The Oklahoma Sooners football program is one of the most storied and successful teams in college football history. Over the years, the Sooners have consistently been in the national spotlight, and the offseason is a critical time for both evaluating and reshaping the roster to ensure continued success. As the 2024 season approaches, a number of key roster changes and developments are shaping the future of the Oklahoma Sooners. In this article, we will track the major offseason changes, including player departures, additions, and coaching staff adjustments, that could significantly impact the program in the coming season.
Coaching Staff Changes: A New Era Under Brent Venables
In 2022, Oklahoma hired Brent Venables as its head coach, marking the start of a new era for the program. Venables, a defensive-minded coach with deep ties to Oklahoma and a proven track record as a coordinator at Clemson, took over a program that was transitioning from the Lincoln Riley era. In his first two seasons, Venables has worked to establish a defensive identity while continuing to build the offensive prowess that made Oklahoma a powerhouse under Riley.
Venables’ influence has already been seen in the recruiting efforts and player development at Oklahoma. After two seasons of growth and some bumps in the road, including a 2022 season that was more challenging than expected, Venables and his staff have focused on revitalizing the Sooners’ defense and building a more balanced team. His ability to bring in high-level talent through recruiting, as well as making strategic additions through the transfer portal, will be a major factor in the offseason roster adjustments.
Departures: Transfer Portal and NFL Draft Decisions
Like many college programs, Oklahoma has experienced significant player movement via the NCAA transfer portal. The transfer portal has revolutionized college football, allowing players to explore other opportunities, and it’s particularly common for programs in transition to see multiple departures. Some players leave for more playing time, others for better opportunities at higher-profile schools, and some pursue professional careers.
Key Departures to the Transfer Portal
Oklahoma had a number of players enter the transfer portal this offseason, and their decisions have been impactful for the depth and makeup of the roster. Among the notable players leaving the Sooners are:
- Wide Receiver Jaden Gibson – Gibson, who showed flashes of potential in his time at Oklahoma, decided to transfer to further his career. His departure leaves a gap in the Sooners’ wide receiver corps, which had been a focus for improvement throughout 2023.
- Defensive Back Jaden Davis – Davis, who had spent multiple years as a rotational player in the secondary, entered the portal in search of more consistent playing time. With Oklahoma’s defensive backfield undergoing major changes under Venables, Davis’ departure is another signal of the program’s evolving identity on defense.
- Offensive Lineman Tyler Guyton – Offensive line play has been a significant focus for Oklahoma, and Guyton’s departure leaves a hole in the unit. Oklahoma will need to find a suitable replacement in order to maintain its strong offensive line, which has been one of the program’s trademarks.
While player departures are expected each offseason, Venables and his coaching staff have been diligent in making sure that they are not left with glaring holes. In many cases, they have already used the transfer portal to help reload and strengthen key positions.
NFL Draft Declarations
Oklahoma’s success in recruiting top-tier talent means that they often see players declare for the NFL Draft after standout seasons. In 2024, several key Sooners made the decision to take their talents to the next level:
- Quarterback Dillon Gabriel – Gabriel had a solid 2023 season under center for the Sooners, but after careful consideration, he declared for the 2024 NFL Draft. Gabriel’s departure leaves a void at quarterback, and it will be a major area of focus as Oklahoma looks to identify a successor under center.
- Defensive Lineman Ethan Downs – Downs had become one of the anchors of the Sooners’ defensive line. His decision to leave for the NFL Draft is a blow to Oklahoma’s defensive front, which had already been a point of emphasis for Venables.
While these departures are significant, they are not unprecedented for a program like Oklahoma, which routinely sends players to the professional ranks. The key for Venables and his staff is to ensure that the program continues to compete at a high level despite losing top-tier talent.
Additions: Transfer Portal and Freshman Recruits
The transfer portal has become an integral part of Oklahoma’s roster-building strategy. Rather than solely relying on high school recruits, Venables has embraced the portal as a way to bolster positions of need and bring in experienced players who can contribute immediately. The 2024 offseason has seen Oklahoma make key additions through the transfer portal, particularly in areas where depth is a concern.
Key Additions from the Transfer Portal
- Quarterback General Booty – With the departure of Dillon Gabriel to the NFL Draft, Oklahoma was left in need of a quarterback who could step in and compete for the starting job. Enter General Booty, a highly regarded quarterback from the transfer portal. Booty, who previously played at LSU, has the potential to step in and take control of the Sooners’ offense, which will be critical to their success in 2024.
- Wide Receiver Theo Wease – To fill the void left by Jaden Gibson’s departure, Oklahoma added Theo Wease from the transfer portal. Wease brings a wealth of experience and is expected to make an immediate impact in the Sooners’ passing game. His playmaking ability will be crucial as Oklahoma looks to replace some of the production they lost from last season.
- Defensive Lineman Jalen Redmond – Redmond, a talented defensive lineman with experience at Oklahoma, is returning to the team after spending some time away. His return provides an immediate boost to Oklahoma’s defensive line, an area that needs to improve in 2024 in order to compete in the Big 12 and on the national stage.
Freshman Recruits
Oklahoma’s recruiting class for 2024 is expected to be one of the most talented in the country. Venables and his staff have focused heavily on building depth at key positions and bringing in players who can contribute early in their careers. Some of the top recruits for the 2024 class include:
- Wide Receiver Jaquayln Crawford – A highly touted wide receiver from the state of Texas, Crawford has the potential to make an immediate impact for the Sooners. His combination of speed, size, and hands could make him a key weapon in Oklahoma’s offense.
- Defensive Back Peyton Bowen – Bowen is one of the top defensive recruits in the country and is expected to play a big role in Oklahoma’s secondary. As a playmaking defensive back with ball-hawking skills, Bowen’s arrival is crucial as the Sooners continue to rebuild their defense under Venables.
- Running Back Treyaun Webb – Webb is a talented running back who should help provide depth to the Oklahoma backfield. With an explosive running style and the ability to contribute as both a rusher and a receiver, Webb could be a key player in the Sooners’ offense moving forward.
Position Battles and Depth Chart Outlook
With the changes to the roster, Oklahoma enters the 2024 season with several key position battles to watch. The team’s depth at various positions will be tested, and coaching decisions made during the offseason will be crucial to the success of the program. Some of the most important position battles to track include:
- Quarterback – The quarterback battle will be one of the most talked-about storylines of the offseason, with General Booty competing against younger quarterbacks for the starting job. Booty’s experience in college football gives him an edge, but the competition is wide open as the Sooners search for a leader under center.
- Wide Receiver – With the departure of some key players, the wide receiver room is in a state of flux. The addition of Theo Wease and the emergence of young players like Jaquayln Crawford will be important as the Sooners look to maintain their high-powered passing game.
- Defensive Line – The defensive line is an area where Oklahoma has been focused on improvement, especially after the departure of Ethan Downs to the NFL Draft. With the addition of Jalen Redmond and the development of young players, this position group will be key to the Sooners’ ability to compete in the Big 12.
Conclusion: Building for 2024 and Beyond
The Oklahoma Sooners’ offseason roster changes highlight the constant evolution of the program as it continues to adapt and improve under Brent Venables. The departures of key players to the transfer portal and the NFL Draft are natural in a program of Oklahoma’s stature, but they also create opportunities for new players to step up and contribute.
By making key additions through the transfer portal and continuing to recruit high-level talent, Oklahoma is poised to remain competitive in the Big 12 and on the national stage. As the team moves into 2024, the offseason roster changes will play a pivotal role in shaping the program’s future success. With a talented mix of returning players, transfer portal additions, and incoming recruits, the Sooners are positioned for continued excellence in college football.
