The Oklahoma Sooners have been actively working to improve their roster in preparation for the 2025 college football season, particularly focusing on a position that has been a bit of a concern in recent years: tight end. This focus comes after a lack of consistency at the position over the past two seasons, and with a need for depth and production at tight end, the Sooners have been looking to solidify that area. The latest addition to their tight end group is John Locke, a 6-foot-4, 241-pound redshirt sophomore from Helotes, Texas. Locke announced his commitment to Oklahoma on Wednesday night, marking an important step in filling the gaps at the position.
Locke’s addition to the team brings some depth and potential to a position group that has had its struggles recently. During the 2024 season, Locke had one reception for 2 yards. This came after a slightly more productive 2023 campaign, where he caught two passes for 4 yards and a touchdown. Locke’s involvement in the past two seasons has been limited, but he has shown the ability to contribute when given the opportunity. Locke’s experience, while not overwhelming in terms of statistics, adds depth to a Sooners tight end group that has been in need of reinforcements.
Before his transfer, Locke played in three games during the 2022 season, where he redshirted. Over the past two seasons, he has played in 23 games, though he has not been a featured player on offense. Despite the lack of a large statistical impact, his experience in a competitive program is invaluable for Oklahoma, especially with the coaching changes that have taken place in recent years. His commitment to Oklahoma is believed to be as a preferred walk-on, which may suggest that he is coming to the team with the opportunity to prove himself and earn a scholarship over time.
Locke is the third player that Oklahoma has added at the tight end position through the transfer portal in the current cycle. The Sooners have been working diligently to fill gaps and ensure that they have enough talent at every position heading into the 2025 season. Prior to Locke’s commitment, Oklahoma added Carson Kent from Kennesaw State and Will Huggins from Pittsburg State, both of whom bring experience to the team as well. Kent and Huggins, along with Locke, are expected to contribute to a tight end room that has struggled with consistency in recent seasons.
The tight end position has been in flux for Oklahoma in the past couple of years, particularly with the transition in offensive coordinators. The Sooners’ offense has undergone significant changes, from Jeff Lebby to Seth Littrell, and finally, Joe Jon Finley serving as the interim offensive coordinator for the tight ends. Each coordinator brought their own philosophies and schemes, which led to inconsistency in how tight ends were utilized within the offense. This change in offensive direction has led to uncertainty for tight ends, who at times found themselves underutilized or not being used in the most effective way to support the offense.
In the 2025 season, the Sooners will be under the guidance of a new offensive coordinator, Ben Arbuckle. Arbuckle, who is coming off a successful season at Washington State, will bring a fresh perspective to Oklahoma’s offensive scheme. At Washington State, Arbuckle made the most of opportunities for a variety of tight ends, incorporating them into his offensive plans and maximizing their skill sets. His experience and approach to tight ends could be the key to revitalizing the position at Oklahoma. With the added depth of Locke, Kent, and Huggins, Arbuckle will have more options to work with, and the Sooners could see improved production from the tight end position in the 2025 season.
Oklahoma has been quite active in the transfer portal this offseason. The Sooners have made 15 additions through the portal, a significant number considering the team also lost 26 players during the same period. This influx of new talent will allow Oklahoma to rebuild and strengthen key areas of the roster, particularly with an emphasis on depth and competition across all positions. The tight end room, with its new additions, is a prime example of this strategy. While the group may not have been a strength in recent seasons, the moves made in the portal demonstrate that the Sooners are working diligently to address their needs.
Locke’s commitment to Oklahoma comes after he entered the transfer portal on December 9. His decision to move to the Sooners could be influenced by a variety of factors, including the opportunity for more playing time and the chance to be part of a program that is actively reshaping its roster and offense. With his size, experience, and potential, Locke could be an important piece of the puzzle as Oklahoma looks to improve its tight end play in the 2025 season.
For the Sooners, improving the tight end position will be crucial for a more balanced and dynamic offensive attack. The addition of Locke, Kent, and Huggins provides much-needed depth, and with Arbuckle’s offensive system, Oklahoma may finally see more consistent production from this position. The tight end position is often pivotal in both the passing and blocking game, and having reliable and capable players there can make a huge difference in a team’s success. For Oklahoma, the hope is that these new additions will help the Sooners build a more efficient offense that can compete at the highest level in the Big 12 and beyond.
In conclusion, John Locke’s commitment to Oklahoma is an important step for the Sooners as they continue to rebuild and strengthen their roster for the 2025 season. With Locke joining fellow transfer tight ends Carson Kent and Will Huggins, Oklahoma is addressing a critical position that has been inconsistent in recent years. The addition of these players, combined with the arrival of new offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle, provides a fresh opportunity for Oklahoma to revitalize its tight end play and enhance its offensive scheme. The Sooners are making the moves necessary to compete at the highest level, and Locke’s addition could prove to be a key piece of the puzzle moving forward.
