The Oklahoma Sooners continue their early momentum on the recruiting trail by securing a major piece for their future offense, landing a commitment from 2026 Celina (Texas) quarterback Bowe Bentley. The standout signal-caller, ranked in the On300 and widely considered one of the most polished quarterbacks in his class, becomes the first quarterback pledge in Oklahoma’s 2026 cycle, giving head coach Brent Venables and offensive coordinator Seth Littrell a dynamic cornerstone around which to build the next generation of Sooner football.
Bentley’s commitment marks a significant statement from Oklahoma, both in terms of its continued dominance in recruiting elite talent from the Lone Star State and its ability to identify and secure its top quarterback target early in the process. A 6-foot-3 passer with an elite feel for the pocket and an arm capable of making every throw on the field, Bentley has long been on the radar of major Power Five programs. In recent months, the recruiting battle began to heat up, with Bentley attracting interest from Texas, Texas A&M, LSU, Oregon, and others. But after a series of conversations with the Oklahoma staff, an impressive camp performance, and a weekend visit to Norman, Bentley made his decision clear: he’s ready to call himself a Sooner.
For the Sooners, this early addition sends a powerful message to the rest of college football. Locking in a blue-chip quarterback prospect this early gives Oklahoma a tremendous advantage in building its class, especially as more offensive weapons begin to make their decisions. Top wide receivers and offensive linemen often look to join a class that already has a quarterback they believe in, and Bentley brings not just talent, but leadership and charisma that could make him the gravitational force of this recruiting cycle.
Bentley’s rise has been one of the more compelling stories in Texas high school football over the past year. Coming out of powerhouse Celina High School, Bentley carved up defenses with a combination of poise, precision, and an almost innate understanding of how to manipulate coverages. His ability to throw off-platform, extend plays with his legs, and deliver strikes downfield caught the attention of scouts early, but it’s his off-field maturity and competitiveness that have really set him apart. Coaches rave about his film study habits and attention to detail, traits that make his transition to a Power Five program all the more promising.
Oklahoma’s quarterback lineage is one of the most storied in college football. From Sam Bradford to Baker Mayfield, Kyler Murray to Jalen Hurts, the Sooners have not only produced Heisman winners, but quarterbacks who’ve gone on to thrive in the NFL. That tradition was a huge selling point for Bentley, who mentioned during his visit how inspired he was walking through the program’s Hall of Fame and envisioning his place among the greats. The opportunity to play in a quarterback-friendly system, under a staff that knows how to develop and deploy signal-callers to their full potential, made Oklahoma the clear choice in the end.
For Bentley, the decision wasn’t just about football. He and his family felt a strong sense of alignment with the culture at Oklahoma. The family-oriented atmosphere, academic support, and personal relationships with the staff played a major role in tipping the scales. Sources close to the recruitment say Bentley felt at home in Norman in a way he didn’t quite feel anywhere else. It’s a sentiment that’s echoed by many other recruits who’ve spent time with the Sooners program, which has become increasingly focused on holistic development—mind, body, and spirit—under Venables’ leadership.
The significance of this commitment also stretches beyond the 2026 class. As the Sooners prepare to take the next step in the SEC, elite quarterback play will be more critical than ever. The competition is fierce, the margin for error small, and the demands on signal-callers sky-high. Bentley’s early commitment gives the Sooners a chance to build a pipeline of continuity, ensuring that the program’s most important position remains a position of strength. The timing also allows the coaching staff to tailor their 2026 recruiting strategy to complement Bentley’s skill set—whether that means targeting speedy receivers who can stretch the field vertically, pass-catching tight ends who can operate over the middle, or linemen who can give Bentley the protection he needs to thrive in the pocket.
The Sooners’ staff has already begun positioning Bentley as a central recruiter for the class. Known for his magnetic personality and competitive edge, Bentley is expected to take an active role in helping Oklahoma build out the rest of its 2026 haul. Quarterbacks are often the foundation upon which great classes are built, and Bentley has both the credibility and swagger to draw interest from other elite prospects around the country. Whether it’s in Texas, Oklahoma, or beyond, expect Bentley’s presence in the class to be a powerful tool for the Sooners’ recruiting efforts.
His commitment also highlights the importance of Oklahoma’s renewed presence in Texas. With SEC expansion looming and recruiting footprints shifting, Texas has once again become a crucial battleground. Programs like Texas, Texas A&M, LSU, Alabama, and Georgia are constantly fighting to pull top-tier talent from the Lone Star State, and Oklahoma’s ability to secure Bentley—a quarterback who grew up around Texas football and was targeted by several in-state powers—sends a clear signal that the Sooners are still a force to be reckoned with in the region.
While there’s still a long way to go before Bentley signs his National Letter of Intent, this early pledge is an enormous win for the program and sets a tone for what could be one of the most talented classes Oklahoma has put together in recent memory. With momentum building, and more visits and offers in the pipeline, the Sooners are well-positioned to keep climbing the 2026 recruiting rankings in the months ahead.
Bentley’s junior season will be one to watch closely. He’s already turned heads as a sophomore, showing flashes of brilliance and the leadership qualities that coaches crave. As he enters his third varsity season, expectations are sky-high. If he continues to grow—both physically and mentally—he could push for five-star status and solidify his place among the nation’s top overall prospects. The Sooners, in turn, will keep a close eye on his progress, working to strengthen their relationship and ensure Bentley remains locked in as the face of their future.
For now, Oklahoma fans have every reason to be excited. In Bowe Bentley, the Sooners have landed a quarterback with the talent, mentality, and leadership to lead their program into a new era of competition and excellence. He’s not just another commit—he’s the kind of player you build around, the kind of signal-caller who can elevate a team from contender to champion. And with the SEC calling, that kind of player isn’t just a luxury. It’s a necessity. Oklahoma just made sure they’ll have one.
