Sooners will have a plethora of options to beef up a major issue they had in 2025 through the transfer portal
The Sooners may want to grab a veteran or two on the offensive line through the transfer portal.
In 2025, the Oklahoma Sooners showed flashes of having an elite offensive line in the future. They have former five-star left tackle Michael Fasusi, right tackle/offensive guard Ryan Fodje, and Eddy Pierre-Louis at the other guard spot. That’s the nucleus. However, they struggled at times last year, making mistakes that young players make. And the offensive line was always hurt. The transfer portal could help fix some of those issues.
The portal opens on Jan. 2 and closes on Jan. 16, so they will have some time to decide how they want to attack it. It’s possible that with the likes of Noah Best and Deacon Schmitt coming in the 2026 class, the Sooners keep their unit the way it is.
If the Sooners want to enter the 2026 season with this young offensive line the way it is, then so be it. However, it would be smart to add at least one veteran guy, or someone who’s already played elite football. There are some cheap options out there, too.
3 offensive linemen in the transfer portal that the Sooners can look into for either depth or for a veteran presence
Jimarion McCrimon, ECU Pirates
McCrimon is a guy that the Sooners likely won’t target; however, you can’t rule anything out in today’s wild world of college football. He just started 13 games at left tackle, which is where Fasusi is. But if he’s willing to and can play right tackle, he may come in as the starter right away. He’s got two years of eligibility left and would be a great addition to a young offensive line that needs to be beefed up. The 6’6 312 OT earned 1st Team All-AAC honors, and is going to get some major interest from Power Four programs. It’s a long shot he goes to Oklahoma, but it’s worth noting how good of an addition he would be.
Paul Mubenga, LSU Tigers
The 6’5 310-pound offensive lineman started in 11 out of the 20 games he appeared in at LSU last season, and he has two years of eligibility left. He didn’t play great all the time, but Mubenga had some moments where he showed flashes of being a pretty good player. Mubenga was the 53-ranked interior offensive lineman in his 2023 class, and while he didn’t always look the part last season, some other players around him certainly didn’t help either.
Manasse Itete, Florida State Seminoles
A former four-star recruit in the 2024 class, Itete has three years of eligibility left, but could be a guy the Sooners add for depth. Who knows, maybe Itete competes for a starting job. He played on a very bad team this last season, that is, when he did play. The 6’6, 312-pound offensive lineman has potential that maybe OL coach Bill Bedenbaugh can crack. And, maybe Itete is willing to learn a new position.
Jimothy Lewis, Mississippi State Bulldogs
Jimothy Lewis wasn’t a stranger to big-time offers coming out of high school. A four-star from IMG Academy, he held offers from schools like Alabama, Georgia, Miami, among others. He ultimately landed at Mississippi State and saw some action as a freshman this season due to injuries to veteran players ahead of him. While thrust into action, there was a bit of inconsistency you’d expect from a young, yet talented, OT. His lack of playing time at the SEC level was clear, but he also had moments that showcased his potential. It was simply a mixed bag, and now, he may find a new, fresh start away from the Bulldogs. At 6’6, 320 pounds, Lewis is sized as a future NFL tackle and has the athleticism to come a long way with the correct coaching and patience. He could be an intriguing option in the portal for the Sooners. – Adam Holt, A to Z Sports College Football Analyst
Xavier Chaplin, Auburn Tigers
Xavier Chaplin has yet to reach his potential. A highly anticipated transfer at Auburn, the 6-7 monster has some natural bend issues that are innate in a frame of his size, but the former three-star is sure to be one of, if not the top tackle in the portal come Friday. People of his size simply don’t grow on trees when accounting for his tangible traits and makeup. We’re talking about a player who starred on both sides of the ball and lettered in wrestling during high school. Sure, you wish he didn’t bend at the waist and wasn’t so stiff, but he’s more than capable of being a starter for a playoff-contending team like the Sooners in 2026. – Rob Gregson, A to Z Sports College Football Analayst
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