In a development that has surprised many within the Oklahoma Sooners football community, redshirt freshman tight end Davon Mitchell is no longer with the program and plans to enter the transfer portal. Mitchell’s departure marks the end of an anticipated chapter that never fully materialized, leaving fans and analysts alike reflecting on what might have been.
Mitchell’s journey to Norman was nothing short of remarkable. Originally a five-star recruit in the class of 2025, he reclassified to the 2024 cycle to enroll early at Oklahoma. Standing 6-foot-4 and weighing 275 pounds, Mitchell possessed the physical attributes that made him a standout prospect. His decision to commit to the Sooners over other prestigious programs, including Miami and Alabama, was celebrated as a significant victory for the team’s recruiting efforts.
Upon arrival, expectations were high for Mitchell. However, despite the initial excitement, he struggled to adapt to the collegiate level. Reports suggest that he faced challenges in adjusting to the rigors of college football, which hindered his ability to make a significant impact during his time in Norman. This period of unrealized potential has led to a sense of disappointment among fans who had hoped to see Mitchell fulfill the promise he showed as a high school recruit.
The news of Mitchell’s departure adds to a series of tight end transitions within the program. Notably, Jalin Conyers, another former four-star tight end, transferred from Oklahoma to Arizona State in 2021 and later to Texas Tech in 2024. Conyers’ journey highlights the challenges tight ends have faced in finding their place within the Sooners’ system. Additionally, Austin Stogner, who began his career at Oklahoma, transferred to South Carolina in 2022 before returning to the Sooners in 2023, further underscores the fluid nature of the position. t the depth and stability of the tight end position for Oklahoma moving forward. With Mitchell’s exit, the team loses a player who, despite his challenges, was viewed as a potential cornerstone for the future. The Sooners will now need to rely on their remaining tight ends and possibly seek reinforcements through the transfer portal to ensure the position remains a strength.
For Mitchell, the decision to enter the transfer portal opens a new chapter filled with possibilities. As a former five-star recruit, he undoubtedly possesses the talent that can contribute significantly to another program. His time at Oklahoma, though brief and marked by unmet expectations, has likely provided him with experiences that will fuel his growth as a player. Mitchell’s next destination will be keenly watched by those who followed his journey, eager to see how he capitalizes on this fresh opportunity.
This development serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of college football, where talent, expectations, and reality often intersect in unforeseen ways. While Mitchell’s story at Oklahoma may not have unfolded as many had hoped, it is far from the end of his football journey. Both he and the Sooners now look ahead, navigating the challenges and opportunities that lie in the ever-evolving landscape of collegiate athletics.