Elite 2026 RB's whirlwind commitment saga swings back to Oklahoma

It might have been a winding road for 2026 running back Jonathan Hatton Jr., but it ultimately led to Oklahoma.

After flipping his commitment from the Sooners to Texas A&M earlier, Hatton, a four-star recruit, committed to the Sooners again, according to Hayes Fawcett of On3 and Rivals on Monday, just over a week before Early National Signing Day on Wednesday, Dec. 3.

Jonathan Hatton Jr. flips commitment from Texas A&M to Sooners

Hatton the Sooners' first 2026 pledge after committing extremely early on Oct. 3, 2023 as a sophomore, but after a rough 6-7 season for OU in 2024, Hatton backed out of his pledge on Dec. 2, 2024. He then committed to Texas A&M months later on March 22.

Even after Hatton committed to the Aggies, though, the Sooners still remained in the mix. On top of his official visit to Texas A&M last summer, Hatton also took trips to Oklahoma and Ohio State. He then announced on June 7 he shut down his commitment, but evidently, the Sooners still found a way in after he visited Norman on June 20.

According to the 247Sports Composite, Hatton is the No. 4 running back in the 2026 class and No. 74 overall prospect. He's also the No. 10 player in the state of Texas out of Cibolo Steele High School. He immediately became the Sooners' second-highest rated 2026 commit and top offensive addition, edging out quarterback Bowe Bentley.

His other offers included Alabama, Arkansas, Auburn, Florida, Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Oklahoma State, Ole Miss, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas Tech and many more.

Still in the playoffs this season, Hatton so far has 1,308 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns while averaging 8.2 yards per carry. He also has seven catches for 61 yards and two scores. Last season, he posted 1,229 rushing yards and 20 TDs on 9.17 yards per carry.

The Sooners also already have a commitment from three-star running back DeZephen Walker in their 2026 class.