Monitoring the offseason roster changes for the Oklahoma Sooners football team

The Oklahoma Sooners are undergoing significant roster changes during the 2024 offseason, utilizing both the transfer portal and traditional recruiting to strengthen their lineup for the upcoming season. Here’s a comprehensive overview of the key departures and additions shaping the team’s future.

Departures

NFL Draft Declarations:

Several standout players have declared for the NFL Draft, leaving notable gaps in the roster:

• Tyler Guyton (OL): A redshirt junior standing at 6’7″ and weighing 328 pounds, Guyton’s departure creates a significant vacancy on the offensive line.
• Reggie Pearson (DB): The redshirt senior defensive back, measuring 5’10” and 197 pounds, has been a pivotal part of the secondary.
• Andrew Raym (OL): At 6’4″ and 305 pounds, the senior offensive lineman’s exit will be felt in both pass protection and run blocking.
• Walter Rouse (OL): The fifth-year senior, standing at 6’6″ and 323 pounds, has been a cornerstone of the offensive front.
• Marcus Stripling (DL): A fifth-year defensive lineman, 6’3″ and 246 pounds, Stripling’s pass-rushing abilities will be missed.
• Caleb Shaffer (OL): The redshirt senior, 6’5″ and 344 pounds, has been instrumental in the trenches.
• McKade Mettauer (OL): At 6’4″ and 316 pounds, the redshirt senior’s experience and leadership have been invaluable.

Transfer Portal Exits:

The Sooners have also experienced a wave of players entering the transfer portal, seeking opportunities elsewhere:

• Dillon Gabriel (QB): The redshirt senior quarterback has transferred to Oregon after two seasons with Oklahoma. Gabriel ranked sixth among all FBS quarterbacks this season in passing yards with 3,660 and eighth in passing touchdowns with 30.
  Wikipedia
• Jackson Arnold (QB): The sophomore quarterback plans to enter the transfer portal. A notable five-star recruit from Denton, Texas, Arnold started the season for Oklahoma, contributing to the Sooners’ 6-6 record. He completed 154 of 246 passes for 1,421 yards, 12 touchdowns, and three interceptions over 10 games.
  Reuters
• General Booty (QB): The redshirt sophomore quarterback has announced his transfer to the University of Louisiana Monroe (ULM) Warhawks. Booty, a Shreveport, Louisiana native, expressed his excitement about returning home and working with his new teammates.
  The Sun
• Nic Anderson (WR): The wide receiver has signed with LSU, seeking a fresh start in Baton Rouge.
  Sports Illustrated
• Kalib Hicks (RB): The running back has signed with Oklahoma State, aiming for increased playing time.
  News 9
• Jayden Rowe (DB): The defensive back has signed with Kansas State, looking to make an impact in the Wildcats’ secondary.
  Sports Illustrated
• Bauer Sharp (TE): The tight end has signed with LSU, adding depth to the Tigers’ offensive arsenal.
  Sports Illustrated
• Savion Byrd (OL): The redshirt sophomore offensive lineman has transferred to SMU, seeking a more prominent role.
  Wikipedia
• Reggie Grimes II (DL): The senior defensive lineman has transferred to Memphis, aiming to bolster the Tigers’ defensive front.
  Wikipedia
• Key Lawrence (DB): The senior defensive back has moved to Ole Miss, looking to contribute to the Rebels’ secondary.
  Wikipedia
• Marcus Major (RB): The redshirt senior running back has transferred to Minnesota, seeking new opportunities in the Big Ten.
  Wikipedia
• Daylan Smothers (RB): The freshman running back has joined NC State, aiming to make his mark with the Wolfpack.
  Wikipedia
• Cayden Green (OL): The freshman offensive lineman has transferred to Missouri, returning to his home state.
  Wikipedia
• Davis Beville (QB): The redshirt senior quarterback has moved to South Carolina, seeking playing time in the SEC.
  Wikipedia
• Gavin Freeman (WR): The junior wide receiver has transferred to Oklahoma State, staying within the state but switching allegiances.
  Wikipedia

Additions

Incoming Transfers:

To counterbalance the departures, Oklahoma has been active in the transfer market, securing commitments from several impactful players:

• Casey Thompson (QB): The graduate quarterback has committed to Oklahoma from Florida Atlantic after previous stints with Nebraska and Texas. Thompson, the son of former Sooners quarterback Charles Thompson, returns to the state of Oklahoma for his seventh season.
  Wikipedia
• Deion Burks (WR): The redshirt sophomore wide receiver has transferred from Purdue to Oklahoma. Burks had a breakout season, finishing with 629 receiving yards, 47 catches, and 7 touchdown receptions, earning second-team All-Big