Oklahoma Sooners Reportedly Not Finished in Transfer Portal as Buzz Grows Over Potential Blockbuster Addition Soon
The Oklahoma Sooners appear to be far from finished in the college football transfer portal, as multiple reports and whispers from national insiders suggest that Brent Venables and his staff could be closing in on at least one more significant addition before summer workouts begin. As the spring transfer window winds down and the roster reset becomes imminent across the country, Oklahoma seems to be working behind the scenes to land a final splash that could elevate the program heading into its first SEC campaign.
After another offseason of strategic portal movement, which has included high-profile departures and arrivals alike, Venables’ staff has made it clear that the transfer portal is not just a luxury—it’s a necessity in today’s arms race of college football talent acquisition. Oklahoma has already addressed several key needs through the portal, adding playmakers at wide receiver, defensive line depth, and reinforcements in the secondary. But word circulating among team insiders is that OU still has its sights set on at least one big fish, potentially on either side of the ball.
The Sooners’ 2025 roster is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing in recent memory. With a young core maturing, a loaded recruiting class from the high school ranks, and the pressure of SEC competition on the horizon, Venables knows this team must hit the ground running. The idea that another big-time player—maybe even a former blue-chip prospect looking for a reset or a Group of Five standout ready to make the leap—could still join the program has only fueled speculation and excitement in Norman.
The rumor mill has pointed to a few potential areas of focus. First and foremost, linebacker depth could still be on the radar. Despite some strong talent on the inside with names like Kip Lewis and Jaren Kanak developing nicely, Oklahoma lost experienced contributors to the portal earlier in the offseason. There’s chatter that a former Power Five starter currently weighing his options could be in contact with OU staffers. If the Sooners land him, it would offer immediate leadership and sideline-to-sideline speed at a position that demands versatility in the SEC.
Another position being quietly watched: quarterback. While Oklahoma is confident in Jackson Arnold as the clear-cut starter and face of the offense moving forward, there’s legitimate concern about depth behind him. The backup spot currently rests on younger, largely unproven arms. With the transfer portal’s ability to rapidly flip a team’s quarterback room, don’t be surprised if the Sooners bring in a veteran presence to serve as a reliable No. 2—someone who’s not necessarily threatening Arnold’s job but can be trusted in a pinch if the situation demands it. Think of it like the Davis Beville insurance policy, but ideally with more upside.
In terms of offensive weapons, the Sooners have already added intriguing pieces, but the door doesn’t appear to be shut on another wide receiver or tight end. Oklahoma’s spring game showcased flashes of brilliance from their skill players, yet insiders believe the staff wouldn’t say no to another dynamic, game-breaking talent. One name that’s been floated: a former four-star receiver from a Pac-12 school who entered the portal after his coach was let go. The buzz is that he’s looking for a fast-paced system and an opportunity to be featured immediately—OU checks both boxes.
What’s especially notable is how Venables and his staff have changed their tone compared to last year. They’re far more open about using the portal not only to plug holes but to challenge incumbents. This shift in philosophy is likely a reaction to the SEC transition and the reality that injuries and attrition will require more battle-tested players ready to step in immediately. The staff’s ability to recruit both high school and portal talent without alienating either group has been impressive, and it’s part of what makes this next move so highly anticipated.
Recruiting insiders also point to some unusual social media activity from a few current Sooners that hint something might be in the works. Vague emojis, cryptic tweets, and comments like “big things coming” or “we just getting started” have only intensified the sense that an addition is imminent. While nothing has been confirmed, players sometimes hint at news before it breaks officially, and in the past, this kind of smoke has preceded fire—think back to how Dasan McCullough’s arrival was teased in late 2022.
One scenario that has been pitched is a late defensive line addition. Even though the Sooners brought in some key transfers like Damonic Williams from TCU, the brutal grind of SEC play means you can never have enough depth up front. An SEC East program is believed to have a veteran lineman in the portal who hasn’t yet found the right fit, and OU could make a late push. The idea of rotating six to eight capable linemen is essential in this new conference reality, and Oklahoma knows it can’t rely on just two or three to anchor the front.
Another possibility is special teams—specifically, placekicker or punter. It’s not a flashy position to target, but Oklahoma struggled with consistency in those units last year. If the right leg becomes available—say, a multi-year starter from a smaller program looking for one final shot at a bigger stage—the Sooners may take a swing.
Perhaps the most tantalizing rumor surrounds a potential flip from a player who recently committed elsewhere out of the portal but has yet to enroll. There’s belief among some that Oklahoma could pull off a late coup by convincing a prospect to reconsider, especially if that player’s current destination is undergoing coaching instability or NIL uncertainty. The coaching staff’s aggressive approach and relationships built over years of recruiting often keep them in the loop for these kinds of opportunities.
Regardless of the position or the player, what’s clear is that Brent Venables isn’t treating this offseason like the job is done. The Sooners have the scholarship space and the momentum to be selective, but they’re also aware that every roster spot matters. In a world where one injury or one transfer can derail a season, having an ace up your sleeve in early May could be the difference between contending in the SEC or finishing in the middle of the pack.
The larger story here is how Oklahoma continues to evolve in its portal strategy. No longer just reacting to losses, the Sooners are playing offense in the transfer world—actively identifying targets months in advance and preparing contingency plans. The staff has multiple analysts tracking film and analytics, creating a database of potential additions the moment a player enters the portal. This proactive approach is already paying dividends and may be the key to staying competitive in a conference where nearly every team is leveraging the portal aggressively.
As we approach the final weeks before rosters are locked in for fall camp, fans should keep a close eye on the portal wire, insider boards, and even the players themselves. Something is brewing in Norman, and based on the whispers and movement behind the scenes, that “next big move” could arrive at any moment. The only question left is: who will it be, and how big of an impact will they have on Oklahoma’s SEC debut?
With Venables still in roster-construction mode, don’t expect the Sooners to slow down. If recent history is any indication, the next few days—or even hours—could bring news that makes national headlines and sets the tone for Oklahoma’s 2025 season. Stay tuned.
