Breaking: Purdue 4-Star QB Declines Multiple Offers Following Productive Discussion with Oklahoma State Head Coach
Oscar Rios, a standout four-star quarterback from Downey High School in California, has recently made headlines by narrowing down his college choices after a pivotal conversation with Oklahoma State University’s head coach. This decision comes amidst a highly competitive recruitment process, highlighting Rios’s rising prominence in the 2026 recruiting class.
A Promising Talent on the Rise
Standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing 175 pounds, Rios has demonstrated exceptional skills as a dual-threat quarterback. In his sophomore year, he threw for 2,633 yards and 23 touchdowns, completing 73% of his passes. He also showcased his mobility by rushing for 767 yards and seven touchdowns. His junior season mirrored this performance, with 2,554 passing yards, 22 touchdowns, and an additional 735 rushing yards with 11 scores on the ground. These impressive statistics have solidified his status as one of the top quarterbacks in his class.
Recruitment Journey and Decommitment from Purdue
Initially, Rios committed to Purdue University in June 2024, attracted by the program’s offensive strategy and coaching staff. However, following the dismissal of offensive coordinator Graham Harrell, Rios decided to reopen his recruitment in October 2024. He expressed gratitude to the Purdue community but felt it was necessary to explore other opportunities that aligned better with his aspirations.
Oklahoma State’s Strategic Move
Oklahoma State University has emerged as a strong contender in Rios’s recruitment. The Cowboys extended an offer to Rios in late January 2025, and he subsequently scheduled an official visit to Stillwater from April 25-27. During this visit, Rios engaged in in-depth discussions with the coaching staff, including head coach Mike Gundy. These conversations focused on the program’s offensive philosophy, player development, and how Rios’s skills could be utilized within their system.
Declining Other Offers
Following his visit to Oklahoma State and the insightful discussions with Coach Gundy, Rios made the decision to decline offers from several other programs, including Arizona, Arizona State, Auburn, Cal, and Michigan State. This move indicates a strong leaning towards Oklahoma State, as Rios seeks a program that offers both a competitive environment and a supportive coaching staff to foster his growth as a quarterback.
Looking Ahead
While Rios has not yet made a formal commitment, his recent actions suggest that Oklahoma State is a frontrunner in securing his talents. The program’s emphasis on a dynamic offense and quarterback development aligns well with Rios’s playing style and career goals. As the recruitment process continues, all eyes will be on Rios’s final decision, which could significantly impact the future trajectory of Oklahoma State’s football program.
In summary, Oscar Rios’s recruitment journey reflects the thoughtful considerations top athletes make when choosing a collegiate program. His recent interactions with Oklahoma State’s coaching staff have positioned the Cowboys as a favorable destination, potentially setting the stage for a significant addition to their 2026 roster.
