”
Indeed, multiple skill position recruits have hinted at a potential “Bentley Effect,” with several top wide receivers, tight ends, and offensive linemen now placing OU squarely on their radar.
Bentley’s Recruiting Journey
Bentley received his first Division I offer in eighth grade from Texas Tech, and his recruitment exploded during his freshman season. He visited over a dozen schools, with particularly strong ties to Alabama, Texas, and Oregon.
However, Oklahoma’s persistence paid off.
“They recruited me hard and consistently, but they never pressured me,” Bentley said. “They always told me, ‘If you’re ready, we’re ready. But we’ll wait as long as it takes.’ That meant a lot.”
In recent months, buzz had grown around Georgia and LSU making a late push. But Bentley shut down those rumors quickly.
“I was loyal to the schools that were loyal to me,” he said. “Oklahoma never wavered. That made the decision easier.”
Family and Faith
Family has always played a central role in Bentley’s life. His father, Marcus Bentley, played linebacker at Baylor, and his mother, Dana, was a standout track athlete. Both emphasized the importance of finding a school that valued character as much as talent.
“My parents wanted a place where I could grow as a man and be supported off the field,” Bentley said. “Oklahoma checks every box.”
Bentley also spoke openly about the role of faith in his decision-making process.
“I prayed about this a lot,” he shared. “I asked for clarity, and every time, I came back to OU. This is God’s plan for me.”
What’s Next?
With his commitment behind him, Bentley is ready to turn his focus toward two major goals: winning a state title and becoming an active peer recruiter for the Sooners.
“I’m locked in now,” he said. “I want to win a ring for Ridge, and then I want to help build the best class OU has ever had.”
He plans to return to Norman for the Sooners’ fall game and is already working to connect with other elite 2026 recruits.
“I’m going to be hitting up wide receivers and offensive linemen,” Bentley joked. “We’re about to build something special.”
A Foundational Piece for OU’s Future
Oklahoma’s 2026 class now has its cornerstone. Bentley’s commitment gives Venables and Littrell a player to build around for the next three recruiting cycles and signals that the Sooners are ready to go toe-to-toe with the SEC’s elite on and off the field.
“This is what OU football is about,” said Sooners recruiting analyst Gavin Marks. “Landing a player like Bowe Bentley proves we can compete at the highest level — and win.”
Final Word from Bentley
Before concluding his commitment announcement, Bentley delivered a message that left Oklahoma fans buzzing with excitement.
“To the Sooner Nation: I’m coming to win championships,” Bentley said. “Let’s make history.”
Indeed, with a quarterback like Bowe Bentley leading the way, history might just be waiting.
Key Facts:
- Name: Bowe Bentley
- Height/Weight: 6’3”, 205 lbs
- High School: Katy Ridge (TX)
- Class: 2026
- Position: Quarterback
- Ranking: No. 5 QB (On3), 5-star
- Other Offers: Alabama, Georgia, Texas, LSU, Oregon, Florida State, Ohio State
- Committed to: Oklahoma Sooners
- Planned Major: Sports Management
