BREAKING: Four-Star RB Jonathan Hatton Commits to Oklahoma Over Alabama, Georgia, and Texas

BREAKING: Four-Star RB Jonathan Hatton Commits to Oklahoma Over Alabama, Georgia, and Texas

 

In a major recruiting victory for the Oklahoma Sooners, four-star running back Jonathan Hatton, one of the most explosive prospects in the 2026 class, has officially announced his commitment to the Sooners. Hatton chose Oklahoma over powerhouse programs Alabama, Georgia, and Texas, giving the Sooners a significant boost to their future offensive backfield.

 

Hatton, a dynamic playmaker ranked among the top 10 running backs nationally, made his announcement Tuesday morning via social media, ending months of intense speculation and a recruiting battle that stretched across the country. The 5-foot-11, 205-pound back from Houston, Texas, has been a coveted name for elite programs thanks to his blend of speed, vision, and power.

 

“I felt at home the moment I stepped on campus,” Hatton said in his announcement video. “Coach [Brent] Venables and Coach [DeMarco] Murray believed in me not just as a player but as a person. The energy in Norman is different. I want to be part of something special, and I believe Oklahoma is building a championship future.”

 

For Oklahoma, this commitment continues their recent hot streak on the recruiting trail. The Sooners have steadily built one of the strongest 2026 recruiting classes in the nation, and Hatton’s addition could be a defining piece in their offensive identity. His commitment also represents another major recruiting win for running backs coach DeMarco Murray, who has quickly developed a reputation for landing elite talent at the position.

 

Scouting experts describe Hatton as a complete back — one capable of breaking tackles between the tackles, catching passes out of the backfield, and exploding for long runs once he hits open space. His 2024 junior season was eye-catching: over 1,800 rushing yards and 22 total touchdowns, numbers that established him as one of Texas’s most productive offensive weapons.

 

“Jonathan has elite acceleration and balance,” said a 247Sports analyst. “He’s the type of back who can change the momentum of a game in one play. Oklahoma is getting a player who fits perfectly into their offensive system.”

 

Hatton’s decision to choose Oklahoma over Alabama and Georgia — two programs known for producing NFL-caliber running backs — underscores the growing influence of Venables’ staff in recruiting battles against college football’s blue bloods. The Sooners’ move to the SEC has also made such victories even more meaningful, signaling that they’re ready to compete head-to-head with the conference’s recruiting giants.

 

For Oklahoma fans, Hatton’s commitment is more than just another name on the list — it’s a statement of intent. The Sooners are not only securing top-tier talent but also positioning themselves for long-term success as they continue to build a roster capable of contending for national titles.

 

As Hatton prepares to join the Sooners in Norman, expectations are already high. With his combination of skill, character, and drive, he could be the next star to carry the legacy of Oklahoma’s rich running back tradition.