A few days after the transfer portal window closed, Oklahoma football has made a significant splash in its offseason roster moves. The Sooners have secured a commitment from Kendal Daniels, a former Oklahoma State linebacker with one year of eligibility remaining. This addition is particularly impactful for Oklahoma, as the linebacker position had become a point of concern due to recent departures. Daniels’ decision to transfer to Oklahoma gives the Sooners the depth and experience they need to fill the gaps left by key losses.
A Needed Addition to Linebacker Corps
In recent weeks, Oklahoma’s linebacker depth took a hit. With the departures of Lewis Carter and Dasan McCullough to the transfer portal, as well as the graduation of Danny Stutsman, the Sooners were left with significant holes at linebacker. This made linebacker one of the positions that the coaching staff needed to address quickly to maintain defensive integrity in 2025. Enter Kendal Daniels, a veteran linebacker with a proven track record in the Big 12, particularly on a high-profile Oklahoma State defense.
Daniels’ Background and Early Career
Daniels, a native of Beggs, Oklahoma, arrived at Oklahoma State in 2021 as one of the most highly regarded defensive recruits in the nation. Ranked as a consensus four-star prospect, he was the No. 1 player in the state of Oklahoma and the No. 9 linebacker in the country according to Rivals. His high school accolades were followed by a productive college career that quickly elevated him into a key defensive role at Oklahoma State.
After redshirting his freshman year in 2021, Daniels made an immediate impact in his sophomore year in 2022. He played 652 snaps and started five games, recording 71 tackles, seven tackles for loss, three interceptions, and a forced fumble. His stellar performance earned him recognition as the Big 12 Defensive Freshman of the Year and a spot on the second-team All-Big 12 as voted on by the league’s coaches. Daniels’ rapid rise continued as he solidified himself as one of the most versatile and reliable players on the Cowboys’ defense.
A Key Player in Oklahoma State’s Big 12 Championship Push
In 2023, Daniels took on a more significant role and played a pivotal part in Oklahoma State’s defense. The Cowboys made an impressive run to the Big 12 Championship game, finishing the season with a solid 10-4 record. Daniels was on the field for 931 snaps, starting all 14 games, and recorded 106 tackles, six tackles for loss, two sacks, two interceptions, and another forced fumble. His all-around game helped power the Cowboys’ defense and make them a formidable team in the Big 12.
Although Oklahoma State faced a tough season in 2024 with a 3-9 record, Daniels continued to perform at a high level. He finished the season with 64 tackles, leading the team in both tackles for loss (11) and sacks (5.5). Despite the team’s struggles, Daniels’ individual success did not go unnoticed, and his decision to transfer speaks to his desire for a new challenge and an opportunity to compete at a high level.
Daniels’ Career Stats and Impact
Throughout his three seasons in Stillwater, Daniels has played in 2,298 snaps, accumulated 240 tackles, and tallied 24 tackles for loss, 7.5 sacks, and five interceptions. His versatility and consistent production make him a standout player who can fill a variety of roles on a defense.
What sets Daniels apart is his ability to impact the game in multiple facets. While he has been a force as an inside linebacker, he has also shown versatility in pass coverage, logging 448 snaps at safety and 483 snaps at cornerback over the last two seasons, according to Pro Football Focus (PFF). This adaptability makes him a perfect fit for Oklahoma’s cheetah position, a hybrid role that requires a player to excel both in the box and in coverage.
Standing at 6-foot-4, Daniels brings ideal size and length to the linebacker position, allowing him to be effective in both run defense and pass coverage. His versatility to cover ground in coverage, combined with his physicality in the box, gives him the potential to be a game-changer for Oklahoma’s defense, especially with the hybrid cheetah role that demands agility and coverage skills from a linebacker.
How Daniels Fits into Oklahoma’s Defense
Daniels’ addition will immediately improve Oklahoma’s linebacker rotation. With Kobie McKinzie and Kip Lewis returning for 2025, Daniels brings much-needed experience and leadership to a young and somewhat depleted linebacker group. His ability to play multiple positions on the defense, including in coverage, allows him to be utilized in various ways by defensive coordinator Brent Venables.
The Sooner defense under Venables is known for its complexity and flexibility, especially when it comes to linebackers and defensive backs. Daniels’ past experience in a versatile defensive role at Oklahoma State makes him an ideal candidate to adapt quickly to Venables’ scheme, which frequently uses multiple linebacker sets and hybrid roles. His ability to cover in the passing game while also providing a strong presence against the run should give the Sooners a more dynamic defense in 2025.
Oklahoma’s defense has made significant strides in recent years, and Daniels’ addition only enhances its potential to be one of the top defenses in the Big 12. With players like Danny Stutsman graduating and others transferring out, Oklahoma’s linebacker corps had a lot of uncertainty. Daniels provides the Sooners with a reliable veteran presence, which could be pivotal in their goal of contending for conference titles and national championships in the near future.
Looking Ahead: Expectations for Daniels at Oklahoma
Given Daniels’ previous accomplishments, it is expected that he will contribute immediately to Oklahoma’s defense in 2025. His blend of size, athleticism, and experience will make him a key figure in the linebacker room, where his leadership will be invaluable. As a senior with one final season to prove himself, Daniels has the opportunity to leave a lasting legacy in Norman while helping guide a young, talented defense toward even greater success.
Oklahoma fans should expect to see a significant impact from Daniels in 2025, whether it’s as a traditional linebacker or in the cheetah role, where his ability to cover and rush the passer will make him an intriguing asset in multiple defensive packages. His leadership, experience, and versatility will allow him to make an immediate difference and solidify his place as one of the key pieces on a Sooner defense that aims for greatness.
In summary, Kendal Daniels’ commitment to Oklahoma is a critical addition for the Sooners, both in terms of his experience and his unique skill set. With a proven track record at Oklahoma State, Daniels is a player who can step in and contribute from day one, providing the Sooners with the depth and leadership they need in the linebacker room for the 2025 season. His versatility, athleticism, and leadership will be invaluable as Oklahoma continues to build a championship-caliber defense.
