**A Glimmer of Hope? The Sooners Just Made a Move That Could Finally Fix Their Tight End Struggles**For years, the Oklahoma Sooners have been a powerhouse in college football, boasting high-octane offenses, Heisman-winning quarterbacks, and explosive playmakers at wide receiver. Yet, amid all the success, one position has remained a glaring weakness: tight end. While other elite programs have utilized dynamic tight ends to create mismatches and add versatility to their attacks, the Sooners have largely struggled to find a consistent difference-maker at the position. That could finally be changing.
Recent developments suggest Oklahoma may have taken a significant step toward addressing this long-standing issue. Whether through a key recruiting win, a transfer portal addition, or an internal development, the Sooners’ latest move has sparked optimism that the tight end woes may soon be a thing of the past. But will this finally be the solution fans have been waiting for?
To understand why this potential fix is such a big deal, it’s important to look back at just how much the Sooners have struggled at tight end over the past decade. While Oklahoma’s offense has been among the nation’s best, the tight end position has often been an afterthought. Unlike programs such as Iowa, Georgia, or Notre Dame—which have consistently produced NFL-caliber tight ends—Oklahoma has rarely had a player at the position who truly impacted the game as both a receiver and a blocker.
The last truly impactful tight end for the Sooners was Mark Andrews, who won the Mackey Award in 2017 before becoming a star for the Baltimore Ravens. Since Andrews’ departure, Oklahoma has cycled through several players at the position, but none have emerged as a true offensive weapon. Some have shown flashes—like Brayden Willis, who had a solid 2022 season—but the production has been inconsistent, and the position has rarely been a focal point in the passing game.
This deficiency has been especially noticeable in critical moments. Against elite defenses, the lack of a reliable tight end has sometimes limited Oklahoma’s ability to exploit the middle of the field or sustain drives in tough situations. In the SEC, where physicality and versatility are paramount, a dynamic tight end isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity.
So, what exactly has Oklahoma done to address this problem? The answer depends on the specifics of the recent development, but there are a few possibilities.
If the Sooners landed a highly touted recruit, it could signal a long-term investment in fixing the position. Oklahoma has been in the mix for several elite tight end prospects in recent cycles, and securing a blue-chip player would be a major step forward. A player with the size, athleticism, and ball skills to create mismatches could transform the offense, giving the quarterback a reliable safety valve and red-zone threat.
Alternatively, Oklahoma may have dipped into the transfer portal to find an immediate solution. The portal has become a crucial tool for programs looking to fill roster gaps quickly, and an experienced tight end with proven production could provide an instant upgrade. Whether it’s a Power Five standout or a rising star from the Group of Five, a transfer addition could bring much-needed stability to the position.
Another possibility is that an existing player on the roster has made a leap in development. Coaches often speak highly of offseason progress, and a young tight end who has added strength, refined his route-running, or improved as a blocker could be poised for a breakout year. If the staff believes they have an emerging star already in-house, that could explain the renewed optimism.
Past attempts to fix the tight end problem have yielded mixed results, so why should fans believe this move will finally work? Several factors suggest this could be the real deal.
First, Oklahoma’s offensive scheme under Brent Venables and offensive coordinator Jeff Lebby (or his successor, depending on timing) may place a greater emphasis on utilizing the tight end. While Lincoln Riley’s offense was heavily focused on wide receivers and running backs, a shift toward a more balanced attack could create more opportunities for tight ends to shine. If the coaching staff is committed to featuring the position, that alone could lead to improved production.
Second, the level of talent coming in—whether through recruiting or the portal—may simply be better than in years past. The Sooners have been recruiting at an elite level overall, and if that extends to the tight end position, the results could follow. A player with legitimate NFL potential could elevate the entire offense.
Finally, the Sooners’ impending move to the SEC adds urgency to fixing this issue. In a conference known for punishing defenses and physical play, having a reliable tight end who can block in the run game while also posing a threat in the passing game is invaluable. Oklahoma’s ability to compete for championships in their new league may hinge on finding answers at positions like this.
If this move pays off, the ripple effects could be substantial. A productive tight end would give Oklahoma’s offense a new dimension, forcing defenses to account for another weapon. Play-action passing, red-zone efficiency, and third-down conversions could all improve with a reliable target over the middle.
Moreover, a standout tight end could help the running game by improving blocking on the edge, creating more lanes for the Sooners’ talented backs. In close games, that extra physicality could make the difference between a win and a loss.
Perhaps most importantly, fixing the tight end position would complete Oklahoma’s offensive arsenal. With elite quarterbacks, explosive receivers, and a strong rushing attack already in place, adding a legitimate threat at tight end could make the Sooners’ offense nearly unstoppable.
Of course, until the results show on the field, skepticism is understandable. Oklahoma fans have heard promises about the tight end position before, only to be disappointed. However, the combination of improved recruiting, strategic portal additions, and schematic adjustments suggests that this time might truly be different.
If the Sooners have indeed found their answer at tight end, it could mark the beginning of a new era for the offense—one where the position is no longer a weakness but a strength. For a program with championship aspirations, that could be the missing piece needed to take the next step.
Only time will tell if this move truly solves Oklahoma’s tight end struggles, but for the first time in years, there’s real reason for hope. The Sooners may have finally found their glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel.
