In a move that has sent shockwaves through the college football landscape, four-star tight end Max Wright has flipped his commitment from Oklahoma to Texas, igniting controversy and sparking heated debates among fans and analysts alike. Wright, a 6’5″, 240-pound standout from Dallas, Texas, was expected to be a key piece in Brent Venables’ offense at Oklahoma, but in a last-minute twist, he opted to join the arch-rival Texas Longhorns instead.
The Sudden Flip: What Happened?
Wright had been a longtime Oklahoma pledge, verbally committing to the Sooners nearly nine months ago. He frequently attended games in Norman, bonded with the coaching staff, and was even seen recruiting other players to join him in the Sooners’ 2025 class. So what changed?
Sources close to the situation suggest that NIL played a major role in the decision. While Oklahoma had pitched Wright on a development-first approach, Texas reportedly made him an offer he couldn’t refuse. The Longhorns’ aggressive NIL collective, Horns With Heart, has made a name for itself in recent years by securing high-profile commitments through lucrative deals.
However, it wasn’t just about money. Wright reportedly had doubts about Oklahoma’s quarterback situation and saw Texas as a more stable destination with Arch Manning set to take over in 2025.
Oklahoma Fans Furious, Texas Fans Rejoice
As expected, the reaction from both fan bases has been explosive. Oklahoma fans are furious, accusing Wright of being a “sellout” and questioning his loyalty. Many are also pointing fingers at Texas, claiming that the Longhorns bought another recruit, continuing the heated debate over NIL’s influence on recruiting.
On the other hand, Texas fans are celebrating what they see as another major recruiting victory over their bitter rival. With Texas heading to the SEC, landing top-tier talent like Wright could be the difference between competing for championships or falling behind in the toughest conference in college football.
What This Means for Texas and Oklahoma
For Texas, Wright’s addition is a huge win, further solidifying their offensive firepower. His size and athleticism make him a matchup nightmare, and under Steve Sarkisian’s offensive scheme, he could develop into a top NFL prospect.
For Oklahoma, this is a massive loss. Wright was expected to be a cornerstone in their offense, and losing him to their biggest rival is a brutal blow. It also raises questions about the program’s ability to compete in the NIL era, as this isn’t the first time the Sooners have lost a key recruit to a high-dollar offer elsewhere.
The Bigger Picture: Is This the New Normal?
Wright’s flip is just another example of how NIL and conference realignment are reshaping college football. The traditional commitments based on relationships and development are being overtaken by financial opportunities and program stability.
For fans who value loyalty, this move might feel like a betrayal. But for players, college football is now a business—and in business, you go where the best deal is.
So, will Wright thrive in Texas, or will Oklahoma use this as fuel to get revenge on the field? Only time will tell. But one thing is certain: this rivalry just got even more personal.