As the second-strongest SEC team behind LSU, the Sooners make noise — but Oklahoma State's impressive No. 2 national ranking steals some thunder
As of January 9, 2026, the College Football transfer portal window remains open until January 16, but the University of Oklahoma Sooners have already made a resounding statement.
Landing at No. 8 in the latest 247Sports Transfer Football Team Rankings with a score of 37.42 from 10 high-quality commits, OU sits as the second-best program in the SEC—trailing only LSU at No. 3 overall (49.50 points).
This achievement sounds good until you look up and see in this cycle where in-state rival Oklahoma State Cowboys is, holding the No. 2 national spot with their volume-heavy class.
The rankings reward elite talent over sheer numbers, and OU's focused approach under head coach Brent Venables and general manager Jim Nagy has delivered a balanced, impactful group.
With three four-star prospects leading the way and an average rating hovering around 88.0, these 10 transfers address immediate needs in the passing game, trenches, backfield, and defense—positioning the Sooners for a stronger 2026 campaign in the ultra-competitive SEC.
Here are the 10 committed players fueling OU's rise:
Trell Harris (WR, Virginia) — Rated 0.9300, this standout wideout headlines the class. An All-ACC performer in 2025, Harris posted 59 receptions for 847 yards and five touchdowns, excelling with explosive after-catch ability and deep-threat speed. With one year of eligibility remaining, he's poised to become a day-one starter and elevate the OU passing attack alongside potential returnees like Isaiah Sategna III.
E'Marion Harris (OT, Arkansas) — Also rated 0.9300, the veteran tackle brings SEC starting experience, having protected the edge for the Razorbacks over the past two seasons. His addition bolsters an offensive line hit hard by departures, providing immediate protection and depth.
Parker Livingstone (WR, Texas) — Rated 0.9200, this 6-4, 191-pound redshirt freshman crossed the Red River after catching 29 passes for 516 yards and six touchdowns in 2025. With three years of eligibility left, Livingstone adds size, youth, and proven production to a revamped receiving corps.
Hayden Hansen (TE, Florida) — Rated 0.8800, the blocking specialist from the Gators arrives with extensive SEC experience, having started 34 games. As a redshirt senior with one year left, Hansen fills a critical tight end need and brings veteran presence to the room.
Cole Sullivan (LB, Michigan) — Rated 0.8700, this former Wolverine (top-10 linebacker in the portal) provides much-needed depth in the front seven. His commitment addresses losses and positions him for a significant role in Nate Dreiling's defense.
Dakoda Fields (CB, Oregon) — Rated 0.8700, the former four-star adds secondary versatility and depth. Limited snaps in Eugene mean big upside for immediate contributions in OU's backfield.
Kenny Ozowalu (Edge, UTSA) — Rated 0.8600, this defensive end drew heavy SEC interest before landing in Norman. His pass-rush potential strengthens the edge rotation.
Caleb Nitta (IOL, Previous school not specified in early reports) — Rated 0.8600, Nitta bolsters interior line depth, offering experience and physicality in the trenches.
Rocky Beers (TE, Colorado State) — Rated 0.8500, this addition pairs with Hansen to provide blocking and receiving options at tight end, with potential for immediate impact.
Lloyd Avant (RB, Colorado State) — Rated 0.8500, the versatile back brings rushing, receiving, and return skills. His familiarity with OU staff (via former coach Kevin Wilson) makes him an underrated depth piece for the ground game.
This 10-player haul reflects a strategic rebuild: heavy emphasis on skill-position firepower (three WR/TE additions) to support quarterback play, trench reinforcements for both sides, and defensive pieces to shore up vulnerabilities.
While OU trails LSU's more star-studded 15-player class and Oklahoma State's massive 33-commit haul, the Sooners' quality-over-quantity strategy has them firmly in the top 10 nationally and second in the SEC.
As the portal window continues, additional moves could tweak these rankings, but this core group already signals optimism in Norman.
With Venables' defense and an upgraded offense, OU aims to reload strongly in 2026—proving that targeted additions can compete with volume in the modern era.