The Oklahoma Sooners are continuing to bolster their tight end room in preparation for the 2025 season, adding veteran experience through the transfer portal. On Wednesday evening, the Sooners secured a commitment from John Locke, a transfer tight end from Louisiana Tech, who brings some much-needed depth to the position. According to OUInsider’s Parker Thune, Locke will join the Sooners as a preferred walk-on, further cementing the team’s effort to create competition and add experienced players to a relatively young and unproven tight end group.
Locke’s arrival comes at a crucial time for Oklahoma as they look to fill the void left by departing tight ends Bauer Sharp and Jake Roberts. The position has been a point of concern for the Sooners in recent seasons, and with both Sharp and Roberts leaving, the need for experienced and reliable contributors is essential. Though Locke does not have an extensive track record of production on the field, his experience and versatility on special teams could make him an asset to the team moving forward.
John Locke initially entered the college football scene as a three-star recruit in the 2022 class, joining Louisiana Tech to continue his football career. Over his three seasons with the Bulldogs, Locke’s involvement in the offense was somewhat limited. In 26 games with Louisiana Tech, he recorded just three receptions for six yards and a single touchdown. While these numbers may not jump off the page, Locke’s role on special teams is where he has had more of an impact. According to Pro Football Focus, Locke has logged 216 special teams snaps over his career, compared to just 189 offensive snaps. His experience in special teams could be crucial as he adjusts to the competitive atmosphere at Oklahoma, as he will likely be expected to contribute in multiple facets of the game.
Although Locke’s statistics as a tight end are not eye-popping, his versatility and ability to contribute on special teams show that he has been an important part of his previous teams, even if not as a primary offensive weapon. At Oklahoma, he will have the opportunity to continue his development as a player, with the potential to carve out a role for himself in both the tight end rotation and special teams units. His leadership and experience could also benefit a young group of tight ends, providing both on-field contributions and mentorship to incoming freshmen and younger players.
Locke joins a growing group of tight ends in the Oklahoma program, all of whom will compete for playing time in 2025. The Sooners’ tight end room has already added several players through the transfer portal, including Carson Kent from Kennesaw State and Will Huggins from Pittsburg State. Additionally, Oklahoma has a number of talented players already in the program, such as one-time four-star recruits Kaden Helms and Davon Mitchell, who are expected to continue developing into key contributors. Another player to watch is the athletic Kade McIntyre, who brings a unique skill set to the position.
Oklahoma also welcomes incoming freshman Trynae Washington, who will add more talent and depth to the tight end room. Washington’s arrival will be crucial as the Sooners look to find stability and consistency at tight end in 2025. With a mix of experienced transfers and younger players, the tight end position could see a significant transformation next season.
The tight end position at Oklahoma has not been a huge focal point in recent years, with the team primarily focusing on their wide receivers and running backs for offensive production. However, with the departure of Sharp and Roberts, the Sooners have an opportunity to shift their offensive strategy and involve the tight end more in the passing and blocking game. The addition of experienced players like Locke, Kent, and Huggins could help Oklahoma achieve more balance in their offense, allowing them to be more versatile and dynamic in the upcoming season.
In addition to bolstering the tight end position, Oklahoma is making moves to strengthen their overall roster. The Sooners have been very active in the transfer portal this offseason, adding talent at multiple positions to complement the returning players. With the loss of 26 players through transfers and departures, Oklahoma has made it a priority to rebuild and reload the roster in anticipation of a successful 2025 season. The additions of Locke, Kent, Huggins, and others show that the Sooners are serious about improving their depth and ensuring that they have the right players to compete at the highest level in the Big 12 and beyond.
As for Locke himself, he will have the chance to prove himself in a new environment with higher expectations. Oklahoma’s program is known for its storied history and the pressure that comes with playing for such a prestigious team. Locke’s role will likely be to provide depth, contribute on special teams, and compete for meaningful snaps on offense as the Sooners look to solidify their tight end position. If he can make an impact, even in a limited capacity, Locke could find himself a key contributor on the team and potentially even earn more playing time as the season progresses.
The transfer portal has become an integral part of college football in recent years, and Oklahoma has been adept at utilizing it to address specific needs. The Sooners’ ability to bring in experienced players like Locke, Kent, and Huggins gives them a solid foundation as they continue to shape their roster for the 2025 season. The tight end position is one area that needed attention, and with these additions, the Sooners now have the depth and talent required to field a competitive group.
In conclusion, John Locke’s commitment to Oklahoma adds another piece to the puzzle as the Sooners continue to strengthen their roster for the 2025 season. While Locke’s offensive production at Louisiana Tech was limited, his experience on special teams and his versatility make him an intriguing addition to the team. With the departures of Bauer Sharp and Jake Roberts, Oklahoma needed to add depth and talent to their tight end room, and Locke’s presence provides just that. Along with transfers Kent and Huggins and talented players already in the program, Oklahoma’s tight end group is shaping up to be a much more competitive and impactful unit in the upcoming season.
