Oklahoma Sooners Intensify Pursuit of 4-Star QB Bowe Bentley
The Oklahoma Sooners are pushing hard in the recruitment of Bowe Bentley, a talented and highly coveted four-star quarterback from Celina High School in Texas. Widely regarded as one of the best dual-threat quarterbacks in the Class of 2026, Bentley is now at the center of a fierce recruiting battle between powerhouse programs, particularly the Sooners and LSU Tigers. Despite already landing a commitment from another 2026 quarterback, Jaden O’Neal, Oklahoma continues to pursue Bentley with unwavering commitment, signaling just how highly they value his skill set and potential fit within their future plans.
Rising Star from Texas
Standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing approximately 200 pounds, Bowe Bentley has emerged as a standout figure in high school football. A commanding presence in the pocket with the athleticism to extend plays on the run, Bentley threw for over 3,200 yards and 47 touchdowns in his junior season, while also contributing several rushing scores. His ability to read defenses, throw with accuracy under pressure, and lead his team in big moments has drawn comparisons to some of the top collegiate quarterbacks in recent years.
His performance has helped lead Celina High School to impressive heights, including an undefeated 16-0 season and a Texas state championship—no small feat given the high level of competition in Texas high school football. Analysts consistently praise his poise, football IQ, and leadership qualities, making him a prized recruit in what is already shaping up to be a stacked 2026 class.
Elite 11 Invitation
Further boosting his profile, Bentley recently earned an invitation to the prestigious Elite 11 quarterback competition in Los Angeles. The invitation alone is a significant milestone—it’s an event known for featuring some of the top quarterback talent in the nation. Previous Elite 11 alumni include the likes of Trevor Lawrence, Tua Tagovailoa, C.J. Stroud, and Bryce Young. For Bentley, it’s both a recognition of his elite talent and an opportunity to sharpen his skills against the very best.
Participation in the Elite 11 allows quarterbacks to receive coaching from some of the most respected minds in football and offers them national exposure just before their crucial senior year. For Oklahoma and other interested programs, it’s further evidence that Bentley is not just a regional star but a legitimate national prospect capable of making an immediate impact at the college level.
Oklahoma’s Strategic Push
What’s intriguing about Oklahoma’s pursuit of Bentley is the fact that the Sooners already have a commitment from Jaden O’Neal, another highly-rated quarterback in the same class. Despite this, Oklahoma has shown no signs of backing down in their efforts to land Bentley. Head coach Brent Venables and offensive coordinator Seth Littrell have made it clear through their actions that they believe Bentley could be a program-altering addition.
This recruiting strategy suggests that Oklahoma is aiming to build depth and competition at the quarterback position, a move that has paid dividends for many top-tier programs. With the ever-evolving transfer portal landscape, programs are now more willing than ever to stockpile talent and let competition sort out the depth chart. For Oklahoma, having both Bentley and O’Neal in the fold would be a massive boost to their quarterback room, giving them flexibility and security for years to come.
Official Visit Schedule Raises Eyebrows
Perhaps one of the most telling developments in Bentley’s recruitment is his official visit schedule. Originally slated to visit LSU before Oklahoma, Bentley recently reversed that order—now visiting Oklahoma first. While this might seem minor on the surface, recruiting experts have long noted that the order of visits can have an impact, particularly when a school gets the “first crack” at making a lasting impression.
Getting the first official visit is a strategic advantage. It allows the coaching staff to set the tone, pitch their vision, and give Bentley a full sense of what it means to be part of the Sooner family. More importantly, a strong first visit can potentially set a high bar for subsequent visits, making it harder for other programs to measure up.
Bentley’s visit to Norman is expected to include meetings with the coaching staff, film sessions, facilities tours, and interaction with current players. He’ll also get a chance to see firsthand the passion of the Oklahoma fanbase and the program’s commitment to excellence on and off the field. If the Sooners can strike the right chord during this visit, they may very well solidify themselves as frontrunners.
A Battle with LSU
Oklahoma’s toughest competition appears to be coming from LSU. The Tigers, led by head coach Brian Kelly, have built a strong quarterback tradition of their own and are equally committed to landing Bentley. LSU offers a different appeal—playing in the SEC, a high-profile offensive system, and a chance to compete for national titles in arguably the toughest conference in college football.
Sources close to Bentley’s camp suggest that both Oklahoma and LSU have impressed him with their programs, cultures, and offensive systems. However, each school presents a different opportunity, and Bentley’s final decision may come down to which staff can build the strongest personal relationship and present the clearest path to early playing time and long-term development.
What Bentley Brings to the Table
Regardless of where he ends up, Bowe Bentley brings a unique skill set that makes him one of the top quarterbacks in the nation. His throwing mechanics are advanced for his age, and his mobility adds another dimension that makes him dangerous in and out of the pocket. He is also known for his competitive edge and drive to improve, which have impressed coaches and scouts alike.
Bentley is not just a “hype” player. He’s someone who studies film relentlessly, is described by his coaches as “a coach on the field,” and thrives in high-pressure situations. Those traits—combined with natural talent—make him a potential cornerstone for whichever program ultimately secures his commitment.
Looking Ahead
As summer approaches, Bentley is expected to complete his official visits and make a final decision before the start of his senior season. Oklahoma remains optimistic, buoyed by their strong relationship with Bentley and his family, as well as the momentum they’ve built throughout the recruiting process.
The Sooners are betting that their tradition, player development record, and offensive philosophy will ultimately tip the scales in their favor. For fans, Bentley represents not only the next great quarterback in line but also a signal that Oklahoma remains committed to bringing in elite-level talent to compete on the national stage.
Whether he ultimately dons the crimson and cream or heads to Baton Rouge, one thing is clear—Bowe Bentley is a name that college football fans will be hearing for years to come.
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