Garrett Greene’s decommitment from West Virginia and subsequent commitment to Texas marks one of the most shocking and significant moves of the 2024 recruiting cycle.
In a stunning development in the world of college football recruiting, highly-touted dual-threat quarterback Garrett Greene has officially decommitted from West Virginia University and flipped his commitment to the University of Texas. The move has sent shockwaves through the college football community, as Greene was previously considered one of the cornerstones of the Mountaineers’ 2024 recruiting class. The 6-foot-1, 200-pound signal-caller, who is known for his electrifying playmaking ability both through the air and on the ground, had received offers from several of the top programs in the country, including Georgia, Penn State, and others.
Greene’s decision to commit to Texas over those prestigious programs signals a major shift in the college football recruiting landscape, particularly in the Big 12 and SEC. Texas, which has been building momentum under head coach Steve Sarkisian, is in the midst of a transformative period as it prepares to join the SEC. Greene’s commitment represents a significant boost to the Longhorns’ already impressive recruiting efforts and gives them a dynamic, versatile quarterback for the future.
A Dual-Threat Talent
Garrett Greene has long been regarded as one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in the nation, excelling in both the passing game and as a runner. He brings a unique blend of arm strength, mobility, and decision-making skills to the field. Greene’s ability to make plays outside the pocket and his quickness in the open field make him a nightmare for opposing defenses.
As a senior at East Gadsden High School in Florida, Greene threw for over 2,500 yards and 30 touchdowns while also rushing for 1,200 yards and another 15 touchdowns. His versatility is a key trait that has drawn comparisons to some of the top dual-threat quarterbacks in recent years, and many scouts have projected him as a future star at the collegiate level.
A Shocking Flip
Greene initially committed to West Virginia in the summer of 2023, and for a time, it appeared as though the Mountaineers would have a significant advantage in securing the talented quarterback’s services. However, over the last several months, Greene began to take visits to other schools, including Texas, Georgia, and Penn State, all of which had kept in close contact with him throughout his recruitment.
Despite the efforts of West Virginia’s coaching staff to keep him in the fold, Greene’s interest in Texas continued to grow. His relationship with Sarkisian, who has developed a reputation for getting the most out of his quarterbacks, played a pivotal role in his decision-making process. The opportunity to play for a high-powered offense and in a program with championship aspirations was simply too appealing for Greene to pass up.
In a statement, Greene explained his decision: “After taking some time to think about my future and where I see myself developing the most, I believe that Texas is the best place for me to continue my football career. The coaching staff, the offensive system, and the chance to compete at the highest level in the SEC made this an easy decision for me. I’m excited to join the Longhorns and can’t wait to get started.”
Impact on West Virginia and Texas
Greene’s flip represents a major setback for West Virginia, which had hoped to build its future offense around the talented quarterback. The Mountaineers, under head coach Neal Brown, have had a strong recruiting class in 2024, but losing Greene is a significant blow. West Virginia will now need to quickly pivot and search for another quarterback to lead the program moving forward.
For Texas, the commitment of Greene is a massive win for the Longhorns. With Quinn Ewers expected to be the starting quarterback for at least one more season, Greene will have the opportunity to learn and develop under one of the best offensive minds in college football before potentially taking over the reins in the coming years. His decision strengthens an already impressive 2024 recruiting class for Texas, which also includes several highly-ranked recruits on both sides of the ball.
Other Programs Left Disappointed
While Texas emerged victorious in the Garrett Greene sweepstakes, programs like Georgia and Penn State were undoubtedly disappointed by the news. Both schools had been considered serious contenders for Greene’s commitment. Georgia, in particular, has been one of the top programs in college football in recent years, winning back-to-back national championships, and Penn State has also emerged as a powerhouse in the Big Ten.
Despite the loss, both schools will continue their recruiting efforts, with Georgia focusing on securing a quarterback to replace Stetson Bennett and Penn State looking to develop a strong future at the position.
Conclusion
Garrett Greene’s decommitment from West Virginia and subsequent commitment to Texas marks one of the most shocking and significant moves of the 2024 recruiting cycle. His dual-threat abilities and potential to lead the Longhorns to success in the SEC make him a key piece of Texas’ future. As for West Virginia, the Mountaineers will now face the challenge of regrouping and finding a quarterback to replace Greene’s talent. This development will be closely watched by fans, analysts, and recruiting experts as both teams navigate the rest of the recruiting cycle.