# BIG NEWS: Nation’s No. 5 Flips Commitment To Oklahoma Basketball Over Kansas
**Norman, OK – January 6, 2026** – College basketball recruiting delivered another bombshell today as Caleb Holt, the consensus No. 5 prospect in the Class of 2026, announced he has flipped his commitment from the Kansas Jayhawks to the Oklahoma Sooners. The 6-foot-6 small forward from Prolific Prep in Napa, California (originally from New Market, Alabama), revealed his decision in a dramatic video posted to social media, complete with highlights and a final reveal of him putting on a crimson Oklahoma hat.
Holt, a dynamic wing with elite athleticism and scoring ability, had been committed to Kansas since September 2025 after a high-profile recruitment that included Duke, Alabama, Auburn, and UConn. “After a lot of prayer and talks with my family, I’ve decided to de-commit from Kansas and commit to the University of Oklahoma,” Holt said in the video. “Coach Porter Moser and the staff made me feel like I can come in and make an immediate impact in the SEC. The vision for building a championship program in Norman is something I want to be part of. Boomer Sooner!”
This stunning reversal is a massive recruiting victory for Moser and the Sooners, propelling their 2026 class into the top 5 nationally according to updated rankings on 247Sports and ESPN. Kansas, which had been building a powerhouse group around Holt, sees their class drop several spots, intensifying the pressure on Bill Self’s staff in the volatile NIL era.<grok:render card_id=”4b4ea1″ card_type=”image_card” type=”render_searched_image”>
<argument name=”image_id”>10</argument>
<argument name=”size”>”LARGE”</argument>
</grok:render><grok:render card_id=”36088b” card_type=”image_card” type=”render_searched_image”>
<argument name=”image_id”>11</argument>
<argument name=”size”>”LARGE”</argument>
</grok:render>
### The Rise of a Southern Star
Caleb Holt’s journey to the top of the recruiting world began in the heart of SEC country. Growing up in Alabama, he dominated youth circuits before transferring to Prolific Prep – a national prep powerhouse – for greater exposure. As a junior, Holt averaged 24 points, 9 rebounds, and 5 assists per game, showcasing his versatility with explosive dunks, smooth mid-range pull-ups, and improving three-point shooting.
On the Nike EYBL circuit with the Bradley Beal Elite program, Holt cemented his status as one of the class’s premier wings. His length (6-10 wingspan), bounce, and defensive versatility allow him to guard multiple positions while thriving in transition. Scouts compare him to a blend of Brandon Ingram’s scoring touch and Scottie Pippen’s defensive instincts.
“Caleb is a matchup nightmare,” said ESPN recruiting expert Paul Biancardi. “He has that rare combination of size, skill, and athleticism. He’s a high-level scorer who can facilitate and defend at an elite level.” Holt’s accolades include McDonald’s All-American selection, gold medal with the USA U17 team, and viral highlights that have amassed over 4 million views across platforms.<grok:render card_id=”568843″ card_type=”image_card” type=”render_searched_image”>
<argument name=”image_id”>0</argument>
<argument name=”size”>”LARGE”</argument>
</grok:render><grok:render card_id=”38cdcb” card_type=”image_card” type=”render_searched_image”>
<argument name=”image_id”>2</argument>
<argument name=”size”>”LARGE”</argument>
</grok:render><grok:render card_id=”c6d292″ card_type=”image_card” type=”render_searched_image”>
<argument name=”image_id”>6</argument>
<argument name=”size”>”LARGE”</argument>
</grok:render>
Mock drafts already project Holt as a top-10 pick in the 2027 NBA Draft.
### The Recruiting Rollercoaster: From Phog Allen to Lloyd Noble
Holt’s recruitment was a saga from the outset, with over 30 offers pouring in from the nation’s elite programs. He narrowed his list to Kansas, Oklahoma, Duke, Alabama, and Arkansas last summer. Official visits were star-studded affairs, featuring NIL discussions rumored to exceed seven figures.
Kansas appeared to seal the deal when Holt committed on September 12, 2025, during a visit to Lawrence. He praised Self’s track record of developing wings into NBA talents like Andrew Wiggins and Ochai Agbaji. “Kansas felt like the place to win and prepare for the next level,” Holt said at the time.
However, Oklahoma’s relentless pursuit never wavered. Moser’s staff highlighted Holt’s potential as the cornerstone of their SEC transition, promising a featured role in an up-tempo system. The turning point came over the holidays: Holt made an unofficial visit to Norman for Oklahoma’s game against Texas on December 29, 2025. The electric atmosphere at Lloyd Noble Center and a deep conversation with Moser about leadership swayed him.<grok:render card_id=”eafef5″ card_type=”image_card” type=”render_searched_image”>
<argument name=”image_id”>14</argument>
<argument name=”size”>”LARGE”</argument>
</grok:render><grok:render card_id=”30e57c” card_type=”image_card” type=”render_searched_image”>
<argument name=”image_id”>15</argument>
<argument name=”size”>”LARGE”</argument>
</grok:render>
“Coach Moser showed me how I fit perfectly,” Holt explained. “Oklahoma is on the rise, and I want to help build that legacy.”
The flip drew swift reactions. Some Kansas fans expressed frustration on social media, but Self released a statement: “We respect Caleb’s decision and wish him the best. Our focus remains on building a championship program.” Behind the scenes, KU recruiters are shifting attention to other top wings like Christian Collins.
### A Transformative Win for the Sooners
For Oklahoma, landing Holt is the biggest recruiting coup since Trae Young’s era. Already with commitments from athletic prospects, the Sooners’ class now features multiple five-stars, positioning them as a dark horse in the loaded SEC.
“This changes everything for OU,” said Rivals analyst Rob Cassidy. “Moser is assembling a group that can compete for titles sooner than expected.” The move bolsters Oklahoma’s transition to the SEC, adding firepower to challenge heavyweights like Arkansas and Kentucky.<grok:render card_id=”f57daa” card_type=”image_card” type=”render_searched_image”>
<argument name=”image_id”>12</argument>
<argument name=”size”>”LARGE”</argument>
</grok:render>
NIL considerations were crucial. Holt’s growing brand, with endorsements already in place, aligns seamlessly with Oklahoma’s collective for lucrative deals.
### Ripple Effects in the 2026 Cycle
Holt’s de-commitment underscores the unpredictability of recruiting in the NIL and transfer portal age. Kansas may now aggressively pursue remaining elites like Brandon McCoy Jr. or Qayden Samuels to rebound.
Analysts are buzzing about Holt in crimson: paired with incoming talent, he could form a versatile frontcourt and lead OU to prominence. Comparisons to former Sooner Buddy Hield for his scoring prowess are already surfacing.
As the excitement echoes through Norman, Caleb Holt’s flip to Oklahoma stands as the latest earthquake in a wild recruiting cycle. The Sooners are surging, and college basketball fans have plenty more drama to anticipate.
Leave a Reply