A seasoned linebacker for the Oklahoma Sooners is lost via the transfer portal.
The Oklahoma Sooners football program is facing a series of challenges as players continue to exit the roster through the transfer portal. While most of the departures have been concentrated on the offensive side of the team, the defensive unit has not been spared entirely. One notable loss was cornerback Kani Walker, a key contributor who started several games for the Sooners during the season. His departure marks a significant shift in the team’s defensive depth, underscoring the broader impact of roster turnover.
Adding to the exodus, linebacker Dasan McCullough has also decided to leave Norman. McCullough’s decision comes after two seasons with the Sooners, having originally transferred from Indiana, where he spent his freshman year. As he now looks for a new program to conclude his collegiate career, McCullough’s exit leaves Oklahoma with another gap to fill in their defensive lineup. The linebacker still has one year of eligibility remaining, providing him the opportunity to make a fresh start elsewhere.
McCullough’s tenure with Oklahoma was marked by both potential and setbacks. In 2024, his contributions were limited by a toe injury suffered during fall camp, which sidelined him for the first five games of the season. Upon his return, he participated in the final seven games, showcasing his versatility by playing both the cheetah position—a hybrid defensive role—and as an inside linebacker. Despite his late-season contributions, McCullough never fully replicated the success he experienced during his freshman year at Indiana, where he earned accolades as a Freshman All-American and an All-Big Ten player in 2022.
The linebacker’s decision to transfer highlights a growing trend among players seeking new opportunities after transferring once before. McCullough arrived in Norman with high expectations, given his impressive resume from Indiana. However, his time with the Sooners did not yield the same level of success, prompting him to seek what he hopes will be a more fruitful final year of collegiate football.
For the Sooners, McCullough’s departure raises important questions about roster stability and player development. His potential for a significant role in the 2025 season was evident, particularly given the team’s needs at linebacker. With his departure, the coaching staff must now identify and develop other players to fill the void, ensuring that the defensive unit remains competitive in the coming season.
The transfer portal has become an increasingly pivotal aspect of college football, offering players the flexibility to move between programs but also creating challenges for teams striving to maintain roster continuity. Oklahoma is no stranger to the complexities of the transfer portal, as they have both benefited from incoming transfers and faced setbacks from outgoing players. McCullough’s case exemplifies this dual-edged nature of the portal. While it provided the Sooners with an opportunity to add a promising player, it also underscores the difficulty of retaining talent and maximizing their potential within the program.
Kani Walker’s exit, coupled with McCullough’s departure, points to a broader issue for Oklahoma—the ability to retain players who can make meaningful contributions over multiple seasons. Walker’s presence in the secondary was valuable, as he brought experience and stability to the cornerback position. Losing a player of his caliber creates a ripple effect, requiring younger or less experienced players to step up and fill the gap.
For McCullough, the decision to leave Oklahoma is likely driven by a combination of factors, including the desire for a fresh start and the opportunity to play a more prominent role elsewhere. After an injury-plagued 2024 season, he may be looking for a program where he can recapture the form that made him a standout at Indiana. His versatility as a linebacker and ability to adapt to different defensive schemes make him an attractive option for teams seeking experienced talent. However, his journey also serves as a reminder of how challenging it can be for players to maintain peak performance amid transitions and setbacks.
The Sooners’ coaching staff now faces the task of addressing these departures and reinforcing the roster ahead of the 2025 season. Recruiting efforts will likely intensify, with an emphasis on both incoming freshmen and potential transfers who can contribute immediately. The challenge lies not only in replacing outgoing talent but also in fostering an environment where players can thrive and remain committed to the program.
The transfer portal era has undoubtedly changed the landscape of college football. It has provided players with more freedom to chart their own paths but has also introduced new complexities for coaching staffs. For Oklahoma, the departures of players like McCullough and Walker highlight the need for adaptability and resilience. The ability to attract, develop, and retain talent will be crucial as the team aims to remain competitive in a constantly evolving environment.
Looking ahead, the Sooners must navigate these challenges with a strategic approach. Building a cohesive roster requires more than just recruiting top talent; it demands a commitment to player development, effective communication, and creating a culture that encourages long-term investment from athletes. While the losses of McCullough and Walker are significant, they also present an opportunity for the team to reassess and refine their strategies.
As McCullough embarks on the next chapter of his collegiate career, his departure from Oklahoma serves as a poignant example of the highs and lows that define the transfer portal era. For the Sooners, it’s a moment to reflect on their approach to player retention and development while continuing to pursue excellence on the field. Despite the challenges, Oklahoma remains a program with a storied history and a bright future, poised to adapt and thrive in the face of adversity.
