In a dramatic turn of events for college football recruiting, Quentin Hale, a highly-touted four-star wide receiver from Centennial High School in Corona, California, has committed to the USC Trojans. Hale made his announcement on the CBS Sports College Football YouTube channel, choosing USC over Oklahoma, Texas, and LSU.
This decision is a significant moment for Lincoln Riley, the former Oklahoma coach who now leads the Trojans. Riley, who spent seven years at OU, left for USC in 2021, a move that still resonates with Sooners fans. His success in landing Hale, a top target for Oklahoma, underscores his ongoing influence in the recruiting landscape.
Hale, standing at an impressive 6-foot-3, is ranked as the No. 10 receiver in the 2027 class and the No. 51 overall prospect according to the 247Sports Composite. Despite Oklahoma's recent recruiting success in California, they couldn't sway Hale from staying in his home state.
The Sooners made a strong push, with head coach Brent Venables and wide receivers coach Emmett Jones visiting Hale in California just weeks ago. Hale's social media posts highlighted this visit, sparking hope among OU fans. Hale also took an official visit to Norman during the season, witnessing Oklahoma's victory over Auburn in their SEC opener.
However, the proximity of USC and Hale's multiple visits there during the 2025 season seemed to tip the scales in favor of the Trojans. Despite the setback, Oklahoma's recruiting class remains strong, with commitments from four-star receiver Demare Dezeurn and three-star Tra'Von Hall, contributing to their top-ranked 2027 class.
The door isn't entirely closed for Oklahoma, though. With the Early Signing Period still months away and Riley facing pressure at USC, the dynamics could shift, potentially opening the path for Hale to reconsider his commitment. For now, the Trojans celebrate a significant win, while the Sooners remain hopeful for future opportunities.