Five-star OT Cooper Hackett took "a good chunk less" in flipping from Texas Tech to Oklahoma

Fort Gibson (Okla.) High five-star 2027 offensive tackle Cooper Hackett flipped his commitment from Texas Tech to Oklahoma on Thursday morning.

He had been a verbal to the Red Raiders since August but is now locked in with the Sooners.

Much has been made about Texas Tech’s push on the NIL front, but it wasn’t enough for Hackett who wants to play his college football in Norman.

“It’s a good chunk less,” Hackett said of his decision to flip to Oklahoma.

“If I’m in the NFL which is what I want to do overall, that money is not going to matter and I’m going to bet on myself a good amount of the time and that’s what I’m doing.”

Hackett believes Oklahoma is the best place to bet on himself.

The Rivals Industry ranks Hackett as the No. 1 player in Oklahoma, No. 3 offensive tackle in the country and No. 11 prospect overall. He attended the Sooners wins over Michigan and Auburn this fall.

“It’s always felt like home,” Hackett said. “I’ve been there the last two games, the environment, the locker room, it’s really a place I can feel at home.

“I love Coach (Brent) Venables. (Offensive line) Coach (Bill) Bedenbaugh has proven he can get me to the NFL that’s a big thing. I really want to play in the SEC. Watching (Michael) Fasusi start against Michigan is also crazy. That’s big time. You don’t get to see a lot of players do that.”

Oklahoma was the school Hackett was always comparing others too. Texas Tech nearly landed him but he’s where he wants to be.

“I love the Oklahoma boys,” Hackett said. “I feel like I have a great connection with the players there. There hasn’t been a day my family hasn’t talked to or I haven’t talked to a coach at Oklahoma. It’s not just Coach Bedenbaugh. I talk to all the coaches there. The defensive coaches.

“It felt like home when I go up there.”