The announcement, made Wednesday, June 18, 2025, via a live stream on Instagram, marks one of the most significant recruiting victories in recent Oklahoma history and bolsters the Sooners’ already red-hot 2026 class.
Carter, a 6’4”, 205-pound dual-threat quarterback, is widely regarded as a generational talent, drawing comparisons to NFL stars like Jalen Hurts for his blend of elite arm strength, pinpoint accuracy, and electrifying mobility. Ranked as the top prospect in the nation by ESPN, 247Sports, and Rivals, Carter threw for 3,800 yards and 42 touchdowns while rushing for 1,200 yards and 15 scores during his junior season, leading IMG to a national championship. His commitment to Oklahoma is a testament to head coach Brent Venables’ relentless recruiting prowess and the Sooners’ vision for SEC dominance.
“This was a tough decision, but Oklahoma felt like home,” Carter said during his announcement. “Coach Venables, Coach Arbuckle, and the entire staff showed me a clear path to develop as a quarterback and leader. I’m excited to join the Sooner family and compete in the SEC.”
The recruiting battle for Carter was intense, with South Carolina, Louisville, and Tennessee making strong pushes until the final moments. South Carolina, under Shane Beamer, leaned on its “Welcome Home” culture and the emergence of quarterback LaNorris Sellers as a dual-threat star to pitch Carter as the next face of the program. Louisville, led by Jeff Brohm, showcased its high-octane offense and recent success with quarterback Tyler Shough, while Tennessee, under Josh Heupel, highlighted its explosive passing attack and the development of Nico Iamaleava. Despite these compelling cases, Oklahoma’s combination of SEC prestige, offensive innovation under new coordinator Ben Arbuckle, and a clear starting role in 2026 tipped the scales.
“This is a game-changer for Oklahoma,” said 247Sports recruiting analyst Tom Loy. “Jaxon Carter is the kind of player who can elevate a program to national title contention. The Sooners outworked some heavy hitters to land him, and it shows their recruiting is back at an elite level.”
Oklahoma’s 2026 recruiting class, already ranked in the top 10 nationally, now boasts Carter alongside four-star cornerback Derrick Johnson II and four-star offensive tackle Deacon Schmitt, among others. The Sooners’ recent recruiting surge, with six commitments since May, underscores Venables’ focus on rebuilding the roster with blue-chip talent after a challenging 2024 season.
For South Carolina, the loss stings but doesn’t derail Beamer’s momentum. The Gamecocks have secured key 2026 commitments from the Charlotte area and remain in the hunt for elite prospects in the DMV region, building on their top-ranked 2024 offensive line class. Louisville and Tennessee, meanwhile, continue to target high-profile recruits, with Tennessee recently landing a commitment from linebacker JP Peace, grandson of former Vols coach Phillip Fulmer.
