Alleyne adds depth to a bolstered Sooners' passing attack alongside Trell Harris and Parker Livingstone
The Oklahoma Sooners have bolstered their wide receiver corps in the ongoing transfer portal frenzy, adding another talented pass-catcher to the mix.
Former Washington State receiver Mackenzie Alleyne has committed to the Sooners, marking a significant reunion with offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle and quarterback John Mateer.
This move comes as Oklahoma continues to aggressively rebuild its offense following a solid 2025 campaign that saw the team reach the College Football Playoff under head coach Brent Venables.
With the portal window open from January 2 to January 16, 2026, the Sooners have been one of the most active programs, securing multiple key additions to address needs at skill positions.
Alleyne's Background and Production at Washington State
Mackenzie Alleyne, a 6-foot-1, 171-pound receiver from Tustin, California, originally joined Washington State as a walk-on ahead of the 2024 season.
Rated as a three-star prospect in the 2024 recruiting class, he redshirted his true freshman year, earning scout team recognition including Offensive Scout Player of the Week honors against Texas Tech.
In 2025, Alleyne stepped into a reserve role as a redshirt freshman, appearing in 10 games (and all 13 according to some reports) for the Cougars.
He logged 127 snaps, per Pro Football Focus, and contributed modestly but impactfully to the passing attack.
Alleyne finished the season with four receptions for 72 yards and one touchdown.
His standout moment came in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl victory over Utah State, where he hauled in three catches for 63 yards, including a 41-yard touchdown strike from quarterback Zevi Eckhaus. That score highlighted his ability to stretch the field and make plays in critical moments.
Though his numbers were limited in a crowded Washington State receiving group, Alleyne showed flashes of speed, reliable hands, and the potential to develop into a more consistent contributor.
His decision to enter the portal and join Oklahoma represents a chance for increased opportunities in a high-profile SEC program.
Reuniting with Familiar Faces: Arbuckle and Mateer
The commitment carries extra significance due to the prior connections.
Ben Arbuckle served as Washington State's offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach before taking the same role with the Sooners ahead of the 2025 season.
During his time in Pullman, Arbuckle helped develop the Cougars' passing game and built relationships with players like Alleyne.
Similarly, quarterback John Mateer — a key figure in Oklahoma's 2025 turnaround — spent time at Washington State under Arbuckle before transferring to Norman.
Mateer's dual-threat ability and familiarity with Arbuckle's scheme have made him a cornerstone of the Sooners' offense.
Reuniting Alleyne with this duo offers immediate chemistry advantages, as the young receiver already knows the terminology, play concepts, and expectations from his time with the coaches.
Arbuckle, known for his innovative schemes that blend RPO elements with explosive passing, has emphasized building around reliable targets.
Alleyne's addition provides depth and another vertical threat to complement the existing group.
Oklahoma's Busy Portal Haul at Wide Receiver
Alleyne joins a revamped Sooners wide receiver room that has already seen major upgrades through the portal.
Earlier in the window, Oklahoma landed Trell Harris, a former Virginia standout who earned Third-Team All-ACC honors in 2025 with 59 receptions for 847 yards and five touchdowns.
Harris brings proven production and versatility, capable of winning at every level of the field.
The Sooners also secured Parker Livingstone, a former Texas Longhorn and highly regarded redshirt freshman who crossed the Red River rivalry.
Livingstone recorded 29 catches for 516 yards and six touchdowns in 2025, starting seven games and showcasing his big-play ability as a 6-foot-4 target.
These additions address a clear need after some departures and uncertainties in the receiver group.
With potential returnees like leading receiver Isaiah Sategna still undecided on their NFL Draft status, the influx of talent positions Oklahoma to surround Mateer (or other quarterbacks) with more weapons for 2026.
Looking Ahead: Impact on the Sooners' Offense
The Sooners' 2025 offense showed improvement from prior years but still ranked outside the top tier nationally, averaging around 354 yards per game.
Arbuckle and Venables have stressed the need for consistency, explosive plays, and better protection for the quarterback.
Adding proven and developmental receivers like Harris, Livingstone, and now Alleyne signals an aggressive push to elevate the passing attack in the competitive SEC.
Alleyne, with three years of eligibility remaining, could compete for snaps as a slot or outside option while developing further in Norman.
His familiarity with Arbuckle and Mateer could accelerate his integration, potentially making him a contributor early in 2026.
As the transfer portal continues to unfold, Oklahoma remains one of the hottest programs, using general manager Jim Nagy's strategy to build depth and talent.
The addition of Mackenzie Alleyne is another step toward creating a more dynamic, explosive offense capable of competing for conference titles and beyond.