The Oklahoma Sooners have experienced significant turnover at the wide receiver position this offseason, signaling a need for new talent to join the Sooners’ offensive arsenal. While the team has already added four transfers in Javonnie Gibson, Keontez Lewis, Isaiah Sategna, and Josiah Martin, the Sooners’ wide receiver corps remains an area of focus as they look to rebuild and strengthen their depth chart for the 2025 season. After losing six receivers to the transfer portal, Oklahoma’s coaching staff continues to assess options, and one name they are undoubtedly familiar with has recently reentered the portal: Anthony Evans, a former four-star wide receiver who was previously committed to Oklahoma before flipping to Georgia in 2022.
Evans is an intriguing prospect for a number of reasons. A player with tremendous speed and explosiveness, Evans could provide the Sooners’ offense with a dynamic playmaking presence. The Sooners already have several solid additions in the receiver room, but Evans could fill a key role as a versatile weapon who can contribute both as a receiver and as a return specialist. Let’s dive into why Oklahoma might have renewed interest in Evans and what his addition could mean for the team.
A Familiar Name for Oklahoma Fans
For many Oklahoma fans, the name Anthony Evans carries a bit of history. He was initially committed to the Sooners as part of their 2023 recruiting class, which had fans excited about his potential. Evans was highly regarded coming out of high school and was ranked as a four-star wide receiver by 247Sports. His combination of speed, athleticism, and football IQ made him a coveted prospect for several top programs, including Oklahoma. However, just before National Signing Day in November 2022, Evans flipped his commitment to Georgia, citing the opportunity to play for a national contender and a highly successful coaching staff. This move shocked many, as Oklahoma was expecting to add another key piece to its receiving core.
Despite the flip, Evans was still widely viewed as a major talent, and his decision to join Georgia seemed like a strong one given the Bulldogs’ dominance in recent years. However, after two seasons in Athens, Evans has now entered the transfer portal, signaling that he’s looking for a fresh start and a chance to be part of an offense that can offer him more playing time and a more significant role.
Evans’ Career at Georgia: A Glimpse of Promise
Evans’ tenure at Georgia was marked by flashes of potential, but limited opportunities to fully showcase his skills. Over two seasons, he played in 19 games, appearing in 11 games during the 2024 season. While those numbers might not seem particularly impressive, they speak to the immense depth and talent that Georgia has at the wide receiver position. In an offense that routinely boasts a wealth of options, opportunities for younger and less experienced players can sometimes be limited, and Evans was no exception.
In 2024, Evans posted nine receptions for 88 yards—a modest stat line, but it’s important to note that he was often used as a screen game option, a role that Georgia frequently relied on to get him the ball in open space. Evans’ speed and agility made him dangerous when the ball was in his hands, and his ability to quickly accelerate and make defenders miss showed promise. Despite limited playing time, his potential as a playmaker was clear.
In addition to his role as a receiver, Evans also made his mark on special teams. He was a kick returner and punt returner for the Bulldogs, showcasing his explosiveness in the return game. In the 2024 season, Evans averaged 17.7 yards per kick return and 7.6 yards per punt return, which speaks to his ability to flip field position and change the momentum of a game in an instant. His return ability adds another layer to his value as a prospect for Oklahoma or any program looking to boost its special teams.
Why Oklahoma Could Be Interested in Renewing the Relationship
The question now becomes whether the Sooners will pursue Evans again after his transfer portal entry. Oklahoma’s coaching staff, led by Brent Venables, is constantly looking for ways to enhance their offensive weapons, and Evans could be an ideal fit in several ways.
- Filling the Need for Speed and Playmaking Ability: One of the most attractive aspects of Evans is his elite speed. As a true playmaker with the ability to stretch the field, Evans could offer Oklahoma a dangerous deep threat, particularly in a system that likes to mix up its passing game and take advantage of speed on the outside. Javonnie Gibson and Keontez Lewis, the two other transfer wide receivers who have committed to Oklahoma, also possess speed, but adding a player with Evans’ burst could help give the Sooners even more options in the deep passing game.
- Special Teams Impact: Oklahoma has a long tradition of excellent special teams play, and adding a player like Evans would be a boost to that area. His kick return and punt return ability could immediately upgrade Oklahoma’s special teams, where they could use a dynamic playmaker who can flip field position. Evans has shown in limited opportunities that he can make things happen in the return game, and that kind of ability is invaluable, especially in the high-stakes Big 12 matchups.
- Complementary Depth in the Receiving Corps: Oklahoma’s offense is known for its ability to develop playmakers, and the Sooners have added some exciting pieces in their receiver room, including Gibson, Lewis, Sategna, and Martin. However, Evans could provide another dynamic option. With Marvin Mims leaving for the NFL and the offense looking to replace some of the top receiving production, adding Evans could provide the Sooners with even more depth and talent. His ability to line up in different spots and create mismatches could make him a versatile piece in Oklahoma’s offensive scheme.
- A Motivated Player Looking for More Opportunity: Evans’ decision to leave Georgia likely stems from his desire to play a larger role in an offense. While he has certainly learned a lot under Georgia’s coaching staff, including under head coach Kirby Smart, he may feel that now is the time for him to get more opportunities to contribute. At Oklahoma, where the Sooners’ offense has been known for utilizing a variety of wideouts and creating space for playmakers, Evans could find the playing time he’s looking for.
The Familiarity Factor
Finally, it’s important to consider the familiarity Evans has with Oklahoma. He was originally part of the Sooners’ 2023 class and committed to the program before flipping to Georgia. His previous interactions with the Oklahoma coaching staff, and his connection to the team, could make a return to Norman a natural fit. Evans already knows the culture at Oklahoma and has an understanding of what the Sooners’ program is all about. That could give him the confidence to make a smooth transition back to Norman and hit the ground running.
Conclusion: Could Anthony Evans Join the Sooners Again?
After entering the transfer portal, Anthony Evans provides the Oklahoma Sooners with an exciting opportunity to add a former four-star talent who possesses immense speed and playmaking ability. With Oklahoma’s offense in need of additional depth and explosiveness at the wide receiver position, Evans could provide the spark they’re looking for. Additionally, his capabilities as a return specialist could be a game-changer for the Sooners’ special teams.
While there is no certainty that Evans will choose to return to Oklahoma, his familiarity with the program and his potential to make an immediate impact could make the Sooners a serious contender in his recruitment. For the Sooners, pursuing Evans makes a lot of sense as they look to bolster their receiving corps and add dynamic playmakers in every aspect of the game. The next steps for Evans and Oklahoma will be crucial in determining whether this relationship can be renewed for the 2025 season.
