The 2025 season brought a major issue for the Oklahoma Sooners. OU had one of the worst offenses in the entire country. When the offseason hit and the transfer portal window opened, it was obvious they needed some moves. They needed to make moves on both sides, but man, the offense needed it badly.

And that’s exactly what happened. The Sooners went out and got better tight ends, some good receivers, and a running back. The offensive line had some additions, too. But nothing stood out more than what the skill guys did on Friday night. In fact, it’s already starting to look like Brent Venables and company could be getting a great return on investment. Three offensive players who were transfer portal additions really stood out in this game.

Three transfer portal additions who helped elevate the Oklahoma Sooners’ offense vs. UTEP

Lloyd Avant, RB

The Sooners needed to do something about the run game. Sure, they were going to be getting Xavier Robinson and Tory Blaylock back, and hopefully healthy. Sure, they were adding two great freshman running backs in Jonathon Hatton and DeZephen Walker. However, they still needed something else. They went and got Avant from Colorado State, and it felt like no one batted an eye. Well, on Friday, it was very obvious that he is RB1. Now, could that change?

Yes. I certainly feel like Robinson will end up getting more touches as the year goes on. But Avant was great. He started the game with back-to-back 12-yard runs. Then, on the third play, he runs for seven. Avant finished the game with 79 rushing yards on just 15 carries and a rushing touchdown. That’s 5.3 rushing yards per carry. He also had one catch for six yards. Avant was great, and we could see more of just how they plan to use him next week against Michigan.

Rocky Beers, TE

This guy exploded out of the gate for the Sooners. The third touchdown of the game, second offensive score, was a highlight play from Beers. The Sooners have already identified Beers as a dude in this offense. Now, take everything with a grain of salt, but Beers could have had two touchdowns. He had the first, a beautiful pass from John Mateer. After running that deep crosser, he ran down the sideline and hurdled the defender.

That’s a play that could end up on Sports Center Top 10. He even coincidentally struck the Jordan “Jump Man” pose. Not long after that, the Sooners found themselves on the goal line again. Who did they target? Beers. They actually got the TD to him, but a penalty brought the play back because of a pick play by tight end Jack Van Dorselaer. The Sooners have to love the return they got from Beers.

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Trell Harris, WR

On the initial tape, Harris only really shows up for the two catches for 61 yards. And they were two very good catches, with one of them being a great touchdown. In fact, that touchdown showed a bit of moxie from Harris, as he disrespected the defender a bit and then went 48 yards. However, Harris was also amazing in the blocking department of what it means to be a receiver.

You all know the old saying, “no block, no rock.” Harris must have taken that to heart. He had a few nice blocks on some big-time run plays. And he had a nice block on a WR screen that went to Sategna, in which his block actually allowed Sategna to get the first down. He was great, and you can tell we are only going to see even more of him.