Oklahoma Sooners Star Center Raegan Beers stunned Southeastern Conference with Bold Decision, Rejects Jaw-Dropping 5.7 million NIL offer from South Carolina, Alabama; head coach Jennie Baranczyk promised to make her…
In a move that sent shockwaves across the college basketball landscape, Oklahoma Sooners star center Raegan Beers has turned down a jaw-dropping $5.7 million NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) offer from powerhouse SEC programs South Carolina and Alabama. The former Oregon State standout, who transferred to Oklahoma earlier this year, is making headlines not just for her dominant post play, but for her bold, values-driven decision to stay loyal to the Sooners and head coach Jennie Baranczyk.
Beers, one of the most coveted players in the nation, received massive interest from several top-tier programs after entering the transfer portal. According to sources close to the situation, South Carolina and Alabama each offered multimillion-dollar NIL packages in an effort to secure the 6-foot-4 center’s services. However, in a stunning turn, Beers rejected the offers and reaffirmed her commitment to Oklahoma.
Beers released a statement addressing the decision: “It’s never been just about the money for me. I came to Oklahoma because of the culture, the vision, and Coach Jennie Baranczyk. She believes in me—not just as a player, but as a person. That means more to me than any dollar amount.”
Head coach Jennie Baranczyk, who has revitalized Oklahoma’s women’s basketball program in recent years, reportedly played a key role in Beers’ decision. According to insiders, Baranczyk promised to not only feature Beers as the centerpiece of the Sooners’ offense but to also mentor her into a future WNBA franchise player and vocal team leader.
“Raegan is special. Her work ethic, leadership, and heart set her apart,” Baranczyk said. “She’s the kind of player you build a championship culture around, and we’re beyond blessed she chose to continue that journey with us.”
Beers’ decision comes at a time when NIL deals are dramatically reshaping college sports, with many top athletes weighing financial opportunities as heavily as team culture or playing time. Her choice to stay at Oklahoma sends a strong message about loyalty, long-term vision, and the power of player-coach relationships in the modern era of college athletics.
With Beers anchoring the frontcourt, Oklahoma is poised to make serious noise in the 2025 NCAA Tournament. And while the SEC may be left reeling from her rejection, the Sooners are smiling all the way to the postseason.