20 players are entering the portal, with no incoming commits just yet
January 2, 2026 – The College Football transfer portal officially opened today, marking the start of a crucial offseason for the Oklahoma Sooners.
Following a resilient 10-3 campaign in 2025 that culminated in a College Football Playoff appearance—only to end in a first-round loss to Alabama—the Sooners are facing significant roster turnover.
Head coach Brent Venables and general manager Jim Nagy now turn their attention to rebuilding for 2026 in the demanding SEC landscape.
As of the portal's opening on January 2, Oklahoma has seen a staggering number of departures, with over 20 players already announcing their intent to transfer or officially entering.
This exodus spans nearly every position group, highlighting the volatile nature of modern College Football rosters.
While the Sooners have yet to announce any incoming transfers, expectations are high that Venables and Nagy will be aggressive in the market to address glaring needs.
Outgoing Transfers: Depth Takes a Major Hit
The list of departures is extensive and includes several players who contributed in 2025 or were projected as key depth pieces for 2026:
Wide Receivers: Jayden Gibson, Jakeb Snyder, Josiah Martin, KJ Daniels – A near-complete overhaul at WR, with younger players seeking more playing time elsewhere.
Offensive Line: Isaiah Dent, Jacob Sexton, Troy Everett, Luke Baklenko, Logan Howland, Jake Taylor – Bill Bedenbaugh's unit loses significant experience and depth, including starters and swing tackles.
Running Backs: Jovantae Barnes, Taylor Tatum – Both struggled with injuries or limited carries behind the 2025 starters.
Tight Ends: Kaden Helms, Carson Kent – The TE room will look entirely different next season.
Defensive Backs: Kendel Dolby, Marcus Wimberly, Devon Jordan, Maliek Hawkins, Gentry Williams – A mix of veterans and highly-rated freshmen/redshirts departing from the secondary.
Linebackers: Kobie McKinzie – A former starter with remaining eligibility.
Quarterbacks: Michael Hawkins Jr. – The backup QB enters with multiple years left, signaling confidence in starter John Mateer's return.
Defensive Line: Markus Strong – Expected to rotate heavily in 2026 but now seeking a starting role elsewhere.
Additional departures include safety Marcus Wimberly (a top-200 recruit from the 2025 class) and others like OL Troy Everett, a team captain in 2025.
This wave of exits comes after Oklahoma started the 2025 season with over 110 players on the roster.
Many departures stem from limited playing time, injury setbacks, or the pursuit of larger roles.
For instance, players like Jacob Sexton and Kaden Helms battled injuries that derailed their OU careers, while freshmen and redshirts like Taylor Tatum and Marcus Wimberly look for fresh starts.
The offensive line and secondary appear hardest hit, with multiple experienced players leaving holes that could impact early-season performance in 2026.
Incoming Transfers: Stay Tuned for Additions
As of January 2, Oklahoma has no confirmed incoming transfers. The portal window runs through January 16, giving Venables and Nagy time to target priorities.
Key areas of need based on departures and graduations (e.g., defensive ends like R Mason Thomas):
Offensive tackle and interior line depth
Tight end (potentially multiple additions)
Wide receiver weapons
Defensive tackle and edge rusher
Cornerback and linebacker
Running back
The Sooners are expected to host visitors soon and pursue proven contributors.
With a strong 2026 recruiting class already signed and returning stars like QB John Mateer, OU remains an attractive destination for transfers seeking SEC exposure and playoff contention.
Outlook for 2026: Rebuilding with Purpose
Brent Venables has emphasized roster management in the portal era, balancing development of high school recruits with strategic additions.
After rebounding from a 6-7 record in 2024 to playoff contention in 2025, this offseason tests OU's front office.
The high volume of departures—common across Power Four programs this cycle—creates opportunities for younger players and incoming transfers to step up.
If Nagy and staff hit on key additions (similar to landing John Mateer last cycle), Oklahoma could reload quickly.
Sooners fans: Stay tuned. The next two weeks will shape the 2026 roster significantly.