Senior Jacob Rubio has been a UT fan for most of his life. However, today Rubio traded burnt orange for crimson red.

Today, students and parents gathered in the west gymnasium to watch Rubio, a 138 pound state wrestling champion, sign a letter of intent to wrestle for the University of Oklahoma.

“I was nervous but excited to sign,” Rubio said. “It was an awesome feeling knowing I have the support I have.”

Rubio committed to OU Aug. 2 after considering the University of Pennsylvania and North Carolina State. Rubio said he chose Oklahoma for a number of reasons.

“The academics are awesome,” Rubio said. “They have good coaches. Two of the assistant coaches are past Olympians.”

Rubio also said he met current members of the team and was impressed with their overall character. Rubio will attend OU on a half-ride scholarship.  He said it is unclear if he will red-shirt his first year.

“That will depend if the coaches need me in the lineup,” Rubio said. “(An advantage of red-shirting) is it would give me a year of college experience without it going on my professional record.”

Rubio won the state championship as a junior, and was a state finalist his freshman and sophomore years. Before coming to high school, he wrestled for both the Randall and Omada Youth programs. He said it has always been his dream to wrestle for a division 1 university.

“I’m excited about the college experience,” Rubio said. “I’m ready to gain knowledge of the world and begin making my own choices.”

As far as cheering for the Sooners instead of the Longhorns, Rubio smiled.

“It won’t be hard,” Rubio said. “I’m already making the transition.”