Sullivan's journey from Michigan Rookie of the Year to Oklahoma's defensive linchpin showcases elite instincts and game-changing playmaking ability
Cole Sullivan, the 6-foot-3, 230-pound linebacker spent the past two seasons honing his craft at Michigan before committing to the Sooners in early January. Ranked as the No. 13 linebacker and No. 190 overall player available in the 247Sports transfer portal rankings, Sullivan isn't just another depth piece—he's a potential cornerstone for Brent Venables' defense.
Sullivan's journey to Norman is a tale of rapid ascent. After enrolling at Michigan as a true freshman in 2024, he made his mark primarily on special teams, appearing in 12 of 13 games and earning the Wolverines' Rookie of the Year honor in that unit. It was a quiet but foundational year, one that showcased his versatility and willingness to contribute wherever needed.
Fast-forward to 2025, and Sullivan exploded onto the scene in his sophomore campaign. Limited to 11 games due to a nagging injury, he still logged significant snaps, including three starts down the stretch.
His stat line? 44 tackles (31 solo), 5.0 tackles for loss, 2.0 sacks, four pass breakups, three interceptions, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery. He shared Michigan Defensive Player of the Week honors three times—for standout performances against New Mexico, Nebraska, and Washington—cementing his reputation as a rising star in Ann Arbor.
What makes Sullivan's tape pop is his football instincts. Pro Football Focus (PFF) graded him at 59.7 overall on defense for the season, but his tackling (72.0) and run-defense (70.8) marks were elite, reflecting a player who flies to the football with precision and physicality. He's not the biggest linebacker, but his wide base, balance, and ability to shed blocks make him a nightmare in the run game.
Analysts from 247Sports note his "ability to generate displacement" up front, praising a stable lower half that keeps him anchored against bigger offensive linemen.
Coverage remains a work in progress—PFF dinged him with a 48.1 grade there, as he allowed 21 of 25 targets to be caught—but his ball skills more than compensate. Those three interceptions weren't flukes; they were the product of keen anticipation and route recognition.
And don't sleep on his special teams chops. Even in 2025, he contributed there, building on his freshman excellence. In a league where games are often decided in the margins, Sullivan's willingness to excel on all three phases is a massive plus for Oklahoma.
One game stands out as a microcosm of what he's bringing to the Sooners: Michigan's 2025 clash with Oklahoma. In that matchup, Sullivan recorded three tackles, a sack, and a fumble recovery on a muffed punt. It was a statement performance against the very program he'd soon join—a reminder that his disruptiveness translates to big stages.
Now, in Norman, Sullivan slots into a linebacker room that's undergoing a makeover but already boasts talent. He'll form a dynamic duo alongside Kip Lewis, the athletic playmaker who can roam sideline-to-sideline. The Sooners are also optimistic that Owen Heinecke—another high-upside transfer—will clear eligibility hurdles, potentially creating a three-headed monster at the position. Sullivan's experience as a starter (even if limited) and his proven production give him a leg up on earning potential playing time.
What Sullivan ultimately brings is intangibles wrapped in production. He's a worker—coaches at Michigan raved about his film study and leadership in a stacked room. At Oklahoma, in the rugged SEC, that mentality will be tested.
Venables' defenses thrive on versatility, and Sullivan fits like a glove: a 'backer who can blitz, drop into coverage, and stop the run. His Pittsburgh roots (Central Catholic HS) instilled a blue-collar edge, evident in his high school tape where he racked up 117 tackles as a junior and contributed on both sides of the ball.
Looking ahead to 2026, Sullivan has two years of eligibility remaining. If he builds on his 2025 breakout—staying healthy and refining his coverage—he could emerge as a Butkus Award contender.
Cole Sullivan isn't just transferring; he's arriving with a chip on his shoulder and a toolkit ready to elevate the Sooners' "D." In a portal era where stars come and go, Sullivan's move feels like a steal. Michigan's loss is Oklahoma's gain—and his next chapter will be his best one yet.