From walk-on to portal prize: Kenny Ozowalu picks Oklahoma over Texas and Auburn
In a significant boost to their defensive line, the Oklahoma Sooners have landed a commitment from University of Texas-San Antonio (UTSA) defensive lineman Kenny Ozowalu, who entered the transfer portal on December 17, 2025.
According to ESPN's Pete Thamel, Ozowalu chose Oklahoma over a competitive field of SEC programs, marking another win for head coach Brent Venables in the ever-intensifying transfer market.
This move comes as the Sooners look to rebuild and strengthen their roster following a challenging transition into the Southeastern Conference.
Ozowalu, a redshirt freshman from San Antonio's Ronald Reagan High School, quickly emerged as one of the more intriguing prospects in the portal due to his raw potential and on-field production.
Standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing 270 pounds, he possesses the ideal frame for a versatile defensive lineman capable of playing both tackle and end positions.
During the 2025 season with the UTSA Roadrunners, Ozowalu recorded 17 total tackles, including nine solo stops, six tackles for loss, and three sacks, along with a pass breakup.
His performance as a true freshman after redshirting in 2024 earned high praise from UTSA head coach Jeff Traylor, who once called him a potential "San Antonio legend."
Despite starting as a walk-on, Ozowalu's rapid development turned heads, making him a coveted target for Power Four programs seeking immediate impact players.
The recruitment process was intense, with Ozowalu drawing interest from several SEC heavyweights, including Auburn, Mississippi State, and notably, the Texas Longhorns—Oklahoma's arch-rival in the Red River Shootout.
Reports indicate he visited Texas on January 4, 2026, where the Longhorns made a strong pitch, leveraging his local ties to San Antonio.
However, a subsequent visit to Norman on January 5 proved decisive.
Ozowalu posted on X about his "incredible visit" to OU, thanking defensive line coach Miguel Chavis, head coach Venables, and defensive coordinator Todd Bates for the experience.
Sources suggest that Oklahoma's defensive scheme, which emphasizes aggressive play and development under Venables—a former Clemson coordinator known for elite defenses—played a key role in swaying him.
Interestingly, Ozowalu's affinity for Oklahoma dates back to his high school days.
Coming out of Reagan High, he viewed OU as his dream school, but the Sooners did not extend an offer at the time.
Instead, he stayed close to home at UTSA, where he earned a scholarship and contributed to a Roadrunners team that competed in the American Athletic Conference.
His decision to transfer was influenced by factors beyond football, including Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities.
Reports indicate UTSA offered him a deal to stay, but it fell short of what he sought, prompting his portal entry.
With three years of eligibility remaining, Ozowalu represents a long-term investment for the Sooners, who can mold him into a cornerstone of their front seven.
This commitment is part of a broader portal strategy for Oklahoma, which has been active in addressing defensive needs.
Just hours before Ozowalu's announcement, the Sooners also secured Texas transfer Parker Livingstone, a wide receiver, further intensifying the Red River rivalry dynamics.
OU's defensive line, in particular, has been a focus after inconsistencies in 2025. Ozowalu's addition provides depth and pass-rush ability, complementing returning players and other transfers.
Analysts project him as a defensive end in Venables' system, where his size and quickness off the edge could disrupt opposing offenses.
For UTSA, losing Ozowalu is a blow amid a wave of portal departures, highlighting the challenges Group of Five programs face in retaining talent against Power Four NIL resources.
The Roadrunners, who finished the 2025 season with a respectable record but missed out on a bowl game due to opt-outs and injuries, now must rebuild their defensive front.
Looking ahead, Ozowalu's arrival could accelerate Oklahoma's defensive resurgence in the SEC.
With spring practices on the horizon, fans will eagerly watch how he integrates into a unit aiming to climb the conference standings.
This transfer not only bolsters the Sooners' roster but also underscores the evolving landscape of College Football, where the portal serves as a second recruiting cycle.
As Venables continues to blend high school talent with experienced transfers, Oklahoma positions itself for contention in 2026 and beyond.