As college football programs look to build their rosters for the upcoming season, the spring transfer portal has become a critical tool for coaches to plug gaps and improve depth. For Oklahoma, a program with high expectations each year, the 2025 season is no exception. The Sooners are looking to add talent and address weaknesses through the transfer portal, and their incoming players are highly anticipated by fans and analysts alike. With an eye on competing for the Big 12 championship and securing a spot in the College Football Playoff, Oklahoma’s coaching staff has carefully assessed which players can provide immediate impact.
In this article, we will rank Oklahoma’s key transfer portal recruits for the 2025 season, breaking down their potential, the positions they are expected to impact, and how they fit into the program’s long-term goals. Each player’s background and contributions at previous schools will also be considered, as will their fit with head coach Brent Venables’ system.
While the 2025 season may still feel like a distant prospect, the pieces being added to the puzzle now can dramatically shape the future of Oklahoma football. So, let’s dive into the list of recruits who are expected to make waves in Norman and contribute to the Sooners’ continued dominance in the coming season.
Arguably the most important addition for Oklahoma, Taylor McCown comes from Texas Tech, where he was a highly productive quarterback for the Red Raiders. Standing at 6’5″, McCown brings a combination of size, arm strength, and experience that is a rarity in college football. While he played in a pass-heavy offense at Texas Tech, McCown demonstrated excellent pocket awareness, the ability to make throws on the run, and the poise needed to lead an offense.
At Oklahoma, McCown is expected to compete for the starting quarterback job, and with the Sooners’ offense being built around a balanced attack, McCown’s ability to read defenses and make plays with both his arm and legs will be invaluable. His leadership and maturity will be crucial as Oklahoma looks to build on the solid foundation that Venables has started to establish since his arrival. McCown’s versatility and strong arm should provide a solid boost to the Sooners’ offense in 2025.
A dominant force on the defensive line, Caleb Johnson is one of the most exciting prospects to join the Sooners in the 2025 season. Hailing from Alabama, a program known for producing elite defensive talent, Johnson has the physical tools and pedigree to make an immediate impact in Norman. Standing 6’4″ and weighing 290 pounds, Johnson is a versatile defensive lineman who can play both inside and on the edge. His ability to generate pressure on quarterbacks and disrupt running plays will be a major asset to Oklahoma’s defense.
At Alabama, Johnson was a rotational player who flashed incredible potential, and he now comes to Oklahoma looking for a larger role. With the Sooners looking to solidify their defense under Venables, Johnson’s skills should complement the existing defensive personnel, helping to create a formidable front that can compete with the best in the Big 12 and beyond. His ability to clog running lanes and provide interior pass rush should make him an instant contributor.
Malik Davis enters the Oklahoma program as one of the most experienced and dynamic running backs available in the transfer portal for 2025. Davis has proven himself to be a reliable and explosive ball carrier at Florida, where he displayed impressive vision, burst, and ability to break tackles. Standing at 6’1″ and weighing 215 pounds, Davis possesses the ideal combination of size and speed that allows him to be a workhorse in the backfield.
While Oklahoma’s running back group is already solid, adding a back with Davis’ experience and playmaking ability elevates the unit’s overall potential. Davis should fit perfectly into the Sooners’ run-heavy offense, and his ability to contribute both in the running game and as a receiving threat out of the backfield makes him a multi-dimensional weapon that opposing defenses will struggle to contain. His experience in big games in the SEC will be invaluable for the Sooners, particularly in tight matchups during the Big 12 slate.
Jordan James is a wide receiver that has the potential to become a go-to option for Oklahoma in the passing game in 2025. Coming from LSU, James has proven that he has the athleticism and ball skills to succeed at a high level in the SEC. Known for his deep speed and route-running ability, James is a vertical threat who can stretch defenses and make big plays downfield. Standing at 6’2″, he has the size to be a physical presence on the outside, and his experience in the SEC means he’s no stranger to high-pressure situations.
With Oklahoma’s offense continuing to evolve under Venables and offensive coordinator Jeff Lebby, the addition of a player like James adds another layer of unpredictability to the passing attack. He will likely be paired with returning playmakers and should be expected to contribute immediately as a primary receiving threat.
Darius Johnson is a cornerback from Michigan State who is expected to be a key contributor to Oklahoma’s defense in the 2025 season. Standing at 5’11”, Johnson is a physical and aggressive corner who excels in man-to-man coverage. His ability to play tight coverage and read quarterbacks’ eyes makes him a prime candidate to become a starter in the Sooners’ defensive backfield. Johnson’s experience in a power-five program like Michigan State also gives him a level of maturity and composure that will serve him well in the high-pressure Big 12 environment.
Venables’ defensive system requires corners who can lock down receivers and make plays on the ball, and Johnson’s skill set fits that mold perfectly. As the Sooners aim to improve their secondary, Johnson’s ability to contribute in both coverage and as a tackler will be vital in helping Oklahoma compete at the highest level.
Tyrell White is a highly-touted outside linebacker from Oregon who brings both speed and versatility to the Oklahoma defense. At Oregon, White was known for his ability to rush the passer, and he has the skill set to make an immediate impact in a hybrid linebacker role in Venables’ defense. At 6’3″ and 240 pounds, White has the size and athleticism to be a force both as an edge rusher and as a coverage linebacker, making him an intriguing addition for the Sooners.
With the need for pressure off the edge and the ability to disrupt opposing offenses, White’s skills as a pass rusher and his ability to read plays will be critical in Oklahoma’s defensive scheme. His experience in a competitive Pac-12 conference should also help him adjust quickly to the Big 12’s offensive talent.
Tight end Evan Brown from Tennessee adds depth and talent to the Sooners’ tight end room, which has shown promise in recent seasons. Brown is a well-rounded player, capable of contributing both as a blocker and as a receiving threat. Standing at 6’5″ and weighing 250 pounds, he has the physical tools to be a reliable target in the passing game, particularly in the red zone. His blocking ability should also aid in the development of Oklahoma’s running game, giving the Sooners a versatile weapon in multiple facets of the offense.
As Oklahoma looks to further develop its identity on offense, Brown’s all-around skill set could allow him to become a key piece in both the passing and running attacks. His ability to block effectively and create mismatches in the passing game will make him an intriguing player to watch in 2025.
The 2025 season for Oklahoma football will be shaped by the incoming transfers who arrive with the goal of making an immediate impact. From Taylor McCown’s leadership at quarterback to Caleb Johnson’s disruptive presence on the defensive line, these recruits provide a blend of experience, skill, and potential that will be essential to the Sooners’ success. As coach Brent Venables continues to build his vision for the program, these transfer portal additions will play a crucial role in Oklahoma’s pursuit of championship glory.
