In a move that immediately sent shockwaves through the college football world, former McNeese State wide receiver Jer’Michael Carter has officially committed to the University of Oklahoma. The 6-foot-4, 192-pound pass catcher made the announcement on Thursday, ending weeks of speculation about his future. A rising star from the FCS level, Carter brings size, production, and a competitive edge to an already potent Oklahoma offense poised to make waves in the SEC.
Carter’s 2024 season with McNeese served as a breakout campaign. He recorded 37 catches for 537 yards and three touchdowns, showing his ability to consistently stretch the field, win contested balls, and serve as a reliable target for his quarterback in high-pressure situations. His rare combination of size, length, and catch radius made him one of the most intriguing receivers in the transfer portal this offseason.
Now, he’ll be suiting up in crimson and cream, stepping into one of the most iconic programs in college football history. For Oklahoma, this is more than just a depth pickup—it’s a strategic move aimed at bolstering a receiving corps that has lost talent to both the NFL and the portal in recent seasons.
Carter’s recruitment was no small affair. Multiple Power Five schools showed interest in the McNeese standout after he entered the portal. But it was Oklahoma that made the strongest push. Sources close to the situation say that the Sooners’ coaching staff made Carter a top priority from the moment he became available. Offensive coordinator Seth Littrell reportedly spearheaded the effort to bring Carter to Norman, highlighting how the Sooners could utilize him in a hybrid outside receiver role that exploits mismatches against smaller cornerbacks.
“Jer’Michael is exactly the type of receiver we’re looking for as we continue to retool our offense,” a source within the Oklahoma program told us Thursday afternoon. “He’s got the frame, the mindset, and the ability to make an immediate impact in the SEC.”
Carter’s journey to Norman has been anything but conventional. A native of Louisiana, he joined McNeese State as a developmental project—big on potential but still raw. Early in his college career, he was viewed more as a long-term investment than an immediate difference-maker. But through hard work and maturity, Carter developed his route-running, refined his footwork, and emerged as a trusted target by his junior year. By the time the 2024 season rolled around, he had cemented his place as the Cowboys’ top receiving threat.
His tape speaks volumes. Carter’s ability to high-point the football is elite. Time and time again in 2024, he showcased an uncanny ability to climb the ladder, outleap defenders, and come down with catches that few receivers could make. Whether it was a fade route to the corner of the end zone or a crucial third-down conversion over the middle, Carter delivered. His performance against Incarnate Word—a game in which he logged six receptions for 112 yards and a touchdown—was a particularly bright spot that caught the eyes of scouts and coaches alike.
But what makes Carter’s commitment to Oklahoma even more exciting is the context in which it occurs. The Sooners are transitioning to life in the SEC—a challenge that demands physicality, depth, and a higher level of play week in and week out. Adding a receiver with Carter’s frame and FCS production allows Oklahoma to diversify their offensive attack and compete with the physical defensive backs they’ll now face on a regular basis.
Oklahoma head coach Brent Venables has been vocal about upgrading the roster through the portal, especially as the program adjusts to its new conference home. Carter fits that mold perfectly—a proven commodity from the FCS level who’s hungry to prove he belongs among the elite. He also offers another veteran presence in a room that will feature a blend of returning talent and young prospects.
As for Carter himself, the move to Oklahoma marks a fresh start—and a new challenge.
“I want to prove that I can play at the highest level,” Carter said in a statement released shortly after his announcement. “I’m grateful for my time at McNeese, and everything they’ve done for me. But I’m ready to compete in the SEC and help Oklahoma win games. That’s the goal. That’s the mission.”
The Sooners’ receiving corps in 2025 will be one to watch. With Carter now in the mix, Oklahoma adds another big-bodied target capable of dominating on the perimeter. He’ll be competing for playing time alongside returners like Nic Anderson and Jaquaize Pettaway, as well as promising incoming freshmen. It’s a group that lacks a definitive No. 1 wideout—an opportunity that Carter will surely be eyeing as he steps onto the practice field this summer.
His arrival also comes at a crucial juncture for Oklahoma’s quarterback situation. With five-star quarterback Jackson Arnold expected to take the reins full-time this fall, having reliable weapons on the outside becomes even more critical. Carter provides a big target who can bail out his quarterback on broken plays and dominate in red-zone situations. That kind of presence could be a major boost for a young signal-caller still adjusting to the speed of SEC defenses.
The move also further underscores Oklahoma’s willingness to go beyond traditional Power Five pipelines to find talent. The Sooners have shown increasing interest in top-tier FCS performers, following a national trend that has seen Group of Five and FCS standouts become key contributors at the highest level. Carter, with his blend of size, production, and hunger, represents the archetype of this new transfer era—overlooked out of high school but undeniable once the pads go on.
For McNeese, Carter’s departure is undoubtedly a significant loss. He was their most reliable playmaker in 2024, and his leadership in the locker room was equally important. Still, the Cowboys’ coaching staff has expressed nothing but support for his decision.
“He’s earned this opportunity,” one McNeese assistant said. “He worked his tail off every day. We’ll miss him, but we’re proud of him.”
As Oklahoma turns the page and eyes the future, Carter’s commitment symbolizes something larger. It’s not just about adding a 6-foot-4 receiver with strong hands and deep-threat ability. It’s about embracing a new era of college football—a landscape shaped by the transfer portal, NIL, and evolving power structures. The Sooners are adapting, and with Carter’s addition, they’re doing so aggressively.
How Carter’s game will translate to the SEC remains to be seen. The speed, physicality, and depth of talent he’ll face will be unlike anything he experienced at McNeese. But if his trajectory tells us anything, it’s that he won’t back down. Carter has always been a grinder—quietly improving year after year, turning doubters into believers. And now, he’ll have a chance to do it on the biggest stage in college football.
For Oklahoma fans, there’s every reason to be excited. In Jer’Michael Carter, the Sooners have landed a player with sky-high potential, something to prove, and the skillset to make a real difference. And for Carter, the opportunity to don the crimson and cream is more than just a transfer—it’s a testament to the power of belief, development, and the never-ending drive to rise above expectations.
With the 2025 season rapidly approaching, all eyes in Norman will be on how Carter integrates into the system. Will he become a breakout star? A key red-zone threat? A matchup nightmare in SEC play? Time will tell. But one thing is certain: Jer’Michael Carter is no longer flying under the radar. He’s a Sooner now. And he’s ready to make it count.