Former four-star Georgia Tech lineman brings size and upside to Norman
In a move that continues to heat up their offseason, the Oklahoma Sooners have secured a commitment from Georgia Tech offensive lineman Peyton Joseph via the transfer portal.
The announcement came on January 10, 2026, marking another key addition to OU's roster as they aim to rebuild depth along the trenches for the upcoming season.
Joseph, a highly touted prospect from the 2025 recruiting class, brings size, potential, and multiple years of eligibility to a Sooners offensive line that has seen significant turnover.
Joseph's Recruiting Journey and High School Pedigree
Hailing from Fort Valley, Georgia, the 6-foot-4, 305-pound interior offensive lineman was a standout at Peach County High School. Rated as a four-star recruit by major outlets like 247Sports and Rivals, Joseph was ranked as the No. 11 interior offensive lineman nationally in the 2025 class according to the 247Sports Composite.
He also cracked the ESPN300 at No. 163 overall, showcasing his athleticism and upside that drew interest from top programs across the country.
His recruiting path was eventful. Joseph initially committed to the Florida Gators on February 18, 2024, but flipped his pledge just two months later, drawing predictions toward rival Florida State.
Ultimately, he signed with Georgia Tech, where he became the second-highest rated signee in a class that ranked 21st nationally.
As a true freshman, Joseph appeared in six games for the Yellow Jackets during their 9-4 campaign in 2025.
His on-field experience was limited, with just four offensive snaps at right tackle (against Gardner-Webb) and 29 snaps on special teams, primarily the punt team, per Pro Football Focus.
Despite the modest playing time, his raw talent and frame made him an attractive portal target.
Interestingly, Joseph has ties to Oklahoma beyond football. He is cousins with former Oklahoma City Thunder player Terrance Ferguson, adding a layer of local intrigue to his arrival in Norman.
The Transfer Decision and Path to Oklahoma
Joseph entered the transfer portal on December 7, 2025, shortly after Georgia Tech's season concluded.
His decision followed the departure of his position coach, Geep Wade, who left for Nebraska, sparking speculation that Joseph might follow suit.
However, after fielding offers from multiple programs, including a visit to Oklahoma, he chose the Sooners. Joseph announced his commitment simply on X with "Blessed," linking to the news.
Oklahoma's pursuit of Joseph aligns with their aggressive approach in the portal this winter. Under head coach Brent Venables, the Sooners have been on a tear, landing nine transfers in the early days of the January window, building what recruiting sites call a consensus top-five portal class.
Joseph's addition is part of a focused effort to revamp the offensive line, a unit plagued by injuries and inconsistencies in recent years.
Addressing Oklahoma's Offensive Line Needs
The Sooners' offensive line took hits this offseason with graduations of key starters like right guard Febechi Nwaiwu and right tackle Derek Simmons, as well as portal departures including Jacob Sexton, Jake Taylor, Logan Howland, Troy Everett, Isaiah Autry-Dent, and Luke Baklenko.
This left significant gaps in depth, prompting offensive line coach Bill Bedenbaugh to target experienced and developmental talent.
Joseph is Oklahoma's third offensive line transfer this cycle, joining center Caleb Nitta from Western Kentucky and offensive lineman E'Marion Harris from Arkansas, the latter bringing SEC starting experience.
With three years of eligibility remaining (and the option to redshirt), Joseph provides immediate depth on the interior while offering long-term upside.
Analysts view him as a "positive addition in two ways": bolstering the line's interior and allowing time for development under Bedenbaugh, widely regarded as one of the best position coaches in the game.
For the 2026 roster, Oklahoma now projects 10 returning linemen, two incoming freshmen, and these three transfers, creating a more robust group.
This influx is crucial as the Sooners look to improve protection for their quarterback and open lanes in the run game, areas that faltered in 2025.