The world of college basketball is a constant whirl of movement, especially in the offseason, as coaches, players, and programs navigate the ever-evolving landscape of the transfer portal and recruiting. For the Oklahoma Sooners men’s basketball program, the 2024-2025 offseason has been nothing short of a significant shake-up, with head coach Porter Moser and his staff orchestrating a strategic overhaul to prepare for the challenges of the upcoming season and their highly anticipated move to the SEC. From key departures to pivotal incoming transfers and a strong recruiting class, every move has been carefully calculated to elevate the Sooners’ competitiveness.
The first order of business for any program after the season concludes is to assess who will be returning and who will be moving on. For the Sooners, this past offseason saw a considerable exodus of talent, both through graduation and the ubiquitous transfer portal. Six players exhausted their eligibility, marking the end of their collegiate careers in Norman. Among the most notable departures were critical starters such as Jalon Moore, Sam Godwin, Brycen Goodine, and Kobe Elvis, all of whom were significant contributors to the team’s NCAA Tournament appearance in the previous season. Their experience and on-court production will undoubtedly be missed, leaving sizable voids in the roster.
Beyond those who graduated, the transfer portal saw four additional players seek new opportunities. Star freshman Jeremiah Fears, a highly touted prospect who showed flashes of brilliance in his lone season, opted to declare for the NBA Draft, a testament to his individual talent but a blow to the Sooners’ immediate guard depth. Additionally, Duke Miles, Luke Northweather, Yaya Keita, and Jacolb Fredson-Cole all entered the transfer portal. Miles, a guard, had provided valuable minutes and scoring. Northweather and Keita, both forwards, while not consistent starters, offered depth in the frontcourt, particularly Northweather who saw increased playing time late in the season due to injuries. These departures, especially those who entered the portal, underscored the dynamic nature of modern college basketball and the constant need for roster replenishment. The departure of these players, particularly Jeremiah Fears, created significant gaps that the coaching staff would need to address swiftly and effectively.
Faced with a substantial number of open roster spots and the imperative to build a competitive team for their SEC debut, Porter Moser and his staff dove headfirst into the transfer portal, seeking battle-tested, high-impact players who could contribute immediately. The results have been nothing short of impressive, with the Sooners assembling arguably their best transfer portal class under Moser’s tenure. This success has been so notable that multiple outlets have ranked Oklahoma’s 2025 transfer portal class within the top 15 nationally, and among the top three in the SEC.
Leading the charge of incoming transfers is a highly regarded trio of guards and forwards. From Notre Dame, the Sooners secured forward Tae Davis, a 6-foot-9, 215-pound athlete who spent his last two seasons with the Fighting Irish and his freshman year at Seton Hall. Davis is a proven scorer and rebounder, having started 66 of his 97 career games and averaging 15.1 points and 5.3 rebounds per game in his most recent season, including eight 20-plus point performances. His versatility, length, and ability to score in double figures consistently make him a crucial addition to the frontcourt.
Another significant pickup in the backcourt is Nijel Pack, a 6-foot-0, 185-pound guard from Miami (Fla.). Pack is a veteran presence, having spent his first two seasons at Kansas State where he earned first-team All-Big 12 honors in 2022, and his last three with the Hurricanes, including a run to the Final Four in 2023 where he was named the Midwest Region Most Outstanding Player. Despite a foot injury limiting his 2024-25 season, Pack boasts a 14.3-point career scoring average and brings high-level experience and clutch playmaking to the Sooners’ guard rotation.
Completing the initial trio of high-impact transfers is Xzayvier Brown, a 6-foot-2, 175-pound guard from Saint Joseph’s. Brown comes to Norman after an impressive sophomore season where he earned first-team All-Atlantic 10 honors, ranking fourth in the conference with 17.6 points per game. He demonstrated consistent scoring, reaching double figures in all 32 of his games played. Notably, Brown is the stepson of Justin Scott, who has reportedly joined Porter Moser’s coaching staff as an assistant. This familial connection and existing relationship likely played a significant role in Brown choosing Oklahoma, providing both an on-court talent and a seamless transition.
Beyond this initial trio, the Sooners also landed a major commitment from Alabama forward Derrion Reid, a 6-foot-8, 220-pound former five-star recruit and McDonald’s All-American. Reid spent his freshman season with the Crimson Tide, contributing to their NCAA Tournament Elite Eight run. While his freshman year saw him battle injuries, he averaged 6 points and 2.8 rebounds in limited minutes, showcasing flashes of his elite potential. Moser highlighted Reid’s versatility, ability to play above the rim, score from outside, and defend multiple positions, emphasizing that his prior experience in the SEC will be invaluable. Reid’s commitment represents a high-upside addition with significant future potential.
These four transfer additions collectively bring a wealth of experience, scoring punch, and versatility to the Sooners’ roster. Porter Moser himself expressed his enthusiasm for these additions, stating, “Tae, Nijel and Xzayvier are three of the premier players in this portal cycle and we’re absolutely thrilled they chose to join the OU family. They have combined for 291 games played and 230 starts against high-level competition, so they are battle-tested and will be great leaders from the moment they step foot on campus. They are cerebral, coachable players who bring definite scoring punch with over 3,500 career points among them.”
Amidst the comings and goings, the Sooners also managed to retain several key pieces who will provide continuity and leadership. Confirmed to return for the 2025-26 season are Dayton Forsythe, Jeff Nwankwo, Mohamed Wague, Jadon Jones, and Kuol Atak. Dayton Forsythe, a local product from Dale, Oklahoma, completed his freshman season and is expected to take on a larger role. His loyalty to the program, explicitly stating “I’m not going anywhere. Never even thought about it,” is a significant boost for the team’s culture. Mohamed Wague, a senior forward, also returns and will provide critical experience in the frontcourt, especially after stepping into a starting role late in the previous season due to injuries. The retention of these players, alongside the influx of new talent, creates a balanced roster with a mix of experience, youth, and diverse skill sets.
In addition to the transfer portal activity, the Sooners have also brought in a promising 2025 recruiting class, which includes Kai Rogers, Alec Blair, and Andreas Holst. Blair and Rogers, both four-star prospects, represent the future foundation of the program, adding to the talent pool and ensuring a pipeline of young players to develop.
Perhaps one of the most talked-about developments that has influenced this successful offseason for the Sooners is the increased involvement of NBA star and former Sooner, Trae Young. Announced as an assistant general manager for the men’s basketball program on March 31, Young’s impact has been palpable. Every commitment the Sooners have landed in the transfer portal came after his announcement, suggesting a direct correlation. While the exact scope of his duties remains to be seen, Young’s presence, along with his reported $1 million donation to the program, undoubtedly boosts the Sooners’ appeal in the NIL era and on the recruiting trail. His ability to connect with recruits, share his experiences as an NBA player who came through the Oklahoma system, and his financial contribution create a compelling proposition for prospective student-athletes. This “Trae Young effect” cannot be overstated as a factor in the Sooner’s current recruiting momentum.
The coaching staff itself has also seen some adjustments. While Porter Moser remains at the helm, the addition of Justin Scott, Xzayvier Brown’s stepfather and former associate head coach at Saint Joseph’s, as an assistant is a strategic move that strengthens relationships and adds a valuable recruiter and developer of talent to the bench. This kind of cohesive staff, working in tandem with the head coach’s vision, is crucial for navigating the demanding landscape of college basketball.
As the Oklahoma Sooners prepare for their highly anticipated move to the SEC, the offseason has laid a strong foundation. The deliberate and aggressive approach to the transfer portal, coupled with the retention of key players and a promising recruiting class, signals a clear intent to compete at the highest level in their new conference. The “Sooner Shake-Up” of this offseason has been comprehensive and strategic, transforming the roster and infusing it with new energy and talent. The blend of experienced transfers and promising newcomers, all operating under the renewed influence of a program legend in Trae Young, sets the stage for what promises to be an exciting and pivotal season for Oklahoma men’s basketball. The next chapter of Sooner basketball is clearly taking shape, and the pieces are falling into place for a program determined to make its mark in the SEC.
