Nation’s No. 2 College Football RB Recruit is Back on the Market

Micah Rhodes, the No. 2-ranked running back in the Class of 2028, decommitted from Oklahoma on Wednesday. The 5-foot-10, 195-pound prospect from Houston Klein Oak originally committed to the Sooners in January over finalists Texas and Texas A&M.

Rhodes cited major coaching changes as the primary reason for reopening his recruitment. The sophomore is a two-time MaxPreps All-American, having recorded 2,241 rushing yards and 31 touchdowns over his first two high school seasons in Texas' highest classification.

The loss of Rhodes leaves Oklahoma with zero commitments in the 2028 class. His departure creates an immediate opening for SEC and Big 12 rivals to secure a player who averaged 7.6 yards per carry last season against elite 6A competition.

Micah Rhodes decommits from Oklahoma football

The primary catalyst for Rhodes’ decision was the departure of Oklahoma's running backs coach, DeMarco Murray, to the NFL. Murray, who joined the Kansas City Chiefs staff in February, was the lead recruiter for Rhodes and offered him a scholarship in the eighth grade.

At the time of Murray's departure, Rhodes said, "I’m happy for Coach... Me and my dad, we were talking about it. We’re talking to our agents, trying to get some closure on what’s going on right now and trying to get some ideas on what to do. But to be honest with you, we don’t know yet.”

This coaching move resets the 2028 recruiting boards for Texas and Texas A&M. Both programs were finalists during his initial recruitment and have maintained constant contact with the Houston-based playmaker. The Longhorns and Aggies now view Rhodes as a mandatory target for in-state talent retention.

Former Oklahoma running backs coach DeMarco Murray is now with the Kansas City Chiefs. | BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN / USA TODAY NETWORK

Georgia has emerged as a major national suitor following the news. Kirby Smart’s staff hosted Rhodes for an unofficial visit this spring and is leveraging its history of NFL backfield production. The Bulldogs are positioning themselves as the premier out-of-state alternative to the local Texas programs.

For Oklahoma, this exit highlights the difficulty of maintaining early pledges. New running backs coach Deland McCullough, hired from the Las Vegas Raiders, must now re-establish a relationship with Rhodes from scratch. The Sooners are currently competing with Georgia’s national reach and the proximity of the in-state schools.

Elite programs in pursuit of Micah Rhodes

The recruiting battle is now a three-way race between Georgia, Texas, and Texas A&M. Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian has tracked Rhodes for two years, viewing his contact balance as a fit for the Longhorns’ scheme. Texas A&M is countering with a pitch centered on proximity and a lead role in Mike Elko’s future offense.

Georgia’s involvement complicates the regional rivalry. The Bulldogs' offensive staff has identified Rhodes as their top 2028 target. This pressure forces the Texas-based schools to accelerate their timelines for other offensive prospects in the Houston metro area.

The next phase of this recruitment centers on Georgia, Texas, and Texas A&M as they finalize summer camp itineraries. Rhodes will return to the field for his high school spring game in May.

BREAKING: Elite 2028 RB Micah Rhodes has Decommitted from Oklahoma, he tells me for @Rivals

The 5’10 195 RB from Houston, TX had been Committed to the Sooners since January

He’s the No. 2 RB in the 2028 Rivals Industry Rankingshttps://t.co/U3HUaNZIs7 pic.twitter.com/asWdYWJPvq
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) April 1, 2026