In recent years, Lincoln Riley is known for being a quarterback whisperer, producing top-tier talent under center. With his resume- Baker Mayfield and Kyler Murray first overall picks and Heisman Trophy winners, along with Jalen Hurts who was drafted in the second round and a Heisman runner up- it is no surprise that highly sought after recruits at the position dream of donning Crimson and Cream.
2023 five-star recruit Malachi Nelson is the next in the lineup. He is the guy that Riley is vying for. Nelson has a remarkable 0.9990 grade, the same as Arch Manning, and is regarded as the No. 2 overall prospect at the position and the No. 1 overall in the state of California for the 2023 recruiting cycle according to 247Sports.
The Sooners are poised to win the recruiting battle for Nelson. According to his crystal ball prediction, he is 100% set on becoming a Sooner and arriving in Norman. Obviously acquiring Nelson’s services would be a colossal victory for OU. He fits Riley’s QB mold- smooth release, high decision making skills and escapability element to extend plays. Here is a look at where Nelson ranks among OU’s quarterback signees dating back to 2000. Let the walk down memory lane commence.