Norman, Oklahoma – May 19, 2025 – The Oklahoma Sooners football program is buzzing with anticipation as they are set to host one of the most sought-after quarterbacks in the 2026 recruiting class, Bowe Bentley, for a crucial official visit. Bentley, a consensus top-five quarterback nationally, arrived in Norman today, marking a significant moment in the Sooners’ efforts to secure an elite signal-caller for their future.
Bentley, a standout from Celina High School in Texas, has seen his recruitment skyrocket over the past year. His impressive junior season, which included a Texas state championship and over 4,200 total yards with 63 touchdowns, has made him a priority target for numerous major programs across the country.
Oklahoma has been actively pursuing Bentley for months, and this official visit represents a critical opportunity for Head Coach Brent Venables and his staff to make a lasting impression. The Sooners have already secured a commitment from four-star quarterback Jaden O’Neal in the 2026 class. However, their continued pursuit of Bentley underscores their ambition to build a quarterback room stacked with top-tier talent.
According to recruiting insiders, the Sooners are in a tight battle with the LSU Tigers for Bentley’s commitment. Initially, Bentley had scheduled his official visit to LSU after his trip to Oklahoma. However, in a significant development, Bentley has adjusted his visit plans, ensuring that Oklahoma will have the final opportunity to sway him. He will now visit LSU at the end of May before concluding his official visits in Norman on June 6th. This change in schedule is widely seen as a positive sign for the Sooners, as the final visit often holds considerable weight in a recruit’s decision-making process.
The coaching staff, particularly Offensive Coordinator and quarterbacks coach Ben Arbuckle, has been instrumental in the recruitment of Bentley. Arbuckle’s track record of developing quarterbacks and his offensive scheme are highly appealing to the young prospect. Bentley has also spoken favorably about his relationship with current Sooners quarterback John Mateer, who followed Arbuckle from Washington State to Norman.
“Getting to talk to (John) Mateer and hearing how that made him better,” Bentley told On3 Sports, highlighting the positive influence of the Oklahoma program’s quarterback development.
Landing a player of Bentley’s caliber would be a massive victory for the Sooners, both on and off the field. His talent is undeniable, with many scouts projecting him as a potential five-star prospect by the end of his recruiting cycle. On the field, he possesses a strong arm, excellent mobility, and a high football IQ, fitting the mold of quarterbacks who have thrived in Arbuckle’s system.
Off the field, Bentley’s commitment could have a domino effect, potentially attracting other top recruits in the 2026 class. It would also serve as a powerful statement on the recruiting prowess of Venables and Arbuckle, demonstrating that Oklahoma remains a national powerhouse in player acquisition even as they navigate the evolving landscape of college football.
The Sooners’ coaching staff is expected to pull out all the stops during Bentley’s visit, showcasing the program’s facilities, academic support, and the passionate fanbase in Norman. They will aim to highlight the opportunities for early playing time and the chance to lead a program with a rich history and high aspirations in the Southeastern Conference.
While the competition from LSU remains fierce, securing the final official visit gives Oklahoma a significant advantage. The coming weeks will be critical as both programs make their final pitches to Bentley, one of the most coveted players in the 2026 class. The college football world will be watching closely to see where this elite quarterback ultimately decides to play his college football. The outcome of this visit could very well shape the future of the Oklahoma Sooners program for years to come.
