Top 2028 Texas RB Micah Rhodes Commits Early to Oklahoma

Nation's top 2028 running back recruit shocks recruiting world with decision

Jan. 30, 2026 at 5:23pm

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Micah Rhodes, the top-ranked running back in the 2028 recruiting class, has committed to the University of Oklahoma. The Klein Oak High School star made the announcement on the 'Nightcap' podcast, citing his strong relationship with Sooners running backs coach DeMarco Murray as a key factor in his decision.

Why it matters

Rhodes' early commitment is highly unusual, as top recruits typically wait until closer to National Signing Day to announce their college choices. His decision to pledge to Oklahoma over in-state rivals Texas and Texas A&M is a major recruiting coup for the Sooners and a surprise to many in the college football world.

The details

Rhodes, who was offered by Oklahoma as an eighth-grader, had a standout freshman season, rushing for 934 yards and 10 touchdowns. He followed that up with 1,307 yards and 21 touchdowns as a sophomore, despite missing one game due to injury. Rhodes cited his close relationship with Sooners running backs coach DeMarco Murray as a key factor in his decision, saying Murray "believed in me early" and has been a mentor to him.

  • Rhodes made his commitment announcement on January 30, 2026.
  • He was offered by Oklahoma as an eighth-grader.
  • Rhodes had a standout freshman season in 2025.
  • He followed that up with another big year in 2026, rushing for 1,307 yards and 21 touchdowns.

The players

Micah Rhodes

A top-ranked running back in the 2028 recruiting class, Rhodes is a standout player at Klein Oak High School in the Greater Houston area.

DeMarco Murray

The running backs coach at the University of Oklahoma, Murray played a key role in recruiting Rhodes and has served as a mentor to the young running back.

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What they’re saying

“I'll be committing to the University of Oklahoma and the reason is because coach (DeMarco) Murray believed in me early as I went to camp right before my freshman year and he offered me early and has believed in me ever since. We have the greatest relationship as he's like a mentor to me and I feel like that's somebody I could play under and that's where I want to go and that's the coach I want to play for.”

— Micah Rhodes (High School SI)

“My mindset now is to stay focus while keeping the main thing the main thing along with staying healthy and maintaining what I've built. Leading my team to the playoffs is something I got to do as it was a big goal for me, and I didn't reach that this year, and I have to do something about it. Next year I want to rush for 2,000 yards and 30 touchdowns and get in the playoffs and make a deep run.”

— Micah Rhodes (High School SI)

What’s next

With his college commitment behind him, Rhodes now shifts his focus to becoming an even better running back while trying to help bring more talent to the Sooner bandwagon. He has set lofty goals for his senior season, including rushing for 2,000 yards and 30 touchdowns while leading his team to the playoffs and a deep postseason run.

The takeaway

Micah Rhodes' early commitment to Oklahoma is a surprising and significant development in the world of college football recruiting. His decision to pledge to the Sooners over in-state rivals Texas and Texas A&M highlights the strength of his relationship with running backs coach DeMarco Murray and Oklahoma's ability to land top talent from the talent-rich state of Texas.