Oklahoma lands its dream 2028 running back in a star-studded late-night reveal

The Oklahoma Sooners might have saved their best for first for their 2028 recruiting class.

Micah Rhodes, the No. 1 running back in the 2028 class, announced his early commitment to the Sooners late Thursday night while a guest on Shannon Sharpe and Chad Johnson's podcast, "Night Cap."

Micah Rhodes makes OU commitment decision with Shannon Sharpe and Chad Johnson 

Rhodes was the Sooners' first addition to their 2028 class and will be a hard one to top. He's already a consensus four-star recruit and likely destined for a fifth star by signing day. According to 247Sports, he's the No. 1 running back in the 2028 class and No. 28 overall prospect.

Last season as a sophomore at Klein Oak High School in Texas, Rhodes astounded with 1,309 rushing yards and 21 touchdowns. He rushed for 934 yards and 10 TDs as a freshman. After both seasons, he was named a MaxPreps All-American and was also invited to the Polynesian Bowl.

Rhodes told Sharpe and Johnson that OU running backs coach DeMarco Murray was the biggest reason for his commitment, especially this early, after Murray believed in Rhodes so much that he offered him as an eighth grader.

His other offers already include Alabama, Florida State, Missouri, Nebraska, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Oklahoma State, Ole Miss, Oregon, Texas, Texas A&M and more. He ultimately chose the Sooners over in-state Texas and Texas A&M after being OU's top target the entire time.

"The biggest thing is they made it feel like I was family," Rhodes said. "Every visit I went on, they made me a priority. I mean, Coach DeMarco believed in me early. He offered me in eighth grade and that meant a lot to me.

"Like my grandma always says, 'You know what's right. You feel what's right.' I know it was right. My biggest thing was I know it was the right thing for me and I know it's the right thing for my future."