Oklahoma Lands a Big Fish: Joshua Donald Decommits from App State, Commits to Oklahoma
The Oklahoma Sooners football program woke up to some surprising and exhilarating news on a chilly November morning. Joshua Donald, a four-star linebacker from Charlotte, North Carolina, had announced his decision to decommit from Appalachian State and commit to Oklahoma. The announcement sent shockwaves through the college football world, signaling a major coup for the Sooners and a bittersweet loss for App State.
Joshua Donald, nicknamed “The Big Fish” by his high school teammates, had always been a standout. At 6’3″ and 235 pounds, with a rare combination of size, speed, and football IQ, he had drawn attention from programs nationwide. Yet, his recruitment journey was far from typical. Despite being courted by several Power Five schools, Donald had initially committed to Appalachian State. The decision raised eyebrows, as many wondered why a player of his caliber would choose a mid-major program over more prestigious options.
For Joshua, the answer had been simple: loyalty. App State was one of the first programs to believe in him, offering him a scholarship during his sophomore year. He felt a deep sense of gratitude toward the coaching staff, particularly linebackers coach Marcus Wright, who had spent countless hours building a relationship with him.
However, the college football landscape is ever-changing. Over the summer, Oklahoma’s defensive coordinator, Chris Wilcox, had reached out to Joshua. Wilcox had a reputation for developing elite defensive talent and saw in Donald a future star for the Sooners’ defense. “You have what it takes to play on the biggest stage,” Wilcox had told him during a phone call. While Donald appreciated the flattery, he remained steadfast in his commitment to App State.
But as the high school season progressed, Donald’s performances on the field became impossible to ignore. He led his team to an undefeated record, recording 120 tackles, 15 sacks, and five forced fumbles. National analysts began calling him one of the best defensive prospects in the country. The buzz grew louder, and Oklahoma didn’t back down. They sent recruiters to his games, invited him for an official visit, and made their pitch clear: Oklahoma was a place where he could achieve his dreams of playing in the NFL.
When Joshua finally visited Norman, Oklahoma, everything changed. The state-of-the-art facilities, the roaring fans, and the rich history of Sooners football left a lasting impression. “It felt like home,” he later told reporters. The visit also allowed him to meet head coach Brent Venables, whose defensive expertise and enthusiasm for the game resonated deeply with Donald.
Back in Charlotte, Joshua wrestled with the decision. Decommitting from App State felt like betraying a family that had supported him early on. But Oklahoma represented an opportunity to compete at the highest level and put himself in the national spotlight. After weeks of sleepless nights and heartfelt discussions with his family, he made up his mind.
On the morning of his announcement, Joshua posted a heartfelt message on social media. “First, I want to thank Appalachian State for believing in me when many others didn’t. Coach Wright and the entire staff will always have my respect and gratitude. But after much prayer and reflection, I have decided to decommit from App State and commit to the University of Oklahoma. I’m excited for the journey ahead and ready to give everything I have to the Sooners!”
The post quickly went viral, with fans from both programs flooding the comments section. App State supporters were disappointed but understanding, while Sooners fans welcomed Joshua with open arms. “Boomer Sooner!” became a rallying cry as excitement built for the upcoming season.
For Oklahoma, landing “The Big Fish” was more than just securing a top recruit—it was a statement. Joshua Donald’s commitment underscored the program’s ability to compete with the nation’s elite for premier talent. And for Joshua, it marked the beginning of a new chapter, one where his dreams of greatness were closer than ever to becoming a reality.