Oklahoma’s Spring Transfer Portal Needs: A Focus on Three Key Areas
As the 2025 college football season approaches, the Oklahoma Sooners find themselves in a critical phase of roster building. While spring practices have given a glimpse of the team’s strengths and weaknesses, the transfer portal remains an invaluable tool for head coach Brent Venables and his staff. According to On3, Oklahoma has three primary areas they must address in the spring transfer portal period: offensive line, defensive line, and wide receiver.
Each of these positions plays a crucial role in the team’s ability to compete at the highest level of college football. Let’s break down why these areas are priorities and how Oklahoma can strengthen its roster moving forward.
1. Offensive Line: Solidifying the Front Line
The offensive line is one of the most important, yet often overlooked, components of a successful football team. Oklahoma’s offense has historically been known for its ability to protect the quarterback and open up running lanes. However, in recent seasons, there have been concerns about the consistency and depth of the Sooners’ offensive line.
Departures and Gaps
Oklahoma has lost key players to the NFL draft and the transfer portal, leaving gaps that need to be filled immediately. In particular, the team will have to adjust to the departures of several seasoned starters. Players such as Branson Hickman, who entered the portal after a standout performance, and Aaryn Parks are no longer part of the roster. These departures have created a void in both experience and depth.
Addressing the Need
To shore up the offensive line, Oklahoma will need to target experienced players who can step in and contribute immediately. According to On3, the Sooners should prioritize offensive linemen who have both size and versatility, ideally players with multiple years of starting experience in Power 5 conferences.
A strong offensive line not only protects the quarterback but also opens up opportunities for the running backs. With a young but talented quarterback room, providing solid protection up front is paramount to ensuring Oklahoma’s offense can operate efficiently and score points at a high level.
Oklahoma’s recent additions to the line, including former SMU center Branson Hickman, show that the staff is aware of the importance of this position. However, more depth is needed, and the Sooners should be aggressive in scouting for transfers who can plug in at multiple positions.
2. Defensive Line: Rebuilding After Key Departures
While Oklahoma’s offense has often been the focal point, the defense will be just as important in the Sooners’ push for a Big 12 title and a potential playoff spot. The defensive line has seen significant departures, most notably defensive end Kelvin Gilliam, who transferred to Virginia Tech. The loss of a starting defensive lineman like Gilliam leaves a noticeable gap in both talent and leadership on the line.
Filling the Void
To combat these losses, the Sooners need to bolster their defensive front, particularly at defensive tackle and defensive end. Oklahoma’s defensive system, led by Venables, relies heavily on a strong, disruptive front that can apply pressure on opposing quarterbacks and stop the run.
The Sooners have already made a move to address this by adding Jermayne Lole from Louisville, an experienced defensive tackle with a strong resume. However, Oklahoma cannot afford to stop there. The Sooners should continue to monitor the portal for additional defensive linemen who can play in multiple schemes and contribute right away.
A key element for Oklahoma will be finding defensive linemen who are capable of both defending the run and rushing the passer. With defensive tackle and edge rusher being critical positions, the Sooners should focus on players who have a proven ability to impact the game in a variety of ways.
The Future of Oklahoma’s Defensive Line
Oklahoma has had a strong tradition of defensive line play, and it’s crucial for the Sooners to get back to that standard if they are to compete with the nation’s elite programs. The 2025 season will depend heavily on how quickly the defensive line can gel, and the addition of quality transfers during the spring portal period could make a significant difference.
3. Wide Receiver: Rebuilding the Receiving Corps
While the offensive line and defensive line might grab more immediate attention, the wide receiver position should not be overlooked. Oklahoma’s receiving corps has undergone a lot of changes recently, with key players transferring out, including LV Bunkley-Shelton, a former standout receiver for the team.
The Need for Speed and Playmaking
With Bunkley-Shelton no longer in the fold, Oklahoma needs to add some speed and playmaking ability to its wide receiver room. Quarterback Dillon Gabriel will need reliable targets to elevate the passing game, and with the high-octane offensive schemes that head coach Venables and offensive coordinator Jeff Lebby prefer to run, having playmakers at wide receiver is a must.
The Sooners have already shown interest in adding talent to this position, including targeting wide receiver Brenen Thompson from Texas, who has the speed and explosiveness to stretch the field. The addition of Thompson would immediately enhance the Sooners’ deep passing game, but Oklahoma will need more than just one receiver to replace the production lost.
Depth is Key
In addition to Thompson, the Sooners should look to add multiple wide receivers with diverse skill sets. Ideally, they will find a mix of deep threats, possession receivers, and big-bodied targets who can make plays in all areas of the field. The goal is to create a versatile receiving corps that can attack defenses from multiple angles.
With young quarterbacks and an up-tempo offense, it is crucial that Oklahoma surrounds its quarterbacks with talented wide receivers who can separate from defenders and make big plays. This depth will also be important in keeping defenses on their toes, as a lack of quality wide receivers can make an offense one-dimensional.
Conclusion: A Bright Future for Oklahoma
As the Sooners enter the spring transfer portal period, addressing the needs on the offensive line, defensive line, and wide receiver positions should be at the forefront of their recruiting strategy. These areas of the roster are critical to Oklahoma’s success in the 2025 season, and the right additions could be the difference between a playoff berth and another year of disappointment.
Brent Venables and his coaching staff have shown that they are not afraid to make bold moves in the transfer portal, and with targeted additions, Oklahoma can continue to build on its championship aspirations. By strengthening the offensive and defensive fronts and bolstering the receiving corps, the Sooners can set themselves up for success in the upcoming season.
With a strong combination of experienced transfers and homegrown talent, the Sooners’ 2025 roster could be poised for a deep run in both the Big 12 and national championships. Time will tell if they can land the right players, but for now, addressing these three positions should remain their primary focus.