The Oklahoma Sooners have been actively navigating the 2025 spring transfer portal, aiming to refine their roster ahead of the upcoming season. With the portal window open from April 16 to April 25, the team has seen significant player movement, both incoming and outgoing, as they prepare for their inaugural season in the SEC.

Incoming Transfers

 Jaydn Ott – Running Back (California)

Jaydn Ott, a standout running back from California, has committed to Oklahoma. In the 2023 season, Ott led the Pac-12 in rushing yards with 1,315 and secured 12 touchdowns, earning first-team All-Pac-12 honors. His dynamic playstyle is expected to invigorate the Sooners’ backfield.

Jake Maikkula – Offensive Lineman (Stanford)

Transferring from Stanford, Maikkula brings versatility to Oklahoma’s offensive line. Having started five games at guard in 2023, his experience will be invaluable in fortifying the line.

John Mateer – Quarterback (Washington State)

John Mateer, a dual-threat quarterback from Washington State, joins the Sooners with a reputation for mobility and playmaking. In the 2024 season, he threw for 3,139 yards and 29 touchdowns, while rushing for 826 yards and 15 touchdowns. His addition adds depth and competition to the quarterback room.

Cole Gonzales – Quarterback (Western Carolina)

Cole Gonzales, previously at Western Carolina, has transferred to Oklahoma. In the 2023 season, he threw for 1,336 yards and 11 touchdowns. His experience adds depth to the quarterback position.

Luke Baklenko – Offensive Lineman (Stanford)

Baklenko, a sophomore from Stanford, brings size and skill to the offensive line. Standing at 6’6″ and weighing 305 pounds, his presence is expected to bolster the Sooners’ protection schemes.

Isaiah Sategna – Wide Receiver (Arkansas)

Sategna, a redshirt sophomore from Arkansas, adds speed and agility to Oklahoma’s receiving corps. His ability to stretch the field will be a valuable asset.

Marvin Jones Jr. – Defensive Lineman (Florida State)

Jones Jr., a junior from Florida State, strengthens the defensive front. His experience and pass-rushing skills will be crucial for the Sooners’ defense.

Derek Simmons – Offensive Lineman (Western Carolina)

Simmons, a senior from Western Carolina, brings veteran leadership to the offensive line. His size and experience will be beneficial in the trenches.

Kendal Daniels – Safety (Oklahoma State)

Daniels, a redshirt junior from Oklahoma State, enhances the secondary. His ball-hawking abilities and tackling skills will be instrumental in the defensive backfield.

Keontez Lewis – Wide Receiver (Southern Illinois)

Lewis, a junior from Southern Illinois, adds depth to the receiving unit. His size and catching ability will provide additional options for the quarterback.

Javonnie Gibson – Wide Receiver (Arkansas-Pine Bluff)

Gibson, a redshirt sophomore from Arkansas-Pine Bluff, brings versatility to the offense. His agility and route-running skills will be valuable assets.

Jacob Ulrich – Punter (Kennesaw State)

Ulrich, a redshirt sophomore from Kennesaw State, strengthens the special teams unit. His punting abilities will be crucial in controlling field position.

Departures

Several players have entered the transfer portal during this window:

• Jackson Arnold (QB): Transferred to Auburn.
• Nic Anderson (WR): Moved to LSU.
• Kalib Hicks (RB): Joined Oklahoma State.
• Makari Vickers (DB): Now at Colorado.
• Dasan McCullough (LB): Transferred to Nebraska.
• Andrel Anthony (WR): Moved to Duke.
• Jalil Farooq (WR): Joined Maryland.
• Phil Picciotti (LB): Now at UCF.
• Brenen Thompson (WR): Transferred to Mississippi State.
• Eugene Brooks (OL): Joined UCLA.
• Ashton Sanders (DL): Moved to UCLA.
• Lewis Carter (LB): Now at UCF.

These departures reflect the dynamic nature of college football rosters in the transfer era.

Strategic Overview

Under the leadership of head coach Brent Venables and newly appointed general manager Jim Nagy, Oklahoma is adopting an NFL-style approach to roster management. Nagy’s expertise is instrumental in scouting and acquiring talent that fits the team’s philosophy and needs.

The addition of players like Ott and Maikkula addresses immediate needs, while the departure of key players necessitates a focus on developing existing talent and potentially seeking further reinforcements.

Looking Ahead

As the spring transfer window concludes, the Sooners will finalize their roster and begin preparations for the upcoming season. The integration of new players and the development of returning athletes will be pivotal in achieving success in the competitive landscape of college football.

Continued monitoring of the transfer portal and strategic planning will be essential as Oklahoma aims to build a cohesive and formidable team for the 202