Positional Look at Oklahoma Sooners Transfer Additions

As college football continues to evolve with the rise of the transfer portal, teams are increasingly relying on new additions to help bolster their rosters. The Oklahoma Sooners, with their rich football history, are no exception to this trend. Head coach Brent Venables, entering his second year at the helm, has worked diligently to improve the roster through the transfer portal, filling key positions with experienced players that can make an immediate impact.

The Sooners have experienced several changes and additions in recent years, especially after the departure of longtime head coach Lincoln Riley and the subsequent shift to Venables’ defensive-minded coaching style. With the increased emphasis on a more balanced and fundamentally sound approach, the Sooners have focused on building depth, improving key areas on defense, and finding experienced players who can contribute right away. In this breakdown, we’ll take a detailed look at the Sooners’ key transfer additions for the 2025 season, focusing on how these players are expected to impact Oklahoma’s positional depth chart.

Quarterback: Dillon Gabriel

One of the most critical additions for Oklahoma came in the form of Dillon Gabriel, a transfer from UCF. Gabriel was one of the most prolific quarterbacks in college football before transferring, and his decision to join the Sooners was a major coup for Venables and offensive coordinator Jeff Lebby. Gabriel’s familiarity with Lebby’s offensive system, which he played in during his time at UCF, should provide immediate comfort and success for Oklahoma’s offense.

Gabriel is a dual-threat quarterback with the ability to both air it out and make plays with his legs, adding an element of unpredictability to the Sooners’ offense. He threw for over 8,000 yards and 70 touchdowns in his first few seasons at UCF, setting the stage for him to have a successful career at Oklahoma. With a year of experience in Lebby’s system, Gabriel’s chemistry with the receivers should continue to develop, giving the Sooners a potent offensive weapon under center.

While Gabriel is the established starter, there is potential for competition from other players, as the Sooners will also be developing younger talent, but the presence of Gabriel at quarterback is a major asset as he brings leadership, experience, and big-play ability to the team.

Running Back: Javonte Barnes and Gavin Sawchuk

In the backfield, Oklahoma has added a pair of highly regarded transfers to bolster their running game. While both Javonte Barnes and Gavin Sawchuk came from the 2023 recruiting class rather than as direct transfer portal additions, they represent a new wave of talented players that will elevate the Sooners’ rushing attack. Their contributions will significantly enhance the team’s depth at running back and help provide a more balanced offensive attack.

Barnes, a 5-star recruit, brings size, power, and vision to the running back position. Sawchuk, on the other hand, offers speed and elusiveness. Both players are expected to be major contributors to the Oklahoma offense, particularly in short-yardage situations and as part of the running back rotation that will keep the Sooners’ ground game fresh. The addition of these two backs solidifies the backfield, giving the Sooners a powerful combination of speed and physicality.

With experienced players like Eric Gray departing, the new faces at running back will have big shoes to fill, but the duo’s skill set should be more than capable of continuing the tradition of strong running backs in Norman.

Wide Receiver: Andrel Anthony and Key’Ron Lacey

At wide receiver, Oklahoma made a concerted effort to bring in immediate contributors through the transfer portal. One key addition was Andrel Anthony, who transferred in from Michigan. Anthony is a speedster who can stretch the field vertically, offering a true deep-threat presence. He showed flashes of brilliance at Michigan, including a breakout game against Michigan State, and should step into a prominent role at Oklahoma right away.

Key’Ron Lacey, another transfer addition, comes to Oklahoma with a different set of skills. Lacey is a physical receiver with excellent ball skills and the ability to make plays in contested situations. His toughness and work ethic should make him a valuable asset in both the short and intermediate passing game.

With the departure of key receivers from previous years, the Sooners are looking to rebuild their receiving corps with these new transfers. Anthony and Lacey, alongside established names like Marvin Mims (if he remains with the program), will provide a solid foundation for Gabriel and the rest of the offense to work with.

Tight End: Austin Stogner

Tight end has been an important position for Oklahoma over the past few years, and the Sooners added a crucial piece to the unit in Austin Stogner. Stogner, a former Sooner who transferred to South Carolina, has made the decision to return to Norman for his final year of eligibility. Stogner is a versatile player who can contribute both as a blocker and a pass catcher.

During his previous stint at Oklahoma, Stogner was known for his ability to make tough catches in traffic and serve as a reliable target in the red zone. His return to the program gives the Sooners a seasoned veteran who knows the offense and can provide leadership to a group that has been developing in recent seasons. He could be a key piece in the Sooners’ offense, especially as a safety valve for Gabriel and a strong contributor in the passing game.

Offensive Line: Walter Rouse

The offensive line has been an area of concern for Oklahoma in recent seasons, and the addition of Walter Rouse from Stanford helps to address that need. Rouse is an experienced offensive tackle who has started multiple games at the collegiate level and has the ability to step in right away and improve Oklahoma’s front five.

The Sooners have been looking to build a more physical and balanced offensive line, and Rouse provides a solid anchor on the left side of the line. His experience, combined with his physicality and technique, makes him an essential addition. As Oklahoma works to improve its ability to run the ball and protect Gabriel in the passing game, Rouse’s contributions will be pivotal in achieving that goal.

Defensive Line: Trace Ford and Jacob Lacey

Oklahoma’s defense has often been the subject of scrutiny in recent years, particularly in the trenches, where they’ve struggled to generate consistent pressure on the quarterback. To address this, Venables has added Trace Ford and Jacob Lacey to the defensive line.

Ford, a transfer from Oklahoma State, is a talented pass rusher who should immediately upgrade Oklahoma’s ability to disrupt opposing quarterbacks. He has a history of being an explosive force off the edge and can also be a versatile presence in the front seven. Lacey, a defensive tackle from Notre Dame, adds bulk and strength to the interior of the line, helping to shore up the Sooners’ run defense.

With these two additions, Oklahoma’s defensive line looks much more formidable, and the team will be better equipped to pressure opposing quarterbacks and defend the run. Both Ford and Lacey could emerge as key contributors in Venables’ defensive scheme, which relies heavily on front-seven dominance.

Linebacker: Dasan McCullough

At linebacker, Oklahoma added Dasan McCullough, an exciting prospect from Indiana. McCullough is a highly regarded linebacker with excellent athleticism, speed, and coverage ability. His presence should give the Sooners a dynamic player in the middle of their defense who can cover ground quickly and make plays in both the run game and passing game.

As the Sooners transition to a more aggressive defensive philosophy under Venables, McCullough’s ability to cover ground and play sideline to sideline will be invaluable. He adds depth and talent to an Oklahoma linebacker corps that is looking to be more disruptive and make game-changing plays.

Secondary: Gentry Williams and Kendall Daniels

Finally, in the secondary, Oklahoma has made key additions in the form of Gentry Williams and Kendall Daniels. Williams, a highly touted recruit, brings speed and ball skills to the cornerback position. Daniels, a safety, adds size and physicality to the back end of the defense.

Both players are expected to contribute immediately, providing depth and talent to a secondary that has been inconsistent in recent years. Their skill sets should complement each other well, with Williams providing coverage ability on the outside and Daniels adding playmaking potential in the middle of the field.