Jack Van Dorselaer joins OU as Jason Witten's first big win at the tight end position, pairing with FCS standout Prince Ijioma for depth boost in the secondary
On the final day before the transfer portal's entry deadline, OU made headlines by securing commitments from two promising talents: tight end Jack Van Dorselaer from Tennessee and cornerback Prince Ijioma from Mississippi Valley State.
These additions not only address immediate needs but also inject youth and potential into a team eyeing a return to SEC contention.
Van Dorselaer, a 6-foot-5, 245-pound tight end, arrives in Norman with three years of eligibility remaining, making him a long-term investment for the Sooners' offense.
As a true freshman for the Tennessee Volunteers in 2025, he appeared in every game, showcasing his versatility as both a receiver and a blocker. Though his statistical output was modest—largely due to sharing snaps in a deep Volunteers tight end room—Van Dorselaer's physical tools and high school pedigree stand out.
Hailing from Southlake Carroll High School in Texas, he was a four-star recruit who originally held an offer from Oklahoma during his initial recruitment cycle. His blocking prowess, in particular, aligns perfectly with OU's offensive schemes under coordinator Ben Arbuckle.
Standing at an imposing height with solid weight, Van Dorselaer can line up inline or in the slot, providing flexibility that was sorely missing from the Sooners' tight end group last season.
What makes this acquisition even more intriguing is the role of new tight ends coach Jason Witten. The NFL Hall of Famer and Tennessee alum was officially hired on January 15, 2026, and wasted no time in landing his first commit just a day later.
Swiping Van Dorselaer from his alma mater adds a layer of irony and excitement, as Witten's expertise in developing tight ends—drawn from his legendary career with the Dallas Cowboys—could unlock Van Dorselaer's full potential.
This move is part of a broader overhaul at the position, with Van Dorselaer joining fellow transfers Hayden Hansen from Florida and Rocky Beers from Colorado State. Together, they form a revamped unit that promises depth and competition, especially after OU lost several contributors to the portal and graduation.
Analysts rank Van Dorselaer as the No. 10 tight end in the 2026 transfer class, underscoring his upside as a player who could contribute immediately while growing into a star.
Shifting to the defensive side, Prince Ijioma represents a calculated risk-reward addition to Oklahoma's secondary. The 6-foot-1 cornerback transfers from FCS-level Mississippi Valley State, where he spent two seasons honing his skills. In 2025, as a sophomore, Ijioma started all 12 games for the Delta Devils, recording 39 tackles and four pass deflections—solid numbers in a program that faced stiff competition.
Originally from Little Elm, Texas—the same hometown as OU's starting quarterback John Mateer—Ijioma brings a local flavor and familiarity that could ease his transition to the Power Four level.
With two years of eligibility left, he profiles as a depth piece at cornerback, a position where the Sooners have experienced significant turnover. Oklahoma's secondary took hits in the portal, losing experienced players, but Venables has been proactive.
Ijioma joins Oregon transfer Dakoda Fields as the second defensive back addition this window, helping to rebuild a unit that includes returning starters like Eli Bowen and Courtland Guillory.
While stepping up from FCS to the SEC is no small feat, Ijioma's length, athleticism, and tackling ability suggest he could carve out a role in sub-packages or special teams. His commitment came after an official visit to Norman, and though his recruiting buzz was mostly at the FCS level, OU's staff saw enough potential to extend their only Power Four offer.
Ranked as the No. 198 cornerback in the portal by 247Sports, Ijioma is a developmental prospect who fits Venables' emphasis on building through overlooked talents.
These portal wins come at a crucial time for Oklahoma, which finished the 2025 season with a 10-3 record and were eliminated in the first round of the College Football Playoff.
The Sooners' 15 transfer commitments rank them among the top programs nationally, focusing on bolstering the trenches, skill positions, and defense.
Van Dorselaer and Ijioma exemplify this approach: one a high-upside offensive weapon from a rival conference, the other a gritty defender ready to prove himself on a bigger stage.