Breaking News: Five-Star WR Zion Booker Decommits from Western Carolina, Chooses Oklahoma Sooners Over Tennessee and Michigan
In a stunning turn of events, Zion Booker, one of the top wide receiver prospects in the country, has decommitted from Western Carolina University and announced his decision to commit to the University of Oklahoma. This shift in commitment marks a significant change in the recruiting landscape, as Booker had previously pledged to the Western Carolina Catamounts but now joins the Sooners, a school with a storied football program.
Booker, who has been highly sought after for his explosive speed, great hands, and impressive playmaking ability, is widely considered a five-star recruit. His decision to switch commitments comes after intense recruitment by some of the nation’s top programs, including the University of Tennessee and the University of Michigan. Oklahoma, however, ultimately emerged as the winner in this recruiting battle, and Booker’s commitment signals a major coup for head coach Brent Venables and the Sooners’ recruiting efforts.
A Shocking Decommitment from Western Carolina
Zion Booker’s initial commitment to Western Carolina in 2024 came as a surprise to many. Despite being a highly-ranked recruit with offers from powerhouses like Tennessee, Michigan, and others, Booker chose to commit to the smaller FCS school. His decision was seen as a way to play early and potentially develop his skills while making a significant impact in the Southern Conference.
However, just months later, Booker has announced his decommitment, citing a desire to play at the highest level of college football. The wide receiver’s decision reflects the growing pressure and competition that top recruits face when they receive offers from bigger programs, with the potential for national exposure and the chance to compete for championships on the line.
The Oklahoma Sooners’ Winning Pitch
The Oklahoma Sooners have quickly become one of the most successful programs in recent years under head coach Brent Venables. The program’s reputation for producing NFL talent, combined with its competitive atmosphere in the Big 12, made Oklahoma an appealing choice for Booker. The Sooners have had a tradition of outstanding wide receivers, and Booker will look to follow in the footsteps of former stars in Norman.
Booker’s decision to commit to Oklahoma is particularly notable because the Sooners were able to outlast Tennessee and Michigan, two schools that had made significant efforts to bring him into their programs. Tennessee, under coach Josh Heupel, has been building a potent offensive attack, while Michigan, led by Jim Harbaugh, has seen success in the Big Ten and had hopes of adding Booker to an already strong recruiting class.
Tennessee and Michigan Left Searching
While Oklahoma celebrates its new commitment, Tennessee and Michigan will now need to reassess their plans at wide receiver. Both programs were heavily involved in the recruitment of Booker, and his decommitment represents a missed opportunity for their respective coaching staffs. Tennessee, in particular, had hoped to add another dynamic weapon to its already potent offense, and Michigan’s search for a game-changing wide receiver continues.
Despite the loss, both schools are expected to remain contenders in the recruiting race, as they continue to target other top wide receiver prospects in the class. As the 2025 recruiting cycle progresses, the landscape will continue to shift, with more high-profile commitments expected in the coming months.
What This Means for Zion Booker’s Future
For Zion Booker, this is just the beginning of what promises to be a thrilling college career. His decision to join the Oklahoma Sooners will put him in a position to compete at the highest levels of college football. With his combination of size, speed, and hands, Booker could have an immediate impact in Norman and will likely be a key player in the Sooners’ future offensive schemes. His commitment is a sign of the growing talent that will soon grace the field for Oklahoma.