Oklahoma Sooners already set to host several contributors out of the transfer portal who could replace key starters
The Oklahoma Sooners are already working to set up visits with transfer portal targets who could play a significant role in 2026.
The Oklahoma Sooners have already been active in the transfer portal, even though it theoretically won’t open until January 2nd. This staff, led by head coach Brent Venables and general manager Jim Nagy, have been identifying key targets to pursue to set themselves up for another and hopefully deeper run in the College Football Playoff next season.
The Sooners have already begun working on setting up visits with several portal targets across multiple positions.
First Sooners transfer portal visitors expected soon
Everyone in Norman knows that the offense has to take a step forward in 2026, and to do so, they need to continue surrounding quarterback John Mateer with plenty of weapons. With that in mind, they’ve already begun putting out feelers, specifically focusing heavily at tight end and running back to bolster the depth in that room.
To that end, it’s no surprise that some of their first visitors are at those two positions. Florida Gators tight end Hayden Hansen is set to visit the Sooners in the coming weeks, and he is considered a priority add by this staff. Hansen is a capable do-it-all tight end, showcasing good ability as a blocker and as a receiver, something the Sooners haven’t had in this room over the last few seasons. Internally, they also like Carson Kent as a holdover from this year’s roster, and are very high on their incoming freshmen, Ryder Mix and Tyler Ruxer, and they believe both will be able to be involved early on. I would expect just one tight end out of the portal, but they could take another one if they feel the right one comes free. Other tight ends like Wisconsin’s Tucker Ashcraft, UTSA’s Houston Thomas, and Texas A&M’s Theo Melin Ohrstrom are worth keeping an eye on as well for the Sooners.
At running back, the Sooners return a fairly solid pair of returners in Xavier Robinson and Tory Blaylock and have a strong 1-2 freshman tandem in Jonathan Hatton and DeZephen Walker coming in. However, they want to add a complementary depth piece with a multi-faceted skill set (essentially what they thought they would get with Jaydn Ott). They might have found it in Colorado State’s Lloyd Avant, who totaled 946 all-purpose yards and six touchdowns this season. Avant posted 11.8 YAC/reception this year, and his 11 missed tackles forced as a receiver were among the top marks for running backs in the country. Avant could visit likely as soon as this weekend, according to SoonerScoop.
Across the rest of the offense, the Sooners are still awaiting a decision from Isaiah Sategna at wide receiver before deciding their strategy there. I don’t anticipate them being heavily involved anywhere on the offensive line because they already return their starting five for next season, as the belief around the program is that Heath Ozaeta has already affirmed his move to right guard to replace Febechi Nwaiwu for next season. The Sooners might pursue competitive depth if/when some players depart, but they won’t be heavy hitters here beyond that. Akron OT Maasai King received an offer from Oklahoma on Friday afternoon.
On defense, Oklahoma is mainly focused at linebacker and on the defensive line. I’d keep an eye on Colorado State linebacker Owen Long as a piece the Sooners will prioritize, regardless of if Kip Lewis returns or not for next season. Michigan linebacker Cole Sullivan entered the transfer portal on Friday morning, and he should be a priority for the Sooners to pursue as well. Arkansas State defensive tackle Cody Sigler and Penn State defensive tackle Xavier Gilliam are both another heavily linked to the Sooners, and could be visiting in the coming days as well.
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