ROSEMONT, Ill. - In the wake of a tumultuous start to the season for Purdue football's offense, the most promising member of its offensive future has had second thoughts.

Downey (Calif.) quarterback Oscar Rios announced Wednesday night he has decommitted from the Boilermakers' 2026 class. The four-star, top-300 prospect originally committed to Purdue on June 21.

Rios is the second player to decommit from Purdue this week. Hammond Morton receiver Lebron Hill backed off his pledge on Monday.

Purdue recruiting news: Purdue football in-state receiver recruit decommits from 2025 class

Rios' decision comes less than a week after Purdue coach Ryan Walters fired offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Graham Harrell, who had been instrumental in Rios' recruitment. Even with Harrell on staff, Purdue expected to need to fight to keep Rios in its class. The 247 Sports national composite ranks him as a top-20 quarterback in the 2026 class. Numerous other Power Four programs have offered.

Rios did not specify a reason for his decommitment in his post on x.,com. He did mention "my guy Coach Harrell for believing in me" among the Purdue coaches he thanked, which also included Walters, receivers coach Cory Patterson and senior offensive analyst Stanton Keane.

Rios said his recruitment is completely re-opened. Purdue is expected to keep recruiting Rios. Tennessee cornerback Zyntreacs Otey was the only other commit in that fledgling 2026 class.

Rios has led Downey to a 4-1 start this season. He has thrown for 1,543 yards with 12 touchdowns and five interceptions while also rushing for 448 yards and seven touchdowns.

Walters was asked earlier this week what he had communicated to both the young quarterbacks on the roster, such as freshman Marcos Davila, and the future commitments after firing Harrell. Dallas Parish Episcopal quarterback Sawyer Anderson is committed to the 2025 class.

"I've started with the quarterbacks already in the room," Walters said. "They trust what I've done up to this point. I've been very open and honest and transparent with all those guys.

"It's human nature to feel bad for Graham. Everybody loved Graham in the building. Still do. But they also are excited about the direction moving forward and are excited to go out and compete the remaining three quarters of the season."

(This story was updated to add new information.)

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Purdue football's 4-star 2026 QB Oscar Rios decommits after Harrell firing