Oklahoma just pulled off one of those recruiting swings that reminds everybody Brent Venables’ staff can change the temperature in a hurry.
Four-star quarterback Trey Tagliaferri, who had committed to Notre Dame on June 25, is now headed to Norman instead. His Irish pledge lasted only six days before he backed off, and after a brief open window, Oklahoma moved in and finished the job. Ben Arbuckle played a major role in the push, handling the Sooners’ pursuit of the New Jersey quarterback.
Hayes Fawcett reported the news with Tagliaferri shutting things down again, this time for Oklahoma. Tagliaferri also made his own message clear: “All glory to God, Boomer Sooner”
For a short stretch, it looked like Brady Quinn - who is not related to the legendary Notre Dame QB with the same name - might be the one leading Oklahoma’s 2028 quarterback hunt. Instead, Tagliaferri flipped the script and picked the Sooners after originally announcing for Notre Dame.
Tagliaferri is listed at 6-1, 190 pounds and plays for Bergen Catholic in New Jersey, one of the state’s premier programs. He’s one of the top names in a talent-rich 2028 class out of the Garden State, and his recruiting profile backed up the buzz. He picked up 34 offers before making his decision.
According to the 247Sports Composite, Tagliaferri is a four-star prospect, the No. 14 quarterback in the country, the No. 9 player in New Jersey, and the No. 205 overall prospect nationally.
His offer sheet stretched well beyond Oklahoma and Notre Dame. Alabama, Auburn, Indiana, Georgia, Kentucky, Notre Carolina, Ohio State, and plenty of others were in the mix.
On the field, Tagliaferri already has a big sophomore season on his résumé. He threw for 2,235 yards and 29 touchdowns with only three interceptions for Bergen Catholic.
Now he heads into his junior year with another goal in front of him: helping Bergen Catholic chase a state title after the team fell to Don Bosco Prep in the 2025 state semifinals. For Oklahoma, though, the immediate takeaway is simple. Venables and his staff landed their first commit in the 2028 class, and it’s a big one.
In Other News...
Oklahoma Just Got A National Nod That Will Fire Up Sooners Fans
Pro Football Focus gave Oklahoma a notable preseason boost by slotting defensive tackle David Stone at No. 31 on its college football top 50 entering the 2026 season, making him the Sooners lone representative on the list. It is the kind of national nod that tends to travel well in Norman, especially for a player whose impact has already shown up in the disruptive plays that matter most up front.
PFF pointed to Stones ability to create pressure and finish against the run, a combination that gives Oklahoma a real building block as it shapes its 2026 defense. With other key pieces like quarterback John Mateer, receiver Isaiah Sategna and tackle Michael Fasusi expected to help drive the season, the Sooners have reasons to feel good about the roster around Stone, even as the biggest question on the defensive side is how much more he can still unlock. [Read more 🡒]
Oklahomas Receiver Depth Looks Better But One Doubt Still Lingers
Oklahomas receiver room is shaping up to look a lot better in 2026, with Isaiah Sategna back in the fold and transfer additions Parker Livingstone and Trell Harris giving the Sooners a more established top end. On paper, that gives Brent Venables and his staff a trio they can feel good about as they try to stabilize a position that needed more certainty.
The lingering question is what comes after those three. Venables has liked what he has seen from several reserve wideouts in spring practice, but the lower half of the depth chart is still largely untested, and it is not yet clear how much the staff will trust that group once the games start. Oklahoma did not lean heavily on that part of the room a year ago, and the real test will be whether those younger options can earn meaningful roles when the season demands it. [Read more 🡒]