The transfer portal has become a significant part of the college football landscape, and Oklahoma, like many other programs, has been deeply affected by it. In 2024, the Sooners saw 27 players leave the program via the portal, including 18 offensive players and 9 defensive players. Among the departures, the most notable losses were six wide receivers and a starting quarterback, with Jackson Arnold’s transfer to Auburn catching much of the attention. However, not all transfer portal exits are equally impactful, and some losses may not sting as much as others for the Sooners moving forward.
While it is true that losing a player of Arnold’s caliber, who was once expected to lead the team into its SEC future, could have been detrimental, the Sooners have managed to replace him with incoming quarterback John Mateer, who has shown promise, along with Michael Hawkins Jr. who will still provide depth. That being said, there are a few departures from the portal that could prove to hurt the Sooners more in the long run, particularly when considering their impact on Oklahoma’s 2025 season.
1. Bauer Sharp, Tight End
Bauer Sharp, despite becoming somewhat of a controversial figure in Norman, was arguably one of the Sooners’ most productive players in 2024. Sharp started every game of the regular season at tight end and led the team in both receptions (42) and receiving yards (324). Although Sharp had his fair share of missteps on the field that made him the target of criticism from some fans, there is no denying his significant contribution to the team.
Sharp’s departure to the transfer portal is especially painful for Oklahoma when considering that the Sooners did not necessarily have a clear-cut solution to fill his void. Tight ends coach Joe Jon Finley has brought in three tight ends from the transfer portal, but none of them have had standout careers at the lower levels. The uncertainty surrounding the production of these new additions to the tight end room makes Sharp’s loss sting even more. A player who was consistently involved in the passing game and provided a safety valve for quarterbacks will be missed, and replacing his production could prove to be a difficult task for the Sooners in 2025.
While it’s still possible that the new tight ends could develop into solid contributors, Sharp’s combination of experience and production is something that won’t be easy to replicate. The Sooners may need to rely on other pass-catching options and develop more depth at the position to ensure they don’t miss a beat on offense.
2. Nic Anderson, Wide Receiver
Another significant loss for the Sooners came in the form of wide receiver Nic Anderson, who has transferred to LSU. Anderson’s departure is particularly painful for Oklahoma because of his potential, as well as his tremendous impact in his freshman season. Although Anderson was sidelined for most of the 2024 campaign due to injury, his breakout performance in 2023 left an indelible mark. He was named a Freshman All-American by The Athletic after recording 31 receptions for 798 yards and 10 touchdowns, including a game-winning touchdown against Texas.
His 10 touchdown receptions in 2023 were the most by an Oklahoma freshman, and his 798 receiving yards were the second-most by a freshman in Sooner history. Anderson’s ability to stretch the field and be a key red zone target made him one of the most exciting players on the roster heading into the 2024 season. Had he stayed healthy and remained at Oklahoma, Anderson could have been a major factor in the Sooners’ offense in 2025, catching passes from incoming quarterback John Mateer.
Now that Anderson is headed to LSU, the Sooners will need to look elsewhere for playmakers in the receiving corps. The loss of a wide receiver with Anderson’s ability to make game-changing plays is a tough blow, as it leaves a noticeable gap in the depth of the Sooners’ receiving group. While Oklahoma has talented wideouts on the roster, Anderson’s production and potential were incredibly valuable. His departure will likely require other players to step up and fill the role of a primary playmaker in the receiving game.
3. Lewis Carter, Linebacker
The most surprising and perhaps least expected loss on this list comes from the defensive side of the ball with the departure of linebacker Lewis Carter. Carter had played in every game during the 2024 season as a backup linebacker and on special teams, recording 23 tackles, two tackles for loss, and a forced fumble. While Carter wasn’t a starter and his contributions weren’t as prominent as some of the other players on the defense, his loss still stings because of his potential and what he could have developed into under defensive coordinator Brent Venables.
Carter, a sophomore, had plenty of time left to grow into a key piece of Oklahoma’s defense. Given Venables’ reputation for developing linebackers, Carter could have taken a significant step forward in 2025 and become a more prominent figure in the Sooners’ linebacker rotation. His departure, especially after the bowl game, was a surprise to many, and it leaves a void that will need to be filled in the near future.
With Carter transferring to UCF, it’s likely he will have the opportunity to start right away at a program where he can have a bigger role. For Oklahoma, however, his departure means that the Sooners will need to find additional depth and contributors at linebacker, particularly if the younger linebackers don’t develop as quickly as expected.
Conclusion
The 27 departures from Oklahoma via the transfer portal are a reminder of the changing landscape of college football, where players have more opportunities than ever to explore options outside their original programs. While Jackson Arnold’s exit to Auburn is a high-profile departure, the losses of Bauer Sharp, Nic Anderson, and Lewis Carter are arguably the most impactful for the Sooners going into the 2025 season. Sharp’s production at tight end and Anderson’s explosive potential at wide receiver will be difficult to replace, and Carter’s departure weakens the depth in the linebacker corps.
As Oklahoma looks to rebuild and reload for the upcoming season, these transfer portal exits will likely have long-term consequences. However, the Sooners are also welcoming in new players to help fill the gaps, and the ability to replace lost talent will be a key factor in determining how quickly the team can recover and continue to compete at a high level. Moving forward, OU will need to focus on player development and the recruitment of future stars to minimize the impact of these departures.
