In a surprising turn of events, 2026 four-star running back Jonathan Hatton, Jr. has decided to reopen his recruitment after being committed to the Oklahoma Sooners for nearly 14 months. This sudden change of heart has set the recruiting world abuzz as Hatton, one of the top running back prospects in the nation, re-enters the market with a wealth of suitors ready to offer him a spot in their program.
Hatton, a standout athlete from Houston, Texas, has long been regarded as one of the most promising young talents in the 2026 recruiting class. With his combination of speed, vision, and power, Hatton quickly drew attention from college coaches across the country, ultimately committing to Oklahoma in late 2022. His commitment was seen as a major victory for the Sooners, who were eager to bolster their future backfield with a player of his caliber. However, the recent decision to reopen his recruitment has left many wondering what led to this change and what the future holds for the talented running back.
Hatton’s decision to reopen his recruitment is a major development in the 2026 recruiting cycle. His physical gifts have made him one of the top-ranked running backs in the class, with many scouts praising his ability to break tackles, change direction with ease, and outrun defenders to the edge. At 6’0″ and 200 pounds, Hatton has the size to be a workhorse back at the collegiate level, while his quickness allows him to create explosive plays in the open field. It’s no surprise that major programs are now closely monitoring his recruitment as he considers his options.
While Oklahoma had been a frontrunner in Hatton’s recruitment for more than a year, his decision to reopen things gives other schools a chance to make a strong push. Coaches across the country will now be in contact with Hatton, hoping to sell him on their vision for the future and what he could bring to their respective programs.
Although Hatton has yet to provide an in-depth explanation for why he decided to reopen his recruitment, it’s clear that this move reflects a shift in the landscape of college football recruiting. With NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals continuing to reshape how recruits make decisions, it’s possible that Hatton is considering a broader array of factors, including financial incentives, playing time, and the development potential at various schools.
Additionally, Hatton’s change of heart may stem from personal growth and a reevaluation of his future path. Committing so early in the recruiting process before his junior year of high school was a major decision that undoubtedly carried immense pressure. Now, with his stock rising even further, Hatton is in a position where he can take a more calculated approach, carefully weighing his options and ensuring that the school he chooses is the best fit for his goals both on and off the field.
It’s also possible that Hatton’s decision is based on his relationship with the Oklahoma coaching staff. While the Sooners have had a strong track record of developing running backs, recruiting is always a fluid process, and things can change quickly in the ever-evolving world of college football.
Now that his recruitment is open once again, Hatton will undoubtedly be the focal point of numerous recruiting battles. Programs across the country, particularly those in the SEC and Big Ten, will be aggressively pursuing the talented running back, hoping to add him to their ranks.
Schools that had previously been on the outside looking in now have the chance to enter the mix, while the Sooners will likely work hard to regain his commitment. Oklahoma is known for producing NFL-caliber talent at the running back position, and the coaching staff will likely work to re-establish their connection with Hatton and sell him on the program’s future.
Programs such as Alabama, Georgia, Texas, and LSU will likely be keeping a close eye on Hatton’s recruitment. These programs have long been at the forefront of college football and would offer Hatton the chance to compete at the highest level. Each program has a rich history of developing running backs, and all could offer him the chance to shine in a high profile offense.
As one of the top running back prospects in the 2026 class, Hatton’s decision to reopen his recruitment is already creating ripples throughout the college football recruiting world. With no shortage of programs vying for his services, Hatton will likely have a multitude of options to consider as he evaluates what will be the best fit for his future.
For Hatton, the recruiting process will now be about finding the right school where he feels comfortable and confident in his ability to succeed. Whether he reconsiders Oklahoma or chooses to chart a new path, one thing is certain: Jonathan Hatton, Jr. is one of the most coveted young talents in the 2026 class, and his decision will have a major impact on the future of the college football landscape. Fans and recruiters alike will be watching closely as Hatton continues his journey to make one of the biggest decisions of his life.