Josh Wariboko Sets Decision Date, Names Top 3: Who Is Best Fit for 4-Star OG?

Former Oklahoma commit Josh Wariboko could end up in Norman after all, though two other finalists threaten to lure the 4-star offensive lineman away from his home state. The Oklahoma City prospect announced a trio of finalists Monday night, consisting of the Sooners, UCLA and Ohio State:

Wariboko also noted that a decision announcement will occur Jan. 2, when he competes at the Under Armour All-America Game in St. Petersburg, Florida. 

The 6'3.5", 315-pound Casady School senior initially pledged to Oklahoma in June 2013, shortly after his sophomore year. He backed off that verbal pact this spring.

Offers from Ohio State and UCLA arrived within a month of his decommitment. The Buckeyes and Bruins remain in the mix more than seven months later, while schools like Arizona State, Oregon, Arkansas and Louisville failed to make a strong enough impression. 

Less than two weeks away from another commitment, Wariboko has plenty to think about while examining his top choices. Here's a look at the situation each program presents.

Ohio State

The Buckeyes hosted Wariboko in October for an official visit and have been a leading contender for his services since extending an offer in May.

"When I think of Ohio State, I think of the powerhouse of the north. They are a big offer for me," he told Charles Doss of LandGrantHolyLand.com. 

Urban Meyer has assembled a strong offensive line class that's headlined by 4-star Virginia recruit Matthew Burrell. The group also includes Florida guard Mirko Jurkovic and 6'9" New Jersey tackle Kevin Feder.

A class that already includes five offensive linemen would certainly become more crowded with Wariboko on board. He would form arguably this cycle's most promising interior duo with Burrell if he heads to Columbus, but you can't discount the presence of several other prospects who will contend for playing time.

Wariboko is a physical beast who wreaks havoc in downfield blocking schemes. However, he may not possess as much athleticism and lateral quickness as other members of this class, important characteristics in an up-tempo spread attack. 

Oklahoma

Bob Stoops secured and lost a key commitment from Wariboko early in the process but managed to maintain positive momentum with the in-state target. Like Ohio State, the Sooners hold five commitments along the offensive line. 

Tackles Bobby Evans and Jamal Danley have already signed with Oklahoma, while Dominique Hearne and Cody Ford are capable of lining up at guard. The Sooners have undoubtedly left room for Wariboko, but that didn't prevent Stoops from searching elsewhere for options up front. 

No program has a more longstanding relationship with Wariboko than Oklahoma. He should have a keen sense of the expectations that would await him in Norman and an official visit earlier this month likely cleared up any lingering concerns. 

Wariboko would have plenty of competition on the depth chart within his own class, but his highest comfort level may be found at Oklahoma. 

UCLA

The Bruins have built the foundation for an impressive offensive attack for years to come, with top-rated quarterback Josh Rosen serving as the centerpiece. Jim Mora must be able to protect the heralded passer, so a strong offensive line is paramount. 

UCLA landed one of the nation's top interior linemen in July when Fred Ulu-Perry pledged to the Bruins. The 4-star Hawaiian displays immense promise at either center or guard, depending on roster needs.

The addition of Wariboko would help solidify things inside with an elite collection of talent in place. Along with 4-star guard Tevita Halalilo, both Wariboko and Ulu-Perry are capable of becoming multiyear starters at UCLA.

Mora would be thrilled to land that level of line play on signing day, and the influx could change the complexion of how UCLA operates. Andre James, a 4-star tackle from Utah, will eventually be counted on to anchor things along the edge. 

There's a lot to like about the Bruins' offensive direction, and Wariboko would further bolster a solid situation. He spent an official visit in Los Angeles last month.

The Verdict

Ohio State should never be counted out because of an extraordinary coaching staff that hits the recruiting trail hard, but we view this as a two-team race between UCLA and Oklahoma.

Wariboko clearly has an established rapport with the Sooners, based on his early commitment and sustained interest. Oklahoma isn't desperate on the offensive line, but it would love to land a premier player on its home turf.

We give the Bruins a slight nod because of how Mora has the offense trending in a positive direction. Spots need to be filled along the offensive front, and with Wariboko in the mix, this class of UCLA linemen could give Rosen tremendous protection for years to come.

That combination could add up to create title runs.

Recruit ratings courtesy of 247Sports.