Over the past decade, the Oklahoma Sooners have signed a number of elite 5-star high school recruits – players expected to become college stars. Yet many of OU’s highest-rated recruits from 2014 through 2024 have struggled to fulfill those expectations in Norman. This has led fans to wonder if a “5-star curse” hangs over the program. Below we examine every 5-star high school signee in that span (excluding junior college and transfer players), detailing their recruiting class, position, on-field performance, and the factors that prevented many from finishing their careers at OU. We then conclude with the recent case of David Stone, a 2024 signee whose transfer in 2025 highlights this troubling trend.
Five-Star Recruits and Their OU Careers (2014–2016)
2014 – RB Joe Mixon: The lone 5-star in OU’s 2014 class was running back Joe Mixon, a top-ranked tailback from California . Mixon’s Sooner career got off to a rocky start – before ever playing a game, he was involved in a July 2014 incident in which he punched a female student. OU suspended him for the entire 2014 season after he was charged with misdemeanor assault . After this year-long suspension, Mixon made his debut in 2015 and split carries with Samaje Perine. By 2016, he led the team with 1,274 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns, adding 538 receiving yards and 5 TD catches . Despite the off-field cloud, Mixon’s on-field production was excellent. He declared for the NFL after 2016 (his redshirt sophomore season) – effectively leaving OU early for the NFL, though notably not via transfer. Mixon is an example of a 5-star who delivered statistically, but his Sooner tenure was marred by a serious off-field issue and abbreviated by an early exit.
2015 – No 5-star signees: Bob Stoops’ 2015 recruiting class did not include any composite 5-star high school recruits. Oklahoma’s blue-chip haul was modest that year, so the “curse” in question took a pause this cycle.
2016 – LB Caleb Kelly: A centerpiece of OU’s 2016 class was linebacker Caleb Kelly, a 5-star from California and the nation’s No. 1 outside linebacker recruit . Kelly played immediately as a freshman and even started in the 2017 Sugar Bowl victory. However, his career was defined by injuries and position shuffles. He tore his ACL twice – knee injuries in 2019 and 2020 caused him to miss most of those seasons . Kelly also experienced coaching turnover (multiple position coaches and scheme changes) during his six-year OU career . Despite these setbacks, Kelly became a respected team leader and was voted a captain in 2021 . Notably, he never transferred despite the adversity – Lincoln Riley praised Kelly’s loyalty to OU in an era dominated by the transfer portal . In the end, Kelly’s on-field impact (just 8 starts by 2021 and around 160 total tackles) never matched his 5-star billing due to his injuries. He finished his college career at OU in 2021, a rarity among the 5-stars of this era, but as more of a role player and mentor than a collegiate star.
The Lincoln Riley Era: 5-Star Boom and Bust (2018–2021)
When Lincoln Riley took over as head coach in 2017, Oklahoma’s recruiting of 5-stars ramped up – especially on offense. Yet many of these elite prospects under Riley failed to complete their careers at OU, often transferring out before their eligibility was up.
2018 – OL Brey Walker & DB Brendan “Bookie” Radley-Hiles: Riley’s first full class included two consensus 5-stars. Offensive lineman Brey Walker, an in-state product, was rated the No. 15 overall player in the nation by 247Sports . Defensive back Brendan Radley-Hiles (nicknamed “Bookie”) was a hyped IMG Academy standout; Rivals rated him the No. 17 overall recruit in 2018 . Both arrived with big expectations but had limited success:
• Brey Walker (OT, Class of 2018): Despite his massive 6’7” frame and talent, Walker never cracked the starting lineup consistently at OU. He redshirted in 2018 and over the next four seasons played mostly as a backup lineman in spot duty . Walker did make two starts in 2019 but saw only reserve action thereafter. He dealt with nagging injury issues and was passed on the depth chart by other linemen. After 2022, Walker entered the transfer portal as a graduate transfer to seek playing time elsewhere . Outcome: Transferred out after four years. A former “can’t-miss” 5-star, Walker left OU with no major on-field impact, highlighting the development misses on the offensive line.
• Brendan “Bookie” Radley-Hiles (DB, Class of 2018): Radley-Hiles actually played a lot at OU, appearing in 38 games (21 starts) from 2018–2020, primarily as a nickel defensive back . He was known for his energy and big hits, but also for inconsistent coverage and frequent personal foul penalties. In three seasons he amassed 115 tackles, 9 tackles for loss, 11 pass breakups, and 3 interceptions (with one pick-six) . Despite being a regular, Bookie never became the lockdown corner fans anticipated. After the 2020 season, he entered the transfer portal in Feb. 2021 . He left as a three-year starter but opted for a fresh start at Washington for his senior year. Outcome: Transferred after 3 seasons. No significant off-field issues were reported for Radley-Hiles; rather, a new defensive coaching staff and younger players emerging likely prompted his transfer. His case represents a 5-star who was a solid contributor but didn’t quite meet the superstar expectations, and who didn’t finish his career at OU.
2019 – The “Trio of Five-Star Receivers” and a QB: Oklahoma’s 2019 recruiting class was heralded as historic, featuring four 5-star signees – the most ever for OU in one class. These included quarterback Spencer Rattler and a trio of elite wide receivers: Jadon Haselwood, Theo Wease, and Trejan Bridges . At the time, this haul was expected to keep OU’s high-powered offense rolling for years. Instead, all four players saw their OU careers cut short:
• Spencer Rattler (QB, Class of 2019): The No. 1 QB in the nation in 2019, Rattler redshirted behind Kyler Murray/Jalen Hurts in 2019. He took over as starter in 2020 and initially lived up to the hype – he threw for 3,031 yards and 28 TDs (7 INT) in 2020, leading OU to a Big 12 title and a 9–2 record . Rattler entered 2021 as a Heisman favorite, but inconsistent play (10 TD vs. 5 INT through six games) led to him being benched in favor of true freshman Caleb Williams in October 2021 . After losing the job, Rattler decided to transfer. He announced in December 2021 that he was heading to South Carolina, reuniting with former OU assistant Shane Beamer . Outcome: Transferred after 2 seasons of action. Rattler’s OU tenure was “adventurous” – from preseason Heisman frontrunner to mid-season benching . He left Norman on good terms but became part of the growing trend of 5-star QBs who don’t finish at OU.
• Jadon Haselwood (WR, Class of 2019): Ranked the No. 1 WR in the 2019 class and a top-5 overall recruit , Haselwood had a promising freshman year (19 catches, 272 yards in 2019). But a torn ACL in spring 2020 derailed his trajectory. He returned in 2021 to lead the team with 39 receptions for 399 yards and 6 TDs . After Riley left for USC in late 2021, Haselwood entered the portal and transferred to Arkansas . His decision was likely influenced by the coaching change and seeking a larger role in a new offense. Outcome: Transferred after 3 seasons. Injuries limited Haselwood’s impact at OU. He finished with 62 career catches and 7 TDs in Norman and never got to be the game-breaking receiver his 5-star status suggested.
• Theo Wease Jr. (WR, Class of 2019): Another 5-star receiver from Texas, Wease had a slow start (8 catches in 2019) but emerged in 2020 with 37 receptions for 530 yards and 4 TDs. Unfortunately, in 2021 Wease suffered a preseason foot injury and missed essentially the entire year . He returned in 2022 under new coach Brent Venables, but the offense shifted focus and Wease had just 19 catches for 378 yards and 4 scores that season . Feeling underutilized, Wease entered the portal and transferred to Missouri in Dec. 2022 . Outcome: Transferred after 4 years (with one injury redshirt). Like Haselwood, Wease never became a dominant #1 receiver at OU – injuries and offensive changes kept him from reaching his ceiling. All three of OU’s 5-star wideouts from 2019 were gone by 2022, an astonishing turn from a “trio of 5-star receivers” to none finishing at OU.
• Trejan Bridges (WR, Class of 2019): Bridges was a borderline 5-star (a consensus high 4-star) often grouped with Haselwood and Wease as part of OU’s 2019 receiving coup . His Sooner career was turbulent and ultimately ended in scandal. As a freshman in 2019, Bridges mostly contributed on special teams. He was then suspended for the entire 2020 regular season after testing positive for marijuana following the 2019 Peach Bowl . He returned late in 2020 and caught 2 passes (both in the Cotton Bowl) . Hopes for a fresh start in 2021 were dashed when, in April 2021, Bridges was implicated in an alleged armed robbery off-campus. He and teammate Seth McGowan were arrested and charged with felony robbery and assault, accused of beating and robbing another student during a marijuana sale gone wrong . Head coach Lincoln Riley dismissed Bridges from the team immediately, saying “They’re not members of our program anymore” . Outcome: Dismissed in 2021 due to off-field criminal allegations. Bridges’ final stat line at OU was 9 catches for 101 yards and 2 TD over two seasons . His story stands as the most troubling example of a 5-star flameout – significant suspensions and a legal incident ended his OU career prematurely.
In summary, none of the four 2019 five-star signees finished their careers at Oklahoma. Two left for other schools (Rattler, Haselwood), one left for the NFL after transfer (Wease, now preparing for the draft from Mizzou ), and one was dismissed (Bridges). This 2019 class, initially lauded as a program-changer, instead became a centerpiece of the “5-star curse” narrative.
2020 – No 5-star signees: Oklahoma’s 2020 class did not include a 5-star high school signee. (The Sooners had pursued a few – for instance, RB Jase McClellan and LB Drew Sanders were committed but flipped elsewhere late in the cycle.) Thus, no additions to the curse in 2020.
2021 – QB Caleb Williams: The final 5-star of the Riley era was a big one: Caleb Williams, the #2 overall recruit in 2021 and an elite quarterback prospect. Williams arrived in 2021 and quickly lived up to his billing on the field. As a true freshman he took over for Spencer Rattler in October and delivered thrilling moments – including a legendary comeback win against Texas. He finished 2021 with 1,912 passing yards, 21 TDs, 4 INT, plus 6 rushing TDs, in just half a season. However, when Coach Riley made a shocking departure to USC after the season, Williams followed suit. In early 2022, Caleb Williams entered the transfer portal and reunited with Riley at USC . This move, while not unexpected, was a gut-punch for OU fans: a generational 5-star QB left after only one year. Williams went on to win the Heisman Trophy at USC in 2022, underlining what OU lost. Outcome: Transferred after 1 season. There were no off-field issues; his exit was tied directly to the coaching change. Caleb Williams became another superstar recruit who would shine, just not in a Sooner uniform for long.
By the end of the 2021 season, Oklahoma had signed 8 five-star high school recruits under Lincoln Riley (2018–2021). Of those, none finished as a multi-year star at OU, and only one (Caleb Kelly from 2016) stayed through his senior season – and he was a Stoops recruit. Most transferred out (Rattler, Haselwood, Wease, Bookie, Williams, Walker) and one was dismissed (Bridges). This startling pattern gave rise to talk of a 5-star curse, as even the nation’s top talent often departed Norman early or under unusual circumstances.
The Brent Venables Era: New Hope, Similar Results? (2022–2024)
When Brent Venables took over in 2022, one optimistic narrative was that he could develop and retain elite defensive talent (given his Clemson pedigree). The 2022 class ended up with zero 5-star signees– OU lost a 5-star DT commit (Gabriel Brownlow-Dindy) to a flip, and 5-star QB Malachi Nelson decommitted with Riley. But in 2023 and 2024, Venables signed several highly touted prospects, suggesting the 5-star influx would continue. The question was: would their fate be different under the new regime?
2023 – QB Jackson Arnold, S Peyton Bowen, DL Adepoju Adebawore: The 2023 class brought in multiple five-stars for the first time since 2019. Notably, these included two on the defensive side:
• Jackson Arnold (QB, Class of 2023): Jackson Arnold, a five-star quarterback from the 2023 class, began his collegiate career at Oklahoma with significant promise. In the 2024 season, he started nine games, throwing for 1,421 yards, 12 touchdowns, and three interceptions, while also rushing for 444 yards and three touchdowns. Despite these contributions, Arnold entered the transfer portal in December 2024 and committed to Auburn University, where he is expected to be a key player in their offense.
• Peyton Bowen (S, Class of 2023): Bowen, a 5-star safety from Denton, TX, had a dramatic recruitment – flipping from Notre Dame to Oregon to Oklahoma on signing day . As a freshman in 2023, Bowen made an immediate impact on special teams and defense. In his first 5 games, he blocked two punts and tallied 18 tackles and 4 pass breakups , showcasing his playmaking ability. He became a valuable rotational DB (behind established safeties) and showed flashes of star potential. Bowen has not transferred and is set to be a cornerstone of OU’s secondary in 2024 and beyond. Outcome: Still with OU. Early signs indicate Bowen could become one of the rare 5-star recruits to blossom in Norman, assuming the “curse” doesn’t strike via an unexpected exit.
• Adepoju “PJ” Adebawore (DE/EDGE, Class of 2023): Adebawore was a borderline 5-star edge rusher – a consensus top-40 recruit who earned five-star status from at least one service (On3) . OU fans celebrated him as the kind of defensive talent needed up front. In 2023, Adebawore played in all 13 games as a true freshman, but mostly in a reserve role, recording 2 tackles and 3 assisted tackles (5 total) with 1.5 tackles for loss and 1 sack (approximate stats) . He dealt with a mid-season ankle injury that limited his production . Like Arnold and Bowen, Adebawore remains at OU heading into 2024 looking to take on a bigger role. Outcome: Still with OU. While his freshman stat line was modest, the expectation is that PJ will develop into a defensive force in Norman – a test for Venables’ development chops, and an opportunity to snap the trend of 5-star defenders leaving or underachieving.
2024 – DL David Stone: Venables’ 2024 class landed a crown jewel in local defensive lineman David Stone. Stone was a consensus top-10 player nationally (a “Five-Star Plus+” recruit, meaning 5-star by all major services) . A product of Oklahoma City (via IMG Academy), Stone grew up a Sooners fan and was seen as a major building block for OU’s future defensive front . He arrived in 2024 amid huge expectations. As a true freshman that fall, Stone cracked the defensive line rotation – he played in all 13 games and recorded 6 total tackles, 2.0 tackles for loss, and 1 sack . These numbers were relatively modest, but the experience was expected to springboard him into a starting role as a sophomore.
However, in a shocking development after spring practice, David Stone entered the transfer portal in April 2025 . The news broke on April 18, 2025, and was described as a “stunning and damaging” blow to OU . Stone himself had spoken positively of his time at OU just weeks earlier, making the sudden transfer even more perplexing . As of his portal entry, the reasons are not fully clear – it could be NIL opportunities elsewhere, personal factors, or dissatisfaction – but the impact is undeniable. Outcome:Entered Portal after 1 season. Stone’s case is particularly notable because he embodied the new hope of the Venables era; losing a lifelong OU fan and elite talent after one year is a bitter pill. In the context of OU’s 5-star history, Stone unfortunately extends the curse – yet another blue-chip who didn’t finish at Oklahoma. His departure also echoes the loss of high-rated defensive linemen OU has suffered (e.g. Brownlow-Dindy flip in 2022), underlining a lingering inability to retain top D-line talent.
• Few Finish at OU: Out of all the high school 5-star players OU signed in this span, only two (Joe Mixon and Caleb Kelly) completed their college careers at Oklahoma without transferring. And both of those left early in different ways – Mixon for the NFL after 2 playing seasons, Kelly due to medical retirement after 6 years. The vast majority transferred out before their eligibility was done. This is summarized in the table below:
Five-Star Recruits and Their OU Careers (2014–2016)
2014 – RB Joe Mixon: The lone 5-star in OU’s 2014 class was running back Joe Mixon, a top-ranked tailback from California . Mixon’s Sooner career got off to a rocky start – before ever playing a game, he was involved in a July 2014 incident in which he punched a female student. OU suspended him for the entire 2014 season after he was charged with misdemeanor assault . After this year-long suspension, Mixon made his debut in 2015 and split carries with Samaje Perine. By 2016, he led the team with 1,274 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns, adding 538 receiving yards and 5 TD catches . Despite the off-field cloud, Mixon’s on-field production was excellent. He declared for the NFL after 2016 (his redshirt sophomore season) – effectively leaving OU early for the NFL, though notably not via transfer. Mixon is an example of a 5-star who delivered statistically, but his Sooner tenure was marred by a serious off-field issue and abbreviated by an early exit.
2015 – No 5-star signees: Bob Stoops’ 2015 recruiting class did not include any composite 5-star high school recruits. Oklahoma’s blue-chip haul was modest that year, so the “curse” in question took a pause this cycle.
2016 – LB Caleb Kelly: A centerpiece of OU’s 2016 class was linebacker Caleb Kelly, a 5-star from California and the nation’s No. 1 outside linebacker recruit . Kelly played immediately as a freshman and even started in the 2017 Sugar Bowl victory. However, his career was defined by injuries and position shuffles. He tore his ACL twice – knee injuries in 2019 and 2020 caused him to miss most of those seasons . Kelly also experienced coaching turnover (multiple position coaches and scheme changes) during his six-year OU career . Despite these setbacks, Kelly became a respected team leader and was voted a captain in 2021 . Notably, he never transferred despite the adversity – Lincoln Riley praised Kelly’s loyalty to OU in an era dominated by the transfer portal . In the end, Kelly’s on-field impact (just 8 starts by 2021 and around 160 total tackles) never matched his 5-star billing due to his injuries. He finished his college career at OU in 2021, a rarity among the 5-stars of this era, but as more of a role player and mentor than a collegiate star.
The Lincoln Riley Era: 5-Star Boom and Bust (2018–2021)
When Lincoln Riley took over as head coach in 2017, Oklahoma’s recruiting of 5-stars ramped up – especially on offense. Yet many of these elite prospects under Riley failed to complete their careers at OU, often transferring out before their eligibility was up.
2018 – OL Brey Walker & DB Brendan “Bookie” Radley-Hiles: Riley’s first full class included two consensus 5-stars. Offensive lineman Brey Walker, an in-state product, was rated the No. 15 overall player in the nation by 247Sports . Defensive back Brendan Radley-Hiles (nicknamed “Bookie”) was a hyped IMG Academy standout; Rivals rated him the No. 17 overall recruit in 2018 . Both arrived with big expectations but had limited success:
• Brey Walker (OT, Class of 2018): Despite his massive 6’7” frame and talent, Walker never cracked the starting lineup consistently at OU. He redshirted in 2018 and over the next four seasons played mostly as a backup lineman in spot duty . Walker did make two starts in 2019 but saw only reserve action thereafter. He dealt with nagging injury issues and was passed on the depth chart by other linemen. After 2022, Walker entered the transfer portal as a graduate transfer to seek playing time elsewhere . Outcome: Transferred out after four years. A former “can’t-miss” 5-star, Walker left OU with no major on-field impact, highlighting the development misses on the offensive line.
• Brendan “Bookie” Radley-Hiles (DB, Class of 2018): Radley-Hiles actually played a lot at OU, appearing in 38 games (21 starts) from 2018–2020, primarily as a nickel defensive back . He was known for his energy and big hits, but also for inconsistent coverage and frequent personal foul penalties. In three seasons he amassed 115 tackles, 9 tackles for loss, 11 pass breakups, and 3 interceptions (with one pick-six) . Despite being a regular, Bookie never became the lockdown corner fans anticipated. After the 2020 season, he entered the transfer portal in Feb. 2021 . He left as a three-year starter but opted for a fresh start at Washington for his senior year. Outcome: Transferred after 3 seasons. No significant off-field issues were reported for Radley-Hiles; rather, a new defensive coaching staff and younger players emerging likely prompted his transfer. His case represents a 5-star who was a solid contributor but didn’t quite meet the superstar expectations, and who didn’t finish his career at OU.
2019 – The “Trio of Five-Star Receivers” and a QB: Oklahoma’s 2019 recruiting class was heralded as historic, featuring four 5-star signees – the most ever for OU in one class. These included quarterback Spencer Rattler and a trio of elite wide receivers: Jadon Haselwood, Theo Wease, and Trejan Bridges . At the time, this haul was expected to keep OU’s high-powered offense rolling for years. Instead, all four players saw their OU careers cut short:
• Spencer Rattler (QB, Class of 2019): The No. 1 QB in the nation in 2019, Rattler redshirted behind Kyler Murray/Jalen Hurts in 2019. He took over as starter in 2020 and initially lived up to the hype – he threw for 3,031 yards and 28 TDs (7 INT) in 2020, leading OU to a Big 12 title and a 9–2 record . Rattler entered 2021 as a Heisman favorite, but inconsistent play (10 TD vs. 5 INT through six games) led to him being benched in favor of true freshman Caleb Williams in October 2021 . After losing the job, Rattler decided to transfer. He announced in December 2021 that he was heading to South Carolina, reuniting with former OU assistant Shane Beamer . Outcome: Transferred after 2 seasons of action. Rattler’s OU tenure was “adventurous” – from preseason Heisman frontrunner to mid-season benching . He left Norman on good terms but became part of the growing trend of 5-star QBs who don’t finish at OU.
• Jadon Haselwood (WR, Class of 2019): Ranked the No. 1 WR in the 2019 class and a top-5 overall recruit , Haselwood had a promising freshman year (19 catches, 272 yards in 2019). But a torn ACL in spring 2020 derailed his trajectory. He returned in 2021 to lead the team with 39 receptions for 399 yards and 6 TDs . After Riley left for USC in late 2021, Haselwood entered the portal and transferred to Arkansas . His decision was likely influenced by the coaching change and seeking a larger role in a new offense. Outcome: Transferred after 3 seasons. Injuries limited Haselwood’s impact at OU. He finished with 62 career catches and 7 TDs in Norman and never got to be the game-breaking receiver his 5-star status suggested.
• Theo Wease Jr. (WR, Class of 2019): Another 5-star receiver from Texas, Wease had a slow start (8 catches in 2019) but emerged in 2020 with 37 receptions for 530 yards and 4 TDs. Unfortunately, in 2021 Wease suffered a preseason foot injury and missed essentially the entire year . He returned in 2022 under new coach Brent Venables, but the offense shifted focus and Wease had just 19 catches for 378 yards and 4 scores that season . Feeling underutilized, Wease entered the portal and transferred to Missouri in Dec. 2022 . Outcome: Transferred after 4 years (with one injury redshirt). Like Haselwood, Wease never became a dominant #1 receiver at OU – injuries and offensive changes kept him from reaching his ceiling. All three of OU’s 5-star wideouts from 2019 were gone by 2022, an astonishing turn from a “trio of 5-star receivers” to none finishing at OU.
• Trejan Bridges (WR, Class of 2019): Bridges was a borderline 5-star (a consensus high 4-star) often grouped with Haselwood and Wease as part of OU’s 2019 receiving coup . His Sooner career was turbulent and ultimately ended in scandal. As a freshman in 2019, Bridges mostly contributed on special teams. He was then suspended for the entire 2020 regular season after testing positive for marijuana following the 2019 Peach Bowl . He returned late in 2020 and caught 2 passes (both in the Cotton Bowl) . Hopes for a fresh start in 2021 were dashed when, in April 2021, Bridges was implicated in an alleged armed robbery off-campus. He and teammate Seth McGowan were arrested and charged with felony robbery and assault, accused of beating and robbing another student during a marijuana sale gone wrong . Head coach Lincoln Riley dismissed Bridges from the team immediately, saying “They’re not members of our program anymore” . Outcome: Dismissed in 2021 due to off-field criminal allegations. Bridges’ final stat line at OU was 9 catches for 101 yards and 2 TD over two seasons . His story stands as the most troubling example of a 5-star flameout – significant suspensions and a legal incident ended his OU career prematurely.
In summary, none of the four 2019 five-star signees finished their careers at Oklahoma. Two left for other schools (Rattler, Haselwood), one left for the NFL after transfer (Wease, now preparing for the draft from Mizzou ), and one was dismissed (Bridges). This 2019 class, initially lauded as a program-changer, instead became a centerpiece of the “5-star curse” narrative.
2020 – No 5-star signees: Oklahoma’s 2020 class did not include a 5-star high school signee. (The Sooners had pursued a few – for instance, RB Jase McClellan and LB Drew Sanders were committed but flipped elsewhere late in the cycle.) Thus, no additions to the curse in 2020.
2021 – QB Caleb Williams: The final 5-star of the Riley era was a big one: Caleb Williams, the #2 overall recruit in 2021 and an elite quarterback prospect. Williams arrived in 2021 and quickly lived up to his billing on the field. As a true freshman he took over for Spencer Rattler in October and delivered thrilling moments – including a legendary comeback win against Texas. He finished 2021 with 1,912 passing yards, 21 TDs, 4 INT, plus 6 rushing TDs, in just half a season. However, when Coach Riley made a shocking departure to USC after the season, Williams followed suit. In early 2022, Caleb Williams entered the transfer portal and reunited with Riley at USC . This move, while not unexpected, was a gut-punch for OU fans: a generational 5-star QB left after only one year. Williams went on to win the Heisman Trophy at USC in 2022, underlining what OU lost. Outcome: Transferred after 1 season. There were no off-field issues; his exit was tied directly to the coaching change. Caleb Williams became another superstar recruit who would shine, just not in a Sooner uniform for long.
By the end of the 2021 season, Oklahoma had signed 8 five-star high school recruits under Lincoln Riley (2018–2021). Of those, none finished as a multi-year star at OU, and only one (Caleb Kelly from 2016) stayed through his senior season – and he was a Stoops recruit. Most transferred out (Rattler, Haselwood, Wease, Bookie, Williams, Walker) and one was dismissed (Bridges). This startling pattern gave rise to talk of a 5-star curse, as even the nation’s top talent often departed Norman early or under unusual circumstances.
The Brent Venables Era: New Hope, Similar Results? (2022–2024)
When Brent Venables took over in 2022, one optimistic narrative was that he could develop and retain elite defensive talent (given his Clemson pedigree). The 2022 class ended up with zero 5-star signees– OU lost a 5-star DT commit (Gabriel Brownlow-Dindy) to a flip, and 5-star QB Malachi Nelson decommitted with Riley. But in 2023 and 2024, Venables signed several highly touted prospects, suggesting the 5-star influx would continue. The question was: would their fate be different under the new regime?
2023 – QB Jackson Arnold, S Peyton Bowen, DL Adepoju Adebawore: The 2023 class brought in multiple five-stars for the first time since 2019. Notably, these included two on the defensive side:
• Jackson Arnold (QB, Class of 2023): Jackson Arnold, a five-star quarterback from the 2023 class, began his collegiate career at Oklahoma with significant promise. In the 2024 season, he started nine games, throwing for 1,421 yards, 12 touchdowns, and three interceptions, while also rushing for 444 yards and three touchdowns. Despite these contributions, Arnold entered the transfer portal in December 2024 and committed to Auburn University, where he is expected to be a key player in their offense.
• Peyton Bowen (S, Class of 2023): Bowen, a 5-star safety from Denton, TX, had a dramatic recruitment – flipping from Notre Dame to Oregon to Oklahoma on signing day . As a freshman in 2023, Bowen made an immediate impact on special teams and defense. In his first 5 games, he blocked two punts and tallied 18 tackles and 4 pass breakups , showcasing his playmaking ability. He became a valuable rotational DB (behind established safeties) and showed flashes of star potential. Bowen has not transferred and is set to be a cornerstone of OU’s secondary in 2024 and beyond. Outcome: Still with OU. Early signs indicate Bowen could become one of the rare 5-star recruits to blossom in Norman, assuming the “curse” doesn’t strike via an unexpected exit.
• Adepoju “PJ” Adebawore (DE/EDGE, Class of 2023): Adebawore was a borderline 5-star edge rusher – a consensus top-40 recruit who earned five-star status from at least one service (On3) . OU fans celebrated him as the kind of defensive talent needed up front. In 2023, Adebawore played in all 13 games as a true freshman, but mostly in a reserve role, recording 2 tackles and 3 assisted tackles (5 total) with 1.5 tackles for loss and 1 sack (approximate stats) . He dealt with a mid-season ankle injury that limited his production . Like Arnold and Bowen, Adebawore remains at OU heading into 2024 looking to take on a bigger role. Outcome: Still with OU. While his freshman stat line was modest, the expectation is that PJ will develop into a defensive force in Norman – a test for Venables’ development chops, and an opportunity to snap the trend of 5-star defenders leaving or underachieving.
2024 – DL David Stone: Venables’ 2024 class landed a crown jewel in local defensive lineman David Stone. Stone was a consensus top-10 player nationally (a “Five-Star Plus+” recruit, meaning 5-star by all major services) . A product of Oklahoma City (via IMG Academy), Stone grew up a Sooners fan and was seen as a major building block for OU’s future defensive front . He arrived in 2024 amid huge expectations. As a true freshman that fall, Stone cracked the defensive line rotation – he played in all 13 games and recorded 6 total tackles, 2.0 tackles for loss, and 1 sack . These numbers were relatively modest, but the experience was expected to springboard him into a starting role as a sophomore.
However, in a shocking development after spring practice, David Stone entered the transfer portal in April 2025 . The news broke on April 18, 2025, and was described as a “stunning and damaging” blow to OU . Stone himself had spoken positively of his time at OU just weeks earlier, making the sudden transfer even more perplexing . As of his portal entry, the reasons are not fully clear – it could be NIL opportunities elsewhere, personal factors, or dissatisfaction – but the impact is undeniable. Outcome:Entered Portal after 1 season. Stone’s case is particularly notable because he embodied the new hope of the Venables era; losing a lifelong OU fan and elite talent after one year is a bitter pill. In the context of OU’s 5-star history, Stone unfortunately extends the curse – yet another blue-chip who didn’t finish at Oklahoma. His departure also echoes the loss of high-rated defensive linemen OU has suffered (e.g. Brownlow-Dindy flip in 2022), underlining a lingering inability to retain top D-line talent.
• Few Finish at OU: Out of all the high school 5-star players OU signed in this span, only two (Joe Mixon and Caleb Kelly) completed their college careers at Oklahoma without transferring. And both of those left early in different ways – Mixon for the NFL after 2 playing seasons, Kelly due to medical retirement after 6 years. The vast majority transferred out before their eligibility was done. This is summarized in the table below:
