The breakout Wolverines LB, with elite coverage and turnover-forcing ability, becomes the Sooners' biggest and most exciting get to date
In a significant move within the college football landscape, former Michigan linebacker Cole Sullivan has committed to the University of Oklahoma through the NCAA transfer portal.
The announcement came on January 7, 2026, marking a key addition for the Sooners as they bolster their defense heading into the upcoming season.
Sullivan, a rising talent with two years of eligibility remaining, brings experience and versatility to OU's linebacker corps, which has seen some departures this offseason.
Sullivan hails from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where he starred at Central Catholic High School. As a recruit in the 2024 cycle, he was rated as a three-star prospect by major scouting services.
Choosing Michigan over other offers, Sullivan quickly made an impact in Ann Arbor despite being a true freshman. In 2024, he appeared in 12 games primarily on special teams and one at linebacker, earning the Wolverines' Special Teams Rookie of the Year award.
His role expanded significantly in 2025, where he played in 11 games and transitioned into a starter. That season, Sullivan amassed 44 tackles (28 solo), five tackles for loss, two sacks, three interceptions, four pass breakups, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery.
According to Pro Football Focus, he logged 275 snaps at true linebacker and about 27 in the slot, showcasing his adaptability across defensive schemes.
One notable performance came against Oklahoma itself during the 2025 season. In a matchup in Norman, Sullivan contributed three tackles, a sack, and a crucial fumble recovery on a muffed punt, helping Michigan secure a victory.
This irony wasn't lost on fans, as Sullivan's familiarity with the Sooners' style could now benefit his new team. Standing at 6-foot-3 and 230 pounds, Sullivan's physical profile fits the mold of a modern linebacker—agile enough for coverage duties while stout against the run.
Sullivan entered the transfer portal on January 2, 2026, shortly after the portal window opened.
Michigan made concerted efforts to retain him, including hiring Alex Whittingham as the new linebackers coach and arranging a meeting with Sullivan and his family in Pittsburgh.
Despite these attempts, Sullivan opted for a fresh start. While specific reasons for his departure weren't publicly detailed, the move aligns with the broader trends in College Football, where players seek opportunities for more playing time, better NIL deals, or alignment with coaching philosophies.
The transfer portal, which closes on January 16, has become a pivotal tool for roster reconstruction, allowing athletes like Sullivan to explore new horizons.
For Oklahoma, Sullivan's commitment is a strategic win under head coach Brent Venables and general manager Jim Nagy.
The Sooners conducted an in-home visit in Pittsburgh on Tuesday, sealing the deal amid competition from other programs.
OU's linebacker room needed reinforcement following the portal departure of Kobie McKinzie, Kendal Daniels' move to the NFL Draft, and uncertainty around Owen Heinecke's eligibility.
Kip Lewis's future decision also looms, making Sullivan's addition timely. Ranked as the No. 151 overall prospect in the 247Sports portal rankings and a top-10 linebacker available, Sullivan provides immediate depth and special teams prowess.
He joins a wave of portal acquisitions for OU, including Virginia transfer receiver Trell Harris and former Texas receiver Parker Livingstone, marking the team's 10th addition this cycle.
The impact on both programs is noteworthy.
For Michigan, losing Sullivan means leaning on emerging talents like Troy Bowles, Nathaniel Owusu-Boateng, Chase Taylor, and incoming freshmen Aden Reeder, Markel Dabney, and Kaden Catchings to fill the void.
The Wolverines, fresh off a competitive 2025 campaign, will need to adapt quickly under their coaching staff.
On the flip side, Oklahoma gains a battle-tested defender who can contribute in the SEC's demanding environment.
Venables, known for his defensive expertise, will likely integrate Sullivan into schemes that emphasize speed and turnover creation.
As Sullivan prepares to don the crimson and cream, fans in Norman are optimistic about his potential to elevate the Sooners' defense.
With spring practices on the horizon, all eyes will be on how this Pittsburgh product adapts to his new home in the heart of Oklahoma.