College football fans were taken by surprise when four-star wide receiver Mason James made the decision to commit to Washington instead of his hometown team, Oklahoma. James, who hails from Norman, Oklahoma, had many expecting him to choose the Sooners, but ultimately opted for Washington and a chance to play in the Big Ten conference.
Following his commitment, social media buzzed with reactions from fans who couldn’t believe James passed up the opportunity to play for Brent Venables at Oklahoma. Some speculated that the Sooners may have cooled their interest in James during the recruiting process, leading to his decision to head to the Pacific Northwest.
Despite the shock from some fans, others expressed doubts about the Oklahoma program and its ability to recruit top talent. James, who is ranked as the 25th-best receiver in the Class of 2026 and the 180th-ranked player overall by 247Sports, certainly has the potential to make an impact at Washington.
With Venables facing rumors of being on the hot seat at Oklahoma, the coach has taken on the responsibility of calling defensive plays for the team this season. Despite a lackluster 6-7 record in the previous season, Venables remains confident in his abilities to lead the defense and make necessary improvements for the Sooners.
Overall, Mason James’ unexpected commitment to Washington has stirred up conversation among college football fans, highlighting the unpredictable nature of recruiting in the sport. As Venables looks to turn things around at Oklahoma, all eyes will be on how both he and James perform in the upcoming season.