DONE DEAL: Oklahoma Sooners Secure Commitment of Elite Defensive Lineman James Carrington After His Florida State Exit
The world of college football recruiting has once again proven how unpredictable and fast-moving it can be. In a surprising sequence of events, James Carrington, a highly regarded defensive lineman from the 2026 recruiting class, has officially shifted his allegiance from the Florida State Seminoles to the Oklahoma Sooners. The move sent waves through the recruiting landscape as Carrington wasted no time making his next decision after parting ways with FSU.
On Thursday, Carrington publicly announced his decommitment from Florida State, a program that had been considered a strong contender to develop his talents and prepare him for the next level. The decision initially left many wondering where he would land next and how quickly he would make a new commitment. However, the wait didn’t last long at all. By Saturday, just two days later, Carrington had already announced his commitment to the University of Oklahoma, effectively ending speculation about his future.
Rivals recruiting insider Hayes Fawcett reported the breaking news on Saturday, confirming that Carrington would be heading to Norman, Oklahoma, to join the Sooners. His decision came shortly after Rivals’ respected recruiting expert Steve Wiltfong had already placed a prediction that Carrington would end up with the Sooners. Wiltfong’s confidence proved correct, as Carrington’s announcement made it official that Oklahoma had secured yet another major addition to their already promising 2026 class.
Carrington is widely regarded as a top defensive lineman in his class, praised for his versatility, size, and explosiveness on the field. Scouts have pointed out his ability to disrupt plays in the backfield, both as a run-stopper and as a relentless pass rusher. His physical attributes, paired with a strong football IQ, have made him one of the more sought-after recruits in the country. For Oklahoma, landing Carrington is not just about adding another body to their roster — it’s about securing a potential defensive cornerstone for years to come.
This commitment also speaks volumes about the momentum Oklahoma has built on the recruiting trail. Head coach Brent Venables and his staff have made a concerted effort to elevate the Sooners’ defensive talent pool, especially as they prepare for life in the SEC. Carrington’s addition highlights how recruits are buying into Venables’ vision of building a program that can compete at the highest level, both defensively and offensively.
Meanwhile, for Florida State, Carrington’s departure marks a tough loss. The Seminoles have been aggressive in recruiting top defensive talent to maintain their standing as one of the premier programs in college football, but losing a recruit of Carrington’s caliber demonstrates the challenges of keeping commitments solid in today’s fluid recruiting environment. While FSU still boasts a strong recruiting class, missing out on Carrington is undoubtedly a setback.
For Carrington, the move to Oklahoma could provide him with the perfect environment to thrive. The Sooners are known for developing NFL-caliber players, and under Venables’ defensive-minded leadership, Carrington will have the opportunity to grow in a system that emphasizes toughness, discipline, and adaptability.
As the 2026 recruiting cycle continues, Carrington’s flip serves as a reminder of just how quickly things can change in college football. A decommitment one day can become a fresh commitment to a rival program just days later. For Oklahoma fans, this is a moment of celebration as they welcome a player with the potential to become a defensive star. For Florida State, it’s a moment to regroup and refocus as they aim to replace what they lost in Carrington’s departure.
In the end, Carrington’s commitment is another major win for Oklahoma on the recruiting trail and a testament to the program’s growing appeal to top prospects nationwide. If his high school dominance translates to the college level, the Sooners may have just secured a future game-changer for their defensive front.
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