Sullivan, a standout transfer from Michigan, steps up to direct the Oklahoma Sooners' complex defensive schemes under Brent Venables, ready to lead on the field
NORMAN, Okla. — When Cole Sullivan entered the transfer portal from Michigan in early January 2026, Oklahoma head coach Brent Venables wasted no time making his pitch.
The self-proclaimed “linebacker doctor” who has developed Butkus Award winners and NFL standouts saw something special in the 6-foot-4, 230-pound junior from Pittsburgh.
Now, just three months after enrolling at OU, Sullivan is stepping into a pivotal role as the leader of the Sooners’ linebacker room, and he’s determined to prove he can run the show on one of the SEC’s most demanding defenses.
Sullivan arrived in Norman with impressive credentials.
In 2025 at Michigan, he played in 11 games, making three starts and finishing with 44 tackles, 5.0 tackles for loss, 2.0 sacks, three interceptions, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery.
He earned Academic All-Big Ten honors and was named the Wolverines’ co-Most Improved Player on defense.
But it wasn’t just production that caught Venables’ eye. It was Sullivan’s size, athleticism and willingness to embrace a new system.
During spring practices leading into the 2026 season, Sullivan has been vocal about the expectations placed on him.
The transition hasn’t been seamless. Venables’ defense is famously complex, with its own language and intricate schemes for both run and pass defense. Yet Sullivan has attacked the challenge head-on.
“Here, coach Venables emphasizes that, stresses that to us: It’s more important for us to command the defense,” Sullivan said. “None of these guys are gonna listen to you if you don't know what the heck you're doing out here. Just trying to do that every day and keep proving myself and just building up to that leader day by day.”
As an inside linebacker, Sullivan understands the position demands more than physical play. It requires being the quarterback of the defense, the communicator who sees the field, makes adjustments and keeps everyone aligned.
In Venables’ scheme, that responsibility falls heavily on the linebackers, especially the “Mike” or middle ’backer spot. With Owen Heinecke's eligibility coming into question, Sullivan could play a crucial role in the Sooners' defense.
“It’s something else that you just have to take control of with the defense,” Sullivan said. “You have to be the guy that communicates to everybody. Maybe it is a challenge, but it's something you want to be as a linebacker, something you want to be, hopefully as a leader on the team.”
Venables has noticed the growth. The fifth-year OU coach has been pleased with Sullivan’s consistency and work ethic since he stepped on campus in January.
“Cole's done a really good job of being really consistent about putting in the extra time to learn the new language and how it applies to him, what we're trying to accomplish with different schemes, what you can and can't do with both the run and the pass,” Venables said.
“A lot of growing opportunities for him, but you can see some of his experience has shown up.”
That experience is crucial for a Sooners defense that returns talent but must replace key pieces and adapt to the physical, up-tempo nature of SEC football.
Sullivan lines up alongside returning standouts like Kip Lewis, and his presence has already drawn praise from teammates.
Defensive end Taylor Wein called him a “freak athlete” and a “big addition” who brings length and tenacity that OU desperately needs.
Sullivan’s journey to this moment began long before Michigan. Raised in a football family in Pittsburgh, he developed a blue-collar mentality that aligns perfectly with Venables’ emphasis on physicality, toughness and relentless effort.
The in-home visit from Venables himself, a rare gesture that left Sullivan with goosebumps, sealed the deal. Venables didn’t just sell the program; he sold Sullivan on becoming the best version of himself under the tutelage of one of college football’s premier defensive minds.
Now, with spring ball wrapping up and fall camp on the horizon, Sullivan is focused on earning the trust of his teammates and coaches. The Sooners open the 2026 season with high expectations, aiming to contend in a loaded SEC.
For Sullivan, that means continuing to master the playbook, refine his pass-rush skills and solidify his role as the defensive communicator.
Venables has built a reputation for turning linebackers into stars, and early returns suggest Sullivan could be the next success story. He’s already earned a reputation around the program as a “dog”, a relentless competitor who flies around the field.
If he continues developing at this pace, Cole Sullivan won’t just be part of OU’s defense in 2026, he’ll be the one running the show.