Oklahoma running back Sam Franklin has officially entered the NCAA transfer portal, marking the end of his time with the Sooners and beginning a new chapter in his collegiate football career. For a player who showed promise in limited action and carried the hopes of fans eager to see him break out in a crowded backfield, Franklin’s decision comes as both a surprise and a signal of the ever-changing landscape of college football, where depth charts, opportunity, and NIL dynamics play pivotal roles in shaping careers.
Franklin, a 5-foot-11, 205-pound redshirt freshman from Little Rock, Arkansas, joined the Sooners in 2023 as part of a class that had plenty of offensive talent. A former three-star recruit out of Little Rock Parkview, Franklin brought a rugged running style, deceptive burst, and high football IQ to Oklahoma’s backfield. Though not the highest-rated recruit in the class, he was widely viewed as a potential gem—one of those players who might not make headlines on signing day but could easily become a difference-maker down the line.
In his freshman year, Franklin saw limited playing time, appearing in just four games to preserve his redshirt status. During those appearances, he flashed moments of brilliance—ripping off chunk yardage against Arkansas State and demonstrating both patience and power in short-yardage situations. His total output—just under 100 rushing yards on the season—didn’t reflect his ability as much as it did the logjam ahead of him in the rotation.
Oklahoma’s backfield has been one of the most competitive in the Big 12 in recent seasons. With veterans like Jovantae Barnes, Gavin Sawchuk, and Tawee Walker commanding snaps, there simply wasn’t much room for Franklin to earn consistent carries. And with another highly touted recruiting class incoming and the Sooners transitioning to the SEC, the path to the top of the depth chart didn’t appear to be getting any easier.
Franklin’s departure is emblematic of a broader trend sweeping through college football. The transfer portal, once viewed as a backup option or an escape hatch, has now become a primary tool for athletes seeking better situations. Whether it’s more playing time, a scheme fit, or enhanced exposure and NIL opportunities, the reasons for entering the portal are varied and deeply personal. For Franklin, it’s likely a mix of all three. His talent is unquestionable, and there’s a sense that with the right opportunity, he could thrive as a feature back.
Sources close to the situation indicate that Franklin has already drawn interest from several Group of Five and lower-tier Power Five programs, where he could step in immediately and compete for a starting role. Schools in the AAC, Sun Belt, and even the Big Ten are reportedly monitoring his situation closely. What makes Franklin appealing is not just his physical tools—though his blend of contact balance and lateral agility is notable—but also his work ethic and football intelligence. Coaches have consistently praised his professionalism, preparation, and willingness to contribute in multiple phases of the game, including special teams.
While the Sooners will certainly miss Franklin’s presence in the locker room, the reality is that his departure opens the door for other young backs to step up and seize the opportunity. Sophomore Caleb Hicks and incoming freshman Xavier Robinson, among others, will now have clearer paths to meaningful snaps. Oklahoma’s running backs coach DeMarco Murray, a former standout himself, has done a remarkable job developing talent year over year, and the expectation is that the room will remain competitive and productive.
Still, Franklin’s exit underscores the challenges of roster management in modern college football. The balance between keeping players engaged and developing them for future roles, while also recruiting top-tier talent each cycle, is a delicate one. Coaches are often faced with the difficult task of making promises without guarantees—telling players that their time will come, even when immediate opportunities are limited. For someone like Franklin, who put in the work and waited patiently, the calculus eventually shifted. When the writing on the wall becomes too clear to ignore, the portal becomes not just an option but a necessity.
The move also comes at a pivotal time for Oklahoma as the Sooners gear up for their first season in the SEC. With the level of competition ratcheting up and the margin for error shrinking, every roster decision becomes magnified. Depth remains important, but top-end talent and proven playmakers are at a premium. If Franklin didn’t feel like he was going to be a key part of the plan moving forward, it makes sense that he would seek out a destination where he can contribute right away.
From a personal standpoint, Franklin’s journey is far from over. In fact, it may just be beginning. The transfer portal offers a fresh start, and for players like him, it can be a career-defining move. The right scheme, the right coach, and the right environment could unlock the full potential that Oklahoma fans only got glimpses of. And in a college football world that rewards mobility and assertiveness, Franklin’s decision is both strategic and admirable.
The narrative of the overlooked back finding success after a transfer is not a new one. Just in recent years, we’ve seen players like Kenneth Walker III (who transferred from Wake Forest to Michigan State and became a Heisman candidate) and Jahmyr Gibbs (who moved from Georgia Tech to Alabama and became a first-round NFL Draft pick) rewrite their stories with the right move. Franklin’s ceiling may not be as high as theirs, but he certainly has the tools to become a lead back somewhere else, and perhaps even attract NFL interest down the line.
For now, his focus will be on choosing the right destination, one that aligns with his goals and gives him the platform he needs to shine. It’s not always easy to leave a program like Oklahoma—with its rich history, passionate fan base, and elite facilities—but sometimes, betting on yourself means stepping away from comfort and into the unknown.
Franklin leaves Norman with no hard feelings and nothing but appreciation for his time with the Sooners. In a statement shared on social media, he thanked the coaching staff, his teammates, and the fans for their support, adding that he’s excited about the next chapter of his journey. It was a classy, heartfelt message that resonated with many in the Oklahoma community, who understand that the transfer portal is less about disloyalty and more about doing what’s best for your career.
His decision also sparks broader conversations around the impact of NIL and the portal on roster continuity. While some traditionalists might lament the frequency with which players are changing schools, others see it as long-overdue empowerment for athletes. Gone are the days when players had to wait years behind established stars with no guarantee of opportunity. Now, they have leverage, and that leverage can be life-changing.
In Sam Franklin’s case, the move seems less about frustration and more about fit. He has nothing to prove when it comes to work ethic or character. He simply wants to play, to compete, to make an impact on Saturdays. And there are plenty of programs out there that would be lucky to have him.
Oklahoma, meanwhile, will press forward with its talented stable of backs and a renewed focus on retooling for life in the SEC. The Sooners are no strangers to transition, and as much as they would’ve liked to keep Franklin in the fold, they understand that the best thing for him might lie elsewhere.
At the end of the day, this is the new reality of college football—one where players have the autonomy to shape their own paths, and schools must constantly adapt to an evolving ecosystem. Sam Franklin’s story at Oklahoma might be over, but the book on his career is far from closed. Wherever he lands next, he’ll bring with him the lessons learned in Norman, a chip on his shoulder, and a hunger to prove what he can do when given the ball and the trust to carry it.
And for those who’ve followed his journey, there’s little doubt that he’ll make the most of it.