Former Oklahoma QB commit Gavin Frakes signs with Northwestern

Former Oklahoma quarterback commit Gavin Frakes signed with Northwestern out of the transfer portal, per On3’s Pete Nakos. Originally, Frakes played at Virginia before entering the spring portal.

Frakes entered the portal on April 21st to weigh his options. He gave a verbal commitment to the Sooners on May 22nd before ultimately changing his mind.

Originally, Frakes committed and signed with New Mexico State out of high school. As a freshman, he played in 11 games and finished the season 55-of-110 passing (50%) for 736 yards, four touchdowns and seven interceptions. Frakes did not see action as a sophomore before transferring ahead of the 2024 season to Virginia.

Frakes did not register any stats with the Cavaliers. At that point, he searched for a new opportunity for playing time, but ultimately flipped from Oklahoma to Northwestern this summer.

As a member of the Class of 2022, Frakes was not ranked, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He played high school football at Norman North (Oklahoma).

To keep up with the latest players on the move, check out On3’s Transfer Portal wire. The On3 Transfer Portal Instagram account and Twitter account are excellent resources to stay up to date with the latest moves. Check it out!

Frakes will have his chance to start, but Northwestern is certainly rebuilding. After a stellar first season under David Braun, the Wildcats took a step back in 2024.

Vanderbilt and Northwestern are similar, according to an anonymous coach inside the conference. While the Commodores won a few games this past season, the coach credits Clark Lea‘s bunch for getting competitive in the NIL space. He apparently does not believe Northwestern is doing the same, showing how difficult winning can be in the Big Ten.

“I think the comparison here is Vanderbilt,” the coach said via Athlon Sports. “That program got serious about NIL. It’s hard at Northwestern, but it becomes impossible if they don’t embrace the reality of what it takes in the Big Ten.”