OU bolsters offense: Nitta anchors the line, Harris stretches the field
In a strategic move to fortify their lineup for the 2026 season, the Oklahoma Sooners have secured commitments from two standout transfers: offensive lineman Caleb Nitta from Western Kentucky and wide receiver Trell Harris from Virginia.
These additions come as the Sooners aim to rebound from a challenging 2025 campaign in the SEC, where offensive inconsistencies plagued the team.
With the transfer portal window open from January 2 to January 16, OU head coach Brent Venables and his staff have been aggressive in targeting players who can provide immediate impact and depth.
Nitta and Harris represent a blend of trench warfare reinforcement and explosive playmaking, signaling a clear intent to elevate the program's competitiveness in one of college football's toughest conferences.
Caleb Nitta, a 6-foot-2, 297-pound interior offensive lineman, brings much-needed experience to Oklahoma's offensive front.
Hailing from a journey that began at Virginia Tech, Nitta transferred to Western Kentucky where he honed his skills as a reliable center and guard.
In the 2025 season, he logged an impressive 653 snaps for the Hilltoppers, showcasing his durability and technical prowess in Conference USA play.
As a sophomore, Nitta's ability to anchor the line and protect the quarterback earned him recognition as one of the more underrated prospects in the portal.
His commitment to OU followed a weekend official visit to Norman, where he was swayed by the program's vision under offensive line coach Bill Bedenbaugh.
Nitta's background is rooted in resilience and adaptability.
Originally a three-star recruit out of high school, he redshirted at Virginia Tech before seeking more playing time at Western Kentucky.
There, he developed into a starter-capable player, excelling in run-blocking schemes and pass protection.
Pro Football Focus graded him highly for his footwork and leverage, attributes that will be crucial for OU as they integrate new quarterback talent and aim to establish a balanced offense.
With two years of eligibility remaining, Nitta provides not just immediate depth but also long-term stability amid potential departures from the current roster.
Analysts note that his addition addresses a key vulnerability for the Sooners, who struggled with interior line consistency last season, allowing too many pressures on signal-callers.
"Caleb is a tough, physical lineman who fits our culture perfectly," an OU insider commented, highlighting his work ethic and versatility.
Shifting to the perimeter, Trell Harris emerges as a dynamic wideout poised to ignite Oklahoma's passing game.
The 6-foot, 200-pound speedster from La Grange Park, Illinois, has compiled an enviable resume across his collegiate tenure.
Starting at Kent State in 2022, Harris made an immediate splash, appearing in eight games with three starts and hauling in 13 receptions for 136 yards and a touchdown.
His sophomore year saw improvement, with 26 catches for 399 yards and another score, averaging 15.3 yards per reception in 11 games.
Transferring to Virginia in 2024, he redshirted while playing in just four contests, preserving eligibility amid an injury-plagued stint that yielded 15 receptions for 221 yards and two touchdowns.
Harris's breakout came in 2025 with the Cavaliers, where he started 12 of 13 games and led the team in receiving.
Amassing 59 catches for 847 yards and five touchdowns, he boasted a 71.1% catch rate and 363 yards after the catch, earning third-team All-ACC honors and ACC Receiver of the Week accolades twice.
His 14.4 yards per catch average and nine contested catches underscored his reliability as an outside threat, though he also lined up in the slot for about 20% of snaps.
A career total of 113 receptions for 1,603 yards and nine touchdowns cements his status as a proven playmaker.
Harris's decision to join OU fills a void left by departing receiver Deion Burks and complements potential returnees like Isaiah Sategna III.
With one year of eligibility left, he'll pair with quarterback John Mateer, whose dual-threat style could exploit Harris's speed and route-running precision.
Virginia's 11-3 record in 2025, bolstered by Harris's contributions, highlights his ability to thrive in high-stakes environments. "Trell is a game-changer," said Virginia coach Tony Elliott in past remarks, praising his work ethic and big-play potential.
At Oklahoma, under offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle, Harris is expected to stretch the field and provide a veteran presence in a receiver room seeking consistency.
These signings underscore OU's proactive approach in the portal era, where quick adaptations can define success.
Nitta bolsters the trenches, enabling better protection and a stronger ground game, while Harris injects explosiveness into the aerial attack.
Together, they could be pivotal in turning the tide for the Sooners, who finished 2025 with lingering questions about depth and execution.
As the portal frenzy continues, Oklahoma fans can optimism about a revamped squad ready to contend in the SEC.
With additional targets like tight end Hayden Hansen already in the fold, the foundation for a resurgence is taking shape.
The full impact will unfold in spring practices, but for now, these acquisitions mark a promising start to the offseason.