All the way back on April 8th, 2025 running back Caden Knighten pledged his commitment to Vanderbilt. The standout rusher from Wynnewood, Oklahoma had several offers from P5 teams around the country, including Michigan State, USC, and Colorado. Although the Commodores aren’t known for their recruiting prowess, they did an excellent job with Caden Knighten, and were ultimately able to pull him out of the Sooner state.

What about Vanderbilt stood out to Caden Knighten?

Caden Knighten’s relationship with running backs coach Jayden Everett played a significant role in why the Commodores were able to lock him down so early.

“He’s real. That’s all I got to say about Coach Everett… He’s loyal, he sticks to everything he’s told you to do, the process is true, all that. He’s a great man.”

The OKPreps star also credited the atmosphere in Nashville and how they were able to make him feel at home during the process. “I like the way that they treat me like a family member mentality wise, and just how I was welcomed to the campus. I was really impressed with the way they’re really professional down there. Also academic wise they’re almost like top three in the nation, probably the best for an SEC school.” 

Although Vanderbilt has struggled on the field recently, Knighten remains unfazed. “I mean obviously record wise last year and the last few years they weren’t as good, but still, they’re on the come up. They’re still doing great things, and I’ll get the opportunity to be an underdog and show what I got in the SEC.”

Caden Knighten

(Photo by Prep Redzone)

Can Another Team Pull Caden Knighten from Nashville?

Although he is committed to the Commodores as of now, many speculate that this recruitment isn’t over yet. Some believe that teams such as Oklahoma and Oklahoma State still have a chance to add Knighten to their 2025 class. While interviewing Caden Knighten, George Stoia III of On3 Sports asked about Oklahoma’s chances, as well as his relationship with DeMarco Murray. Click here for the full interview. Knighten stated that Oklahoma “wants to build a connection,” and that the Sooners are still recruiting him heavily.

Oklahoma hasn’t offered yet, but some expect one to be sent out as soon as next week. Still, it’ll be a tall task to persuade him to leave Vanderbilt. “Ever since I was little I always dreamed of playing for the Sooners… obviously it’s a lifelong dream as a kid, but as I got older I realized what I needed and wanted, and it’s changed.”

“I would say [that my recruitment is finished]. It’s finished for right now. I’m happy where I’m at. I’m glad God drew me close to the opportunity and the chance to do what I can do.”

(Photo by Prep Redzone)

A lot can change between now and national signing day, especially if Oklahoma pulls out all of the stops and makes a good impression. However, I believe that Caden is locked in with Vanderbilt, and if someone wants to pull him away from the Commodores, they’ll have to make up a lot of ground.

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