The Oklahoma Sooners continue to reshape their defensive identity with a major pickup in the transfer portal. Utah State defensive tackle Siolaa Ricky Lolohea has officially committed to the Sooners, giving Brent Venables and his staff a powerful presence in the trenches ahead of a critical 2025 season. As Oklahoma prepares to make its debut in the SEC, the addition of Lolohea represents more than just depth — it’s a statement. A statement that the Sooners are not just planning to compete, but to contend immediately in college football’s toughest conference.
Lolohea, a 6-foot-4, 315-pound defensive tackle originally from Salt Lake City, Utah, was a force for the Aggies during the 2024 season. Despite flying under the radar nationally, his tape speaks volumes. Relentless, explosive off the snap, and with violent hands, Lolohea consistently wreaked havoc on opposing backfields in the Mountain West. Now, he’ll bring that same disruptive energy to Norman, where defensive line play has been a key area of focus since Venables took over the program.
For the Sooners, the move makes perfect sense. The SEC demands physicality, depth, and versatility in the trenches. Over the past two seasons, Oklahoma has slowly but surely upgraded its front seven. But landing a player like Lolohea is different. This isn’t a project or a body to plug in for reps — this is a player with real experience, real production, and real upside. He enters a defensive line room with rising talents and seasoned veterans alike, but don’t be surprised if Lolohea emerges as one of the most impactful transfers of the offseason.
At Utah State, Lolohea was one of the most consistent defensive linemen in the Mountain West. In 2024, he registered 42 total tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, and 2 forced fumbles — eye-popping numbers for an interior lineman in a system that often required him to eat up double-teams and free up linebackers. But what stands out more than the numbers is his motor. Lolohea doesn’t take plays off. Whether it’s a goal-line stand or a routine second-and-seven, he plays with the same controlled violence and tenacity. That’s what Oklahoma is banking on.
What makes this addition even more significant is how Lolohea fits into Venables’ vision for the defense. Under Venables, Oklahoma is transitioning into a more aggressive, gap-shooting style up front. The goal? Penetration. Disruption. Making offenses uncomfortable from the moment the ball is snapped. Lolohea is tailor-made for that kind of scheme. He’s not just a space-eater — he’s a playmaker. He has the quickness to split gaps and the strength to bull-rush centers off their spot. In short, he’s the kind of defensive tackle Oklahoma hasn’t consistently had in recent years.
The timing of the commitment is also key. As the Sooners gear up for summer workouts and preseason camp, getting a player like Lolohea on board early allows for a full acclimation process. He’ll be able to dive into the playbook, work with his new teammates, and get coached up by one of the top defensive minds in the sport. That’s invaluable. Especially in the SEC, where games are won and lost in the trenches, the sooner you get your guys ready, the better.
Lolohea’s journey to Norman wasn’t exactly predictable. Coming out of high school, he was largely overlooked by Power Five programs. That’s not unusual for players from the Mountain West region, where recruiting pipelines don’t always extend deep into national territory. But after developing at Utah State, Lolohea made it impossible to ignore his talent. Once he entered the transfer portal, several schools reached out — including other SEC programs. But in the end, it was Oklahoma that stood out.
According to sources close to the recruitment, Lolohea was drawn to Oklahoma’s culture and the opportunity to develop under Venables and defensive line coach Todd Bates. That’s not surprising. Bates is widely regarded as one of the best developers of defensive line talent in the country. He’s sent multiple players to the NFL and has a reputation for maximizing production, even from players who weren’t household names coming out of high school. For Lolohea, who still believes his best football is ahead of him, the fit felt perfect.
In a statement following his commitment, Lolohea expressed excitement about joining the Sooners and gratitude for his time at Utah State. “I want to thank Utah State for believing in me, developing me, and giving me the chance to play the game I love,” he said. “But I’m ready for the next step. Oklahoma felt like home from the start, and I’m excited to get to work. I know the SEC is going to be a battle every week, and I’m ready to prove that I belong.”
Oklahoma fans have every reason to be excited. The Sooners’ defensive front has been a work in progress over the last few seasons, often struggling to generate consistent pressure against top competition. That’s been especially true in games against elite offensive lines, where Oklahoma’s lack of depth and explosiveness up front has been exposed. With Lolohea in the fold, that starts to change.
He brings a level of physicality and toughness that can’t be taught. And just as importantly, he brings experience. Lolohea has played in big games, dealt with adversity, and battled in the trenches. He knows what it takes to prepare each week and how to lead by example. For a team looking to establish a new identity in a new conference, that kind of presence is invaluable.
The move also reflects a broader trend in college football. The transfer portal has become the ultimate equalizer, allowing programs to retool and address needs instantly. For Oklahoma, that means no longer waiting on a young defensive lineman to develop over two or three years. It means landing someone like Lolohea — battle-tested, hungry, and ready to contribute on Day 1.
As for what’s next, all eyes will be on how Lolohea adjusts to SEC speed and offensive lines. The leap from the Mountain West to the SEC is real, especially in the trenches. But everything about Lolohea’s game suggests he’s ready for it. He’s not just strong — he’s technically sound. He doesn’t just rely on brute force — he uses leverage, hand placement, and awareness to win his reps. That kind of skill set translates anywhere.
Lolohea will be a key piece in what is shaping up to be one of Oklahoma’s most intriguing defensive lines in recent memory. He’ll likely be flanked by players like Jonah Laulu, Jacob Lacey, and Gracen Halton — all of whom have flashed potential. But it’s Lolohea who could quickly become the anchor. The guy you can’t take off the field. The guy offensive coordinators have to game plan for.
If Oklahoma wants to make a splash in Year 1 of SEC play, it will need to win battles in the trenches. That’s not just about stats or highlight plays. It’s about setting the tone. About punching first and not backing down. And with Lolohea in the mix, the Sooners are taking a big step in that direction.
There’s also the leadership factor. Though new to the program, Lolohea is known as a vocal, team-first player. At Utah State, he was often the emotional heartbeat of the defense — someone who rallied teammates and never hesitated to lead by example. That kind of presence is exactly what Oklahoma needs as it enters a new era. A locker room with talent is one thing. A locker room with buy-in and accountability? That’s championship material.
The commitment also helps from a recruiting standpoint. Oklahoma’s move to the SEC has already opened new doors, and bringing in a player like Lolohea shows that the Sooners can compete for top-tier portal talent. That message won’t be lost on future recruits or transfers. It tells them Oklahoma is serious about building something special — not just in the long term, but right now.
For Lolohea, this is the opportunity of a lifetime. From under–recruited high schooler to Utah State standout to potential SEC difference–maker, his story is one of perseverance, belief, and hard work. He’s not looking for hype or headlines. He’s looking for impact