BREAKING NEWS: QB Michael Hawkins Jr. Decommits from Oklahoma, Flips Commitment to Auburn Over Tennessee and Miami
In a dramatic shift that has taken the college football recruiting world by storm, quarterback Michael Hawkins Jr. has officially decommitted from the University of Oklahoma and pledged his future to Auburn University. The highly touted signal-caller, once firmly committed to the Sooners, now finds himself as a key addition to head coach Hugh Freeze’s rebuilding efforts at Auburn, with the Tigers outpacing powerhouses Tennessee and Miami in a fierce recruitment battle.
The announcement, which came late last night, stunned many as Hawkins, a 6-foot-2, 205-pound dual-threat quarterback from Allen, Texas, had long been considered a cornerstone of Oklahoma’s future. His decision to flip commitments marks a significant turn in his recruitment saga, which had been closely watched by college football insiders for months. Known for his powerful arm, mobility, and leadership skills, Hawkins has long been regarded as one of the top quarterbacks in the 2024 recruiting class, with high expectations for his future success at the collegiate level.
Oklahoma Loss, Auburn Win: How the Commitment Flip Came to Be
Hawkins’ recruitment was expected to be a tough, drawn-out battle, with major programs vying for his services. He originally committed to Oklahoma in June 2023, a decision many believed would solidify the Sooners’ quarterback position for years to come. Under the guidance of offensive coordinator Jeff Lebby, Oklahoma had been seen as a major contender for Hawkins, a fit for the team’s fast-paced, high-scoring offensive system.
However, things began to shift as the 2024 season progressed, and Hawkins started to take visits to other campuses. Auburn emerged as a strong contender following a visit to the Tigers’ program, with the coaching staff’s pitch resonating deeply with Hawkins. The opportunity to join a program in transition, under new leadership with Freeze at the helm, stood out to Hawkins as a chance to make an immediate impact. Freeze’s reputation as a quarterback developer and his vision for Auburn’s future played a pivotal role in Hawkins’ decision. It became clear that the path to playing time at Auburn could be faster and more secure than at some of his other top options.
Tennessee, led by head coach Josh Heupel, had also become a major player in Hawkins’ recruitment. The Volunteers’ high-octane offense, which has been one of the most exciting in the SEC, appealed to Hawkins, who is known for his ability to stretch the field with his arm. Despite the allure of playing in Knoxville and the success the Volunteers have had with Heupel’s system, Hawkins ultimately chose Auburn for a variety of reasons, including the opportunity to play in the competitive SEC and help rebuild the Tigers into a powerhouse.
Similarly, Miami’s program, which has been on the rise under head coach Mario Cristobal, also made a strong pitch to Hawkins. The Hurricanes’ commitment to developing top-tier talent and returning to national prominence had Hawkins’ attention. Still, it was Auburn that ultimately proved to be the best fit for the young quarterback, who wants to be part of something special from the ground up.
What This Means for Auburn, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Miami
For Auburn, this commitment is a major win and a clear sign that Freeze’s vision for the future is starting to take hold. The Tigers have been working hard to rebuild their program after a tumultuous period, and securing Hawkins is a huge step forward in that effort. With Hawkins at the helm, Auburn’s offense is expected to undergo a transformation, as he brings a dynamic playmaking ability that could elevate the entire team. His decision to join Auburn gives the Tigers a much-needed boost in their recruiting class and sends a message to the rest of the SEC that they are serious about competing at the highest level.
For Oklahoma, Hawkins’ decommitment is a significant setback. The Sooners had hoped to build their offense around the talented quarterback, and now they will have to turn their attention to other options in the 2024 class. While Oklahoma is still a recruiting powerhouse, losing Hawkins will undoubtedly leave a void in their quarterback depth chart. The Sooners will now look to rebound by targeting other high-profile quarterbacks to secure their future at the position.
Meanwhile, Tennessee and Miami will need to regroup and assess their quarterback recruiting strategies. For the Volunteers, who have enjoyed success with Heupel’s offensive system, missing out on Hawkins stings, but the program remains in good shape with a strong recruiting pipeline. Miami, with its strong ties to Texas and solid recruiting efforts under Cristobal, will continue to pursue top quarterbacks, but Hawkins’ decision represents another hurdle to overcome.
What’s Next for Michael Hawkins Jr.
As Hawkins begins his journey at Auburn, he has the opportunity to develop into one of the top quarterbacks in the SEC. With his combination of size, mobility, and arm strength, Hawkins has the potential to thrive in Freeze’s system, which has historically been kind to dual-threat quarterbacks. While he may not start immediately, his raw talent and athleticism suggest that he will be one of the program’s future stars. Hawkins’ arrival at Auburn sets the stage for an exciting future, not just for him, but for the entire Tigers program.
For Hawkins, this new chapter at Auburn is just the beginning. As he prepares to take the reins of Auburn’s offense in the coming seasons, all eyes will be on the young quarterback to see how he performs at the next level. Auburn fans are optimistic about the future, and Hawkins’ commitment to the Tigers has injected new hope into a fanbase eager for success.
With this latest move, the 2024 recruiting class continues to evolve, and Hawkins’ decision is sure to have ripple effects across the landscape of college football.
Stay tuned to follow Hawkins’ journey as he embarks on his college football career at Auburn, with much more to come in this developing story.
About The Author
Leave a Reply