In a recruiting coup that could reshape the future of Cowboy basketball, Jalen Montonati, a 4‑star wing and the top high school prospect in Oklahoma, has pledged his commitment to Oklahoma State. This signing signals more than just another addition to the roster—it might be the most consequential in Stillwater since Cade Cunningham.
A Homegrown Talent with National Appeal
Montonati’s recruiting résumé reads like a who’s‑who of college basketball powers. He drew offers from Alabama, Arkansas, BYU, Kansas, Michigan, Houston, and Notre Dame, among others. Yet, the Cowboys were able to claim a decisive advantage: Montonati’s Oklahoma roots and a long‑standing mutual interest between him and OSU.
His story with Oklahoma State stretches back years—OSU first offered him in 2022, showing early belief in his potential. That early investment has paid off. Now, as he joins the Cowboys’ fold, he doesn’t forget that faith.
A Rare Breed in Oklahoma Basketball History
To understand how big this commitment is, consider how few in-state prospects have carried Montonati’s level of prestige. Only Trae Young, Brandon Garrison, and Bryce Thompson have left Oklahoma with a higher high school ranking. Montonati now steps into that elite lineage.
Standing at 6′7″, he still has room to fill into his frame—but his skill set is already advanced. His game centers on shot‑making, especially from beyond the arc; he’s capable of catching fire from three at any point in a game. At his peak, he can alter momentum single‑handedly.
On the recruiting boards, his rankings reflect that upside: No. 74 overall in the 2026 class (247Sports) and 44 overall on ESPN. (Note: different services place him slightly differently, but all agree he’s a high‑level talent.)
What He Brings to Stillwater
Montonati is ideally the kind of modern “3‑and‑D” wing coaches crave. Offensively, he can stretch defenses, knock down catch‑and‑shoot triples, and seize offensive rhythm. On defense, he has the length and athleticism to become a versatile stopper once his frame and instincts mature.
For Oklahoma State, he represents much more than a shooter. He can become a two‑way force, helping stabilize both ends of the floor which is something that has often been elusive in the Big 12. With development, he could emerge as a difference‑maker, especially in big conference matchups and postseason run.
A Legacy, Reconnected
Adding an emotional layer to the signing: Jalen is the son of Brian Montonati, a former OSU standout who helped lead the Cowboys to an Elite Eight in 2000 under coach Eddie Sutton. That legacy thread gives the move an added resonance. This feels like a homecoming, with hopes that the younger Montonati will bring a renewed chapter of greatness to Gallagher‑Iba Arena.
Imagine the scene: Jalen steps into the corner, fires a three, the crowd erupts, and in the stands sits his father—witnessing the next chapter of a family’s Cowboy story. That’s the kind of narrative OSU boosters will relish.
The Stakes Are High for OSU and for Montonati
State fans will compare every future Cowboy recruit to Cade Cunningham, and now Montonati finds himself in that rarified conversation. If he lives up to his potential, this could go down as the biggest in-state recruit OSU has landed in modern memory.
Yet it’s not just about hype. The path ahead requires savvy development, patience, and the right coaching environment. Montonati’s frame must fill out, his defense sharpened, and consistency at distance shooting maintained. But if all goes well, he may become the cornerstone of Oklahoma State’s next great era.
In the coming months and seasons, eyes will be on Stillwater. They’ve landed a major win in recruiting. Now comes the challenge of turning this promise into performance.