Five-star QB among players leaving Oklahoma after Riley exit

BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN via Imagn Content Services, LLC

Five-star QB Malachi Nelson among players leaving Oklahoma after Lincoln Riley exit

By Chelena Goldman | Last updated 11/29/21

Lincoln Riley's decision to leave Oklahoma for USC is creating a ripple effect for the program he is leaving behind.

Multiple incoming student-athletes have de-commited from OU in wake of Riley's exit, including five-star quarterback Malachi Nelson, who had committed to Oklahoma back in July.

Nelson revealed his decision to de-commit in a social media post.

Gods Plan… pic.twitter.com/KyYllmP0f7
— ✨Malachi Nelson✨ (@MalachiNelson9) November 29, 2021

While Nelson doesn't say outright his decision to de-commit is connected to Riley's departure, the timing of his withdrawal doesn't appear to be a coincidence. In addition to Nelson, class of 2022 linebacker Kobie McKinzie and class of 2023 running back Treyaun Webb and receiver Brandon Inniss -- among others -- also withdrew their commitments to the Sooners, according to ESPN.

Webb posted a similar tweet to Nelson's on Sunday evening.

God Got Me… pic.twitter.com/8HpnScDuct
— Treyaun Webb (@w_treyaun) November 29, 2021

USC made the Riley hiring official on Saturday night, as was first reported by Yahoo! Sport's Pete Thamel. Riley leaves the Sooners after putting together a staggering 55-10 record over the course of five seasons.

We got our guy.

Join us in welcoming @LincolnRiley and his family to Los Angeles!#FightOn✌️ pic.twitter.com/CHnhzHRFT6
— USC Football (@USC_FB) November 29, 2021

Former OU coach Bob Stoops will reportedly return to the Sooners' sideline for the team's bowl season, Sports Illustrated reported.

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