Sooners get the best surprise possible just after the first week of the transfer portal, and it will only help them finish the rest of the class
The Sooners are glad to have Sandell back.
The Oklahoma Sooners don’t have to worry about one position in the transfer portal. On Sunday, kicker Tate Sandell announced he was returning for one more season, which has to come as a huge surprise for the Sooners.
He was the best kicker in the country last season and may have been selected in the 2026 NFL Draft. OU signed freshman kicker Trace Rudd in their 2026 recruiting class; however, most schools keep two kickers on their roster. This keeps OU from having to go to the portal to get another one.
Having Sandell back in 2026 brings the Sooners another weapon
Oklahoma has been extremely active in the portal. They’ve brought in some offensive linemen for depth and even to compete for starting spots. They’ve brought in some receivers and tight ends for quarterback John Mateer, if Mateer does come back.
Trell Harris, Parker Livingston, Hayden Hansen, Lloyd Avant, and Rocky Beers are all new weapons the Sooners have acquired. They will be paired with guys Isaiah Sategna (if he returns) and the talented running back group.
Let’s not forget how much of a weapon Sandell is, too. He was the weapon last season. Sandell was responsible for 107 of the Sooners’ 341 points. Once again, because the offense was so bad, he was the weapon for OU. Anytime the Sooners got past midfield, they were guaranteed at least three points. Pair that with the new weapons and hopefully the improved offense, and OU can be elite in 2026.
Sandell is also returning as a mentor. Rudd, the 2026 freshman, will learn from the best kicker in the country. Then, when he takes over in 2027 as the full-time kicker, Rudd will have learned so much that he will be even more ready than he would have been had Sandell not returned.
OU getting Sandell back is huge.
Oklahoma Sooners News
Oklahoma Sooners kicker Tate Sandell is making the most of his quick rise to fame in the best way possible
The Sooners have the best kicker in the country in Tate Sandell.
