From losses to gains: Oklahoma's impressive incoming transfer class
As the College Football landscape continues to evolve with the ever-active transfer portal, the Oklahoma Sooners are navigating a crucial offseason rebuild ahead of the 2026 season.
Under head coach Brent Venables, OU has faced a challenging transition into the SEC, finishing the 2025 campaign with a solid record, but still highlighted needs for depth and talent infusion across multiple position groups.
The transfer portal, which opened on January 2 and is set to close on January 16, has already seen significant movement for the Sooners.
With a focus on bolstering the offense and defense, Oklahoma has aggressively pursued incoming talent to address key deficiencies, particularly in the trenches, at wide receiver, and in the secondary.
While departures have created roster holes, the emphasis here is on the new arrivals who could reshape the team's fortunes. This tracker provides the latest updates as of January 7, 2026.
Incoming Transfers: A Wave of Talent to Revitalize the Roster
The Sooners' incoming class through the portal is a strategic mix of experienced starters, high-upside underclassmen, and players with proven production from Power Four and Group of Six programs.
Venables and his staff have prioritized adding size, athleticism, and SEC-ready experience, especially on offense where OU struggled with consistency in 2025.
- TE Hayden Hansen (from Florida) – 6'7", 269 lbs; started 34 games for the Gators with 30 catches for 254 yards and 2 TDs in 2025. Immediate starter potential as a blocker and red-zone threat.
- TE Rocky Beers (from Colorado State) – Program-record 7 TD catches for a TE in 2025 (31 rec, 388 yards). Adds versatility and family ties (sister Raegan Beers on OU women's basketball).
- OL Caleb Nitta (from Western Kentucky) – Highest-graded G6 center by PFF (69.2) in 2025; former Virginia Tech player brings technical excellence.
- OL E'Marion Harris (from Arkansas) – Started every game at right tackle in the SEC; battle-tested protector for the QB.
- WR Trell Harris (from Virginia) – Third-Team All-ACC; led UVA with 59 rec, 847 yards, 5 TDs. Elite speed and one of the top portal WRs available.
- WR Parker Livingstone (from Texas) – 6'4" redshirt freshman; 26 rec, 516 yards, 6 TDs. Ranked top-20 portal WR with big-play and red-zone upside.
- RB Lloyd Avant (from Colorado State) – 417 rushing yards, 5 TDs; also contributes as receiver and returner.
- CB Dakoda Fields (from Oregon) – Former top-100 recruit, 6'2", 198 lbs with 3 years of eligibility; adds size to the secondary.
- DL Kenny Ozowalu (from UTSA) – 6'4", 270-lb edge rusher ranked among top portal edges; breakout potential.
- LB Cole Sullivan (from Michigan) – 44 tackles, 3 INTs, 2 sacks in 2025; 6'3", 230 lbs with starting experience and leadership.
These 10 additions represent a major influx of talent designed for both immediate impact and long-term growth.
Outgoing Transfers
Oklahoma has experienced significant roster turnover this cycle, with numerous players entering the transfer portal.
Below is the complete list of outgoing transfers (new destinations noted where known; many are still exploring options):
- WR Jayden Gibson (committed to South Carolina)
- DB Kendel Dolby
- LB Kobie McKinzie (committed to Northwestern)
- OL Isaiah Dent
- TE Kaden Helms
- OL Jacob Sexton (committed to Oklahoma State)
- RB Jovantae Barnes (committed to Kentucky)
- S Marcus Wimberly (committed to Utah)
- OL Troy Everett
- WR Jakeb Snyder
- OL Luke Baklenko
- CB Devon Jordan (committed to Baylor)
- QB Michael Hawkins Jr. (committed to West Virginia)
- CB Maliek Hawkins (committed to West Virginia)
- CB Gentry Williams
- OL Logan Howland
- WR Josiah Martin
- WR KJ Daniels
- TE Carson Kent
- OL Jake Taylor (committed to Iowa State)
- DT Markus Strong
- RB Taylor Tatum
- WR Zion Kearney
- WR Ivan Carreon
- WR Javonnie Gibson
- LB Sammy Omosigho
- WR Zion Ragins
- S Jaydan Hardy
This exodus, while substantial, creates opportunities for the incoming transfers and remaining roster members to step up.
Looking Ahead
This portal cycle reflects a roster reset under Venables. The incoming group—heavy on proven SEC/ACC experience and high-ceiling youth—positions Oklahoma for a stronger 2026 campaign in the tough SEC.
The high volume of departures underscores the need for quick integration of new talent during spring practice, but the early returns from the portal additions are promising for a competitive season.