BREAKING: 5-Star RB Shocks Carolina Gamecocks, Flips Commitment to Oklahoma Sooners Over Georgia and Others
South Carolina Gamecocks to the Oklahoma Sooners, sending shockwaves across the college football recruiting landscape. Jefferson, who had been one of the crown jewels of South Carolina’s 2025 recruiting class, announced his decommitment late Thursday night via social media, ending months of speculation about his future. The announcement caught even Gamecocks insiders off guard, as Jefferson had been publicly firm in his pledge to Columbia — until now.
The Oklahoma Sooners, who had never truly exited the race despite Jefferson’s South Carolina pledge, came on strong in recent weeks. Sources close to the recruitment suggest a recent visit to Norman played a crucial role in his decision. Jefferson was reportedly impressed with the Sooners’ offensive scheme under head coach Brent Venables and offensive coordinator Jeff Lebby, as well as the school’s deep tradition of producing elite running backs. His family also expressed confidence in the Sooners’ track record of player development and NFL preparation.
This sudden flip is a significant blow to Shane Beamer and the South Carolina program. Jefferson was expected to be a program-defining player, the type of recruit who could elevate the Gamecocks’ SEC profile. The staff had invested heavily in building a relationship with him, and his departure could have ripple effects on other prospects considering South Carolina. While the Gamecocks still have a solid class, losing their top-ranked recruit to a conference rival stings deeply.
Interestingly, Jefferson also strongly considered Georgia, who had recently re-entered the mix. According to insiders, Georgia made a late push, emphasizing their recent success in the College Football Playoff and their history of producing NFL-ready backs. However, Oklahoma ultimately won out, with Jefferson reportedly saying he felt a “genuine connection” to the coaching staff and saw a quicker path to immediate playing time in Norman.
The commitment is a massive win for Oklahoma, who are retooling their offense with top-tier talent as they prepare for full integration into the SEC. Jefferson’s decision not only gives the Sooners a dynamic playmaker in the backfield but also strengthens their positioning in recruiting battles across the Southeast. Landing a 5-star flip of this magnitude from an SEC opponent sends a powerful message: Oklahoma is ready to compete — and win — on the biggest stage.
With the 2025 season fast approaching, Jefferson’s recruitment saga will be remembered as one of the wildest of the cycle. While South Carolina must regroup, Oklahoma fans have every reason to celebrate. If Jefferson lives up to the hype — and all signs suggest he will — his shocking flip could mark the beginning of a new chapter of dominance in Norman.
