Could unheralded FCS transfer portal addition be key cog for Oklahoma Sooners' offense in 2025?
Throughout Oklahoma's 2024 season, the play of the offensive line drew the ire of plenty of fans. While it was never as bad as people believed it to be, mainly because of the relative lack of knowledge about how the offensive line works, it wasn't up to standards for the Sooners. However, the Sooners […]
Throughout Oklahoma's 2024 season, the play of the offensive line drew the ire of plenty of fans. While it was never as bad as people believed it to be, mainly because of the relative lack of knowledge about how the offensive line works, it wasn't up to standards for the Sooners.
However, the Sooners returned their entire starting corps from last season, brought in two talented tackle recruits, and added a couple of prospects out of the portal. One of those transfers was offensive tackle Derek Simmons, who transferred to Norman from the Western Carolina Catamounts.
Simmons is a talented athlete with a wealth of experience, but his small-school status drew the ire of fans who only want players from major programs. Despite that, Simmons has seemingly seized the opportunity given to him by the Sooners and has emerged as the leading candidate to start at right tackle come next season.
Previewing Oklahoma Sooners 2025 offense depth chart: How does Ben Arbuckle change the room?
The 2024 offseason brought plenty of changes to the Oklahoma Sooners' depth chart heading into next season. Over 30 players departed in the transfer portal, some starters, others not, and the Sooners brought in a decent haul of replacements to fill in the gaps and upgrade at a few spots. What does the team look […]
This shouldn't be a surprise, given his talent level. Other outlets have identified Simmons as a player to watch for Oklahoma next season, and his veteran leadership should help stabilize a relatively young Sooners' offensive line and be a mentor to that group.
Right tackle was a weak spot for the Sooners in 2024, with Jake Taylor's injuries and Spencer Brown's poor play outside. It's no surprise that both offensive linemen Oklahoma pursued had experience playing there in their careers, given the obvious Achilles heel on the offense.
If Simmons has that position locked down, it would be a boon for Oklahoma moving forward. A competition of Simmons, a fully-healthy (hopefully) Jake Taylor, Stanford transfer Luke Baklenko, and incoming four-star recruit Ryan Fodje is arguably the best depth the Sooners have had at that position in some time. Simmons pulling ahead early is a strong sign of his ability.
