Six offensive linemen in the transfer portal that the Oklahoma Sooners have to target
The Oklahoma Sooners had a huge issue on the offensive line during the 2024 season. They dealt with a ton of injuries, some players that didn't play well, players with no experience, and not a ton of chemistry within that group. So, it's obvious that they need to make some changes this offseason. With the […]
The Oklahoma Sooners had a huge issue on the offensive line during the 2024 season. They dealt with a ton of injuries, some players that didn't play well, players with no experience, and not a ton of chemistry within that group.
So, it's obvious that they need to make some changes this offseason. With the transfer portal opened up now, we are starting to see a ton of offensive linemen enter, and the Sooners should be able to grab a few of them.
However, there are about six of them that they should be going after and targeting. Now, they won't get all six, this is not me saying they will even get one of these guys, but they should be active in speaking to these players.
Six offensive linemen Sooners should target in the portal
Gunnar Hansen, Vanderbilt
During his three-year career at Vandy, a school that hasn't had the best history of football since being in the SEC, or ever, really, he has been pretty good. Despite being on very bad teams, with some very bad players next to him, he has some impressive stats to back up how he has played.
In three seasons, he has allowed 59 quarterback pressures and just five sacks on 1,048 pass-blocking attempts. With schools like Ohio State interested in him, that shows that the Sooners may not be able to get him, but, it's worth a shot.
Payton Kirkland, Colorado
Kirkland is a young offensive lineman that played for Colorado last season, or didn't play much, actually, and is looking for a new home. This one makes sense for the Sooners a bit more, because his original top five schools when he was in high school featured the Oklahoma Sooners. Then, he signed with the Texas Longhorns, and of course, eventually went to Colorado after transferring.
He's super young, very talented, but also very raw. Going to a place with a coach like Bill Bedenbaugh would be perfect for him. But, who's to say he even wants to come to Norman after last season? These are the things we don't really know. And, having three teams in three years isn't a great sign. Could there be something else there?
Miles McVay, Alabama
McVay, a young guy with three years of eligibility left is perfect for what the Sooners want to do. And, did I mention that he's an SEC Honor Roll student, too? He's a smart kid, played at Alabama and made some big-time plays. But, with what's going on over in Tuscaloosa he is looking for a new home.
This is another kid that several schools are already after because he was a top 250 Rivals recruit in the 2023 class. So we know the talent is there. The Sooners need to make a pitch to McVay, and I think he would fit in well, given he already has SEC experience.
Carver Willis, Kansas State
If the Sooners are looking for a guy with experience and a guy that they won't have to wait long to develop, they should target Willis. The offensive tackle started in 18 games and appeared in 35 in his time with the Wildcats. In 2023, he was a Big 12 All-Conference honorable mention.
In 2023, he was a part of one of the best offensive lines in the country, as Kansas State was a finalist for the Joe Moore Award, recognizing the top offensive line unit in the country. He is a guy the Sooners could definitely use.
Tyler Mercer, North Texas
The North Texas transfer, who's from North Texas, is set to have a ton of teams interested in adding him. As a senior in high school, he had offers from a ton of schools, mostly all in the Big 12. Ironically, the Sooners were not one of those teams. But, being that Oklahoma is so close to where he is from, they could be a team he's interested in.
Mercer has three years of eligibility left. Last year, he helped hold down North Texas' offensive line, for a unit that was pretty good overall. He was one of their better players, but it feels like with some of the changes going on there, and him having a good season, he's willing to bet on himself and try to move on up to a Power Five school.
Isaiah World, Nevada
This is the No. 1 offensive tackle in the transfer portal, according to multiple different outlets. And, there is a good reason for that. The 6'8" tackle started all 13 games and didn't allow a sack, despite being on a terrible Nevada team. Now, it's time to move up into a Power Five conference and play against some much bigger and better talent.
There is one issue with World, though, as it pertains to the Sooners. Ohio State is being very aggressive in pursuing him. They may very well land him. But, the Sooners need to be reaching out. You never know what a recruit is looking for, and when you have a coach like Bill Bedenbaugh, that may be the one thing that persuades someone.
Oklahoma defender trolls Sooners fanbase with fake transfer portal announcement on social media
This one was pretty funny.
