Sooners get commitment from Florida Transfer TE Hayden Hansen on Sunday afternoon
In a significant boost to their offensive lineup for the 2026 season, the Oklahoma Sooners have landed a commitment from former Florida tight end Hayden Hansen. The 6-foot-7, 269-pound redshirt junior announced his decision via social media, marking him as one of the first major additions through the NCAA Transfer Portal this cycle.
Hansen, who hails from the Gators' program, brings a wealth of experience with one year of eligibility remaining.
During his four seasons at Florida, he started 33 consecutive games, showcasing his durability and reliability in the SEC trenches. His stat line includes 30 receptions for over 300 yards, highlighting his potential as a pass-catching threat while also contributing as a blocker in run-heavy schemes.
Hansen's transfer comes at a pivotal time for Oklahoma, which is navigating the competitive landscape of the SEC after a transitional 2025 campaign.
The Sooners finished the year with a respectable record but fell short in the College Football Playoff, losing to Alabama in a game that exposed some offensive inconsistencies.
Adding a player of Hansen's caliber, ranked as the No. 6 tight end and No. 113 overall in the portal by recruiting services, addresses a key need for depth and playmaking at the position. His towering frame and sure hands could immediately elevate the passing attack, providing a mismatch nightmare for opposing defenses.
What makes this signing particularly intriguing is the timing amid recent coaching changes at Oklahoma. Just this week, head coach Brent Venables parted ways with tight ends coach Joe Jon Finley after five seasons on staff.
Finley, a former Sooner himself, had been with the program since 2021 but oversaw a position group that struggled with production in recent years. Reports indicate the decision stems from a lack of development, with the tight ends combining for minimal receptions over the past few seasons.
Despite the vacancy, Oklahoma managed to secure Hansen's commitment without a dedicated position coach in place, underscoring the program's enduring appeal and recruiting prowess under Venables.
Speculation is already swirling about Finley's replacement, with NFL legend Jason Witten emerging as a top candidate.
The future Hall of Famer, who starred at Tennessee and enjoyed a storied career with the Dallas Cowboys, has been coaching high school football in Texas. With his sons nearing college age, Witten could be ready for a step up, bringing unparalleled expertise to mentor young tight ends.
Other names like Brian Lepak and Kevin Wilson have been mentioned, but Witten's connection to the game and potential to revive the position make him an exciting prospect.
Landing Hansen before naming a new coach speaks volumes about the Sooners' brand strength, players are buying into the vision, even in transition.
Oklahoma has a storied history at tight end, often producing NFL-caliber talent that defines eras of success. Icons like Jermaine Gresham, who amassed 111 catches for 1,629 yards from 2006-08, set the standard as a versatile weapon in the passing game.Mark Andrews followed suit from 2015-17, breaking Gresham's school record with 1,713 receiving yards and earning All-American honors before thriving with the Baltimore Ravens.
These players were integral to high-octane offenses under coaches like Bob Stoops and Lincoln Riley, contributing to national championships and Heisman campaigns.
However, it's been nearly a decade since Andrews' departure that the Sooners have fielded an elite playmaker at the position.
Recent groups, including under Finley, have lacked the explosiveness, with players like Brayden Willis and Jeremiah Hall showing flashes but not sustained dominance.
Hansen's arrival could signal a return to that tradition, injecting much-needed dynamism.
Perhaps the biggest beneficiary of this addition is quarterback John Mateer, the star transfer from Washington State who committed to Oklahoma last month.Mateer, a 6-foot-1 dual-threat signal-caller, threw for 3,139 yards and 29 touchdowns in 2025, earning acclaim for his poise and mobility.
As he steps into the starting role for the Sooners, having a reliable target like Hansen will be crucial. Tight ends often serve as security blankets for young quarterbacks, especially in the red zone and on third downs.
Hansen's size and route-running ability could open up the field for receivers, create mismatches in play-action sets, and bolster the run game, areas where Oklahoma aims to improve after a playoff exit.
Mateer has emphasized taking things "one day at a time," but with Hansen in the fold, the offense gains a proven SEC veteran to accelerate his adjustment.
This move positions Oklahoma for a stronger 2026, blending portal acquisitions with internal development.
As the Sooners rebuild their tight end room, Hansen's commitment amid uncertainty highlights resilience.
If Witten or another high-profile hire materializes, it could spark a renaissance at the position, harkening back to the glory days of Gresham and Andrews.
Fans in Norman have reason to be optimistic, the pieces are falling into place for a bounce-back year.