All the dominoes are falling for Oklahoma to swipe a former Penn State commit

It looks like the Oklahoma Sooners will continue to reap from Penn State's downfall.

With commits jumping ship since head coach James Franklin was fired earlier this season, 2026 four-star running back Messiah Mickens finally officially decommitted from Penn State after entertaining other options the last few weeks and narrowed his next destination down to three possibilities, including OU. He had been committed to Penn State, his home state program, since August 2023.

Messiah Mickens predicted to commit to Sooners

Hayes Fawcett of Rivals reported on Wednesday that Mickens not only severed ties with Penn State, which had been expected, but also now has a top 3 that included OU, Ole Miss and Indiana. He will announce his decision on Early National Signing Day on Dec. 3.

Also on Wednesday with all the news surrounding Mickens, On3's Steve Wiltfong logged a prediction for Mickens to ultimately choose the Sooners. Mickens would be the second former Penn State pledge added to the Sooners' 2026 class after four-star wide receiver Jahsiear Rogers. Mickens specifically mentioned Rogers when he posted about his visit to Norman.

According to the 247Sports Composite, Mickens is the No. 14 running back in the 2026 class and No. 8 player in the state of Pennsylvania out of Harrisburg High School. He would become the No. 3 highest-rated commit in the Sooners' 2026 class if he commits to OU.

Last season as a junior, Mickens rushed for 1,214 yards and 21 touchdowns while averaging 7.8 yards a carry in 14 games. This season in five games, according to MaxPreps, Mickens has 468 rushing yards and six TDs while averaging 6.6 yards an attempt.

Mickens would be the second running back commit in the Sooners' 2026 group after four-star DeZephen Walker, who committed back in June. Walker, according to the 247Sports Composite, is the No. 28 running back in the class, which is 14 spots behind Mickens.