BREAKING: American QB Maealiuaki Smith Flips Commitment from Oklahoma to West Virginia University due to…
In a stunning development on the recruiting trail, four-star quarterback Maealiuaki Smith has officially flipped his commitment from the Oklahoma Sooners to the West Virginia Mountaineers. The move comes just months after Smith gave his verbal pledge to Oklahoma, making headlines across the college football landscape. Now, he’s headed to Morgantown, providing WVU with a massive boost to their 2025 recruiting class.
The Flip That Shook the Big 12
Smith, a 6-foot-4, 210-pound quarterback from Serra High School in San Mateo, California, had been one of the centerpiece commitments for Oklahoma’s future under head coach Brent Venables. Widely regarded as one of the top dual-threat quarterbacks in the nation, Smith’s decision to decommit from the Sooners and join a rising WVU program represents one of the most significant recruiting flips of the offseason.
Sources close to the recruitment say that Smith was intrigued by West Virginia’s offensive direction and the opportunity for early playing time. After taking an official visit to Morgantown earlier this month, momentum began to swing in the Mountaineers’ favor.
Why West Virginia?
West Virginia’s coaching staff, led by head coach Rich Rodriguez and offensive coordinator Tony Dews, made a strong impression on Smith and his family during the visit. The staff pitched a dynamic offensive scheme tailored to Smith’s strengths as both a passer and runner. Unlike Oklahoma, where Smith may have had to wait behind a crowded quarterback room, WVU offered a clearer path to becoming the face of the offense.
“From the moment I stepped on campus, I felt the energy and belief in me,” Smith said in a statement. “The coaches at West Virginia have a vision, and they made me feel like a key part of it. I’m excited to start this journey.”
What This Means for WVU
Maealiuaki Smith’s commitment gives the Mountaineers a legitimate blue-chip quarterback prospect — something they’ve lacked in recent cycles. It’s also a strong signal that WVU is becoming a more competitive player on the national recruiting stage, especially in the Big 12. Smith brings elite arm strength, strong field awareness, and the athleticism to extend plays with his legs.
His addition could also serve as a domino effect in recruiting. Already, several high-profile receivers and offensive linemen who were considering Oklahoma or other Power Five schools have begun showing interest in West Virginia, according to sources.
Oklahoma Left Reeling
For Oklahoma, Smith’s decommitment is a tough blow. He was viewed as the potential successor to their current quarterback room and a foundational piece of their offensive future. The Sooners are now expected to re-enter the quarterback market aggressively as they seek to fill the void left by Smith’s departure.
What’s Next?
Smith plans to enroll early at West Virginia, aiming to compete for the starting job as soon as he sets foot on campus. WVU’s quarterback depth chart remains open, and Smith’s talent makes him a contender to see playing time as a freshman.
The flip is the latest sign that college football recruiting is as unpredictable as ever. For WVU fans, it’s a moment to celebrate — a bold statement that the Mountaineers are not just surviving in the new era of NIL and transfer portal dynamics, but thriving.
Stay tuned as the story of Maealiuaki Smit
h’s Mountaineer journey begins.
