Sooner Football snags the nation's top 2028 running back Micah Rhodes: his dynamic play, diverse skills, and strong relationship with coaches secure this crucial future cornerstone
In a significant boost for the University of Oklahoma's future football roster, elite 2028 running back Micah Rhodes has committed to the Sooners. The four-star prospect from Klein Oak High School in Spring, Texas, announced his decision on January 29, 2026, choosing OU over in-state powerhouses Texas and Texas A&M.
This commitment marks the first major pledge for Oklahoma's 2028 recruiting class and underscores the program's continued appeal under head coach Brent Venables.Rhodes, standing at approximately 5-foot-10 and weighing 195 pounds, is widely regarded as one of the premier talents in his class.
According to 247Sports, he ranks as the No. 1 running back nationally for 2028, No. 28 overall, and the No. 2 player in Texas. The 247Sports Composite places him at No. 40 overall, still within the top three at his position and top four in the state. Rivals rates him as a four-star with an overall ranking of No. 42.
His impressive offer sheet includes 23 Power Four programs, such as Alabama, Ohio State, Georgia, Oregon, and Notre Dame, highlighting his status as a blue-chip recruit.
On the field, Rhodes has already proven himself as a dynamic playmaker. As a sophomore, he rushed for 1,309 yards and 21 touchdowns, earning a spot on MaxPreps' Sophomore All-American First Team.
Scouting reports praise his fantastic contact balance, allowing him to absorb hits and keep moving forward. He possesses the speed to outrun defenders to the edge, the power to grind between the tackles, and the agility to evade tacklers in open space.
Additionally, Rhodes is polished in pass protection and shows soft hands as a receiver out of the backfield, making him a versatile three-down back with high-major impact potential.
His freshman year production against varsity competition in Texas' competitive 6A division further cements his pedigree. Rhodes' recruitment journey has been marked by early interest from top programs, but Oklahoma stood out from the beginning. The Sooners extended an offer in June 2024—his second overall—and running backs coach DeMarco Murray played a pivotal role.
Murray, a former OU legend and NFL Pro Bowler, has been in contact with Rhodes since his eighth-grade year, building a relationship that extends beyond football.
Rhodes has visited Norman at least six times, immersing himself in the program's culture.
In his own words, Rhodes explained his choice: "Oklahoma just feels right to me. From the first time I was around the program, I felt comfortable. The coaches, the players and the culture all match what I'm looking for. It's a place where I know I can grow as a player and as a person."
He emphasized Murray's influence: "My relationship with Coach Murray is very strong. He's been there for me since eighth grade, so it's bigger than football. He always pushes me to work harder, stay focused, and do the right things on and off the field. I can talk to him about anything, and he's always honest with me."
Rhodes also highlighted the program's environment: "What stood out the most was the environment and how everybody treated me. The facilities are crazy, the fans are loud, and the energy is different. But the biggest thing is how the coaches made me feel comfortable every time I went there, like I was already part of the program."
Ultimately, he didn't want to delay: "I felt like Oklahoma was the right place for me, and once I knew that, I didn’t feel like I needed to wait."
This commitment is a massive victory for Oklahoma, especially in the competitive SEC landscape. As the Sooners' first 2028 pledge, Rhodes sets a high bar and could attract other top talents to Norman.
OU already boasts the No. 1-ranked 2027 class per 247Sports, and this early win in 2028 builds on the momentum from a strong 2025 cycle.
Landing a top running back from Texas—traditionally Longhorn territory—demonstrates Venables' staff's recruiting prowess and Murray's ability to connect with prospects.
Looking ahead, Rhodes has two more high school seasons to refine his skills before arriving in Norman. If he continues his trajectory, he could become a cornerstone of OU's backfield, potentially following in the footsteps of greats like Murray himself.
Sooner Nation has reason to be excited: Micah Rhodes is poised to bring speed, power, and star power to the Crimson and Cream.