OU Football Closing in on Interesting Portal Targets! | Oklahoma Sooners
As the college football landscape continues to evolve, one of the most dynamic aspects of the sport is the ever-growing impact of the NCAA Transfer Portal. Players are no longer tied to their initial college choices, and this has created a new wave of opportunities for programs to bolster their rosters, especially those programs that are looking to stay competitive at the highest levels. For the Oklahoma Sooners, this year’s transfer portal cycle could be a critical moment as head coach Brent Venables looks to further strengthen his roster, particularly in preparation for the team’s upcoming transition to the SEC.
While Oklahoma has historically been known for its success in recruiting high school players, the current state of college football demands more flexibility, adaptability, and innovation. The Sooners, under Venables’ leadership, are making significant moves in the transfer portal, targeting key positions that could make a difference in their championship aspirations, especially with the new challenges they will face in the SEC. The coming weeks could see Oklahoma close in on some very interesting portal targets, players who will provide immediate impact and contribute to the team’s long-term success.
This article will take an in-depth look at the players the Sooners are targeting in the portal, how these targets fit into the team’s needs, and the potential impact on Oklahoma’s 2024 season and beyond.
The Importance of the Transfer Portal for Oklahoma
The rise of the transfer portal has reshaped college football recruiting, and programs like Oklahoma are recognizing the importance of leveraging it to build competitive teams. With the new freedom provided to athletes to transfer without sitting out a season, the portal has created an avenue for teams to find immediate contributors—whether in need of depth, experience, or a game-changing talent.
For Oklahoma, this portal cycle has a particular sense of urgency. The Sooners will be entering the Southeastern Conference in 2024, where the level of competition will be more intense than ever. Facing powerhouse teams like Alabama, Georgia, LSU, and Texas week in and week out requires depth, talent, and experience—especially in positions that are pivotal in big games. While Oklahoma is known for its ability to recruit and develop top-tier talent, the SEC will present a unique challenge that might require some immediate help through the transfer portal.
Furthermore, Brent Venables is entering his third season as head coach, and while progress has been made on the defensive side of the ball, the overall consistency and performance on both sides of the ball still need to improve. The Sooners are aiming to be competitive in the SEC immediately, and any additions from the portal could be crucial in ensuring that happens.
Key Positions of Need for Oklahoma in the Transfer Portal
In any given transfer cycle, teams look to address specific areas of need, whether it’s a lack of depth, a particular skill set that’s missing, or the need for experienced players who can contribute right away. For Oklahoma, the following positions are critical when it comes to transfer portal targets:
1. Defensive Line and Edge Rushers
One of the areas that has been most discussed under Brent Venables’ regime has been the defense, particularly the defensive line and edge rushers. While the Sooners have shown improvement in 2023, the defensive front will need to be much more aggressive and impactful to succeed in the SEC, where teams run a pro-style offense with dominant offensive lines. The Sooners are likely targeting experienced defensive linemen or edge rushers who can contribute immediately and help build a stronger, more disruptive defensive line.
Oklahoma has always thrived when its defensive front is strong, whether it’s pressuring the quarterback or stopping the run, and Venables is known for his ability to get the best out of his defensive players. The Sooners are likely looking at potential portal targets who can come in and provide depth, leadership, and production on the defensive line right away.
2. Wide Receiver
The wide receiver position is another area where Oklahoma could look to add depth or talent through the portal. While the Sooners have strong skill position players like Marvin Mims, who declared for the NFL Draft after the 2023 season, there will still be a need for dynamic playmakers in the receiving corps. With the high-flying offensive system that Jeff Lebby runs, the wide receivers need to be explosive and versatile, capable of making plays in space and stretching the field vertically.
Oklahoma may be targeting wide receivers who have experience playing in high-tempo systems, which would help them adapt to the Sooners’ offensive style. Adding a standout receiver could bolster the offense, providing a proven playmaker who can contribute to a more balanced offensive attack.
3. Cornerbacks
As Oklahoma prepares for SEC competition, bolstering the secondary is another major point of emphasis. The Sooners have solid cornerbacks in place, but the elite offenses of the SEC will test Oklahoma’s defensive backs in ways they haven’t been tested in the Big 12. Adding a veteran cornerback who can help anchor the secondary and compete against SEC wideouts would go a long way in providing depth and ensuring Oklahoma’s defense remains competitive.
Venables’ defensive scheme relies heavily on creating pressure upfront and forcing quarterbacks to make rushed decisions. However, that pressure is only effective if the secondary can lock down receivers. Oklahoma could be targeting cornerbacks who can bring a combination of experience and ball skills to shore up the defense.
4. Linebackers
Oklahoma has invested in recruiting solid linebackers, but like most SEC-bound teams, they’ll need a group that is fast, versatile, and able to cover a lot of ground. Adding a transfer linebacker with a proven track record would allow the Sooners to further solidify the middle of their defense, especially when facing mobile quarterbacks and running backs who can get to the second level.
Linebackers in the SEC are asked to do a variety of things—from covering tight ends and running backs in the passing game to stopping powerful running backs in the ground game. Bringing in a portal linebacker with experience and a solid grasp of defensive concepts could add the depth and leadership needed in a crucial position.
Oklahoma’s Current and Projected Targets in the Transfer Portal
While many players are still in the process of announcing their decisions, several intriguing portal targets have already been linked to Oklahoma. These players could provide immediate contributions and play important roles for the Sooners as they transition to the SEC.
1. Defensive Line: Tywone Malone (Ole Miss)
A standout defensive tackle from Ole Miss, Tywone Malone has entered the portal and is widely considered one of the most coveted defensive linemen available. A former top recruit, Malone has experience in the SEC and is known for his ability to disrupt the line of scrimmage and generate interior pressure. For Oklahoma, adding a player like Malone would be huge, especially considering the Sooners’ need to bolster their defensive line ahead of the SEC move. His size and ability to stop the run would make him a perfect fit for Oklahoma’s defensive system.
2. Wide Receiver: Dillon Johnson (Mississippi State)
One of the more intriguing wide receivers in the portal is Dillon Johnson, who spent the last few seasons at Mississippi State. Known for his ability to make explosive plays, Johnson could bring an immediate deep-threat presence to the Sooners’ offense. With Oklahoma’s need to replace Marvin Mims, a player like Johnson would provide the big-play potential that Jeff Lebby’s system thrives on. Adding him would give Gabriel another reliable target, making the offense even more dangerous in 2024.
3. Cornerback: Jahari Rogers (Texas Tech)
The Sooners have expressed interest in Jahari Rogers, a cornerback from Texas Tech who possesses both size and speed. Rogers is an experienced player who would bring depth and a high level of competition to the secondary. With Oklahoma’s defense looking to compete at a higher level in the SEC, Rogers could provide immediate contributions and add stability to the cornerback position. His ability to lock down receivers on the outside would allow the defense to be more aggressive and give the Sooners a boost in coverage.
4. Linebacker: Jaren Kanak (Oklahoma State)
Jaren Kanak, a linebacker who previously played for Oklahoma State, has entered the transfer portal and has already garnered interest from the Sooners. Kanak has the physicality and sideline-to-sideline speed that would allow him to thrive in Venables’ defense. With Oklahoma looking to improve its linebacker corps, Kanak’s experience and knowledge of the Big 12 would make him an ideal addition as the team prepares to face SEC competition.
Impact of Transfer Portal Targets on Oklahoma’s 2024 Season
If Oklahoma successfully adds some of these key players through the transfer portal, the 2024 season could see immediate improvements in critical areas. For example, bolstering the defensive line with a player like Malone would provide the Sooners with the depth and talent needed to compete in the SEC’s powerful ground game. Adding a veteran cornerback like Rogers would improve the secondary, giving Oklahoma a better chance of competing against the dynamic passing attacks in the SEC.
Similarly, bringing in a wide receiver like Dillon Johnson could give Oklahoma’s offense the explosiveness it needs to stay competitive in shootouts against high-powered SEC offenses. And with the addition of an experienced linebacker like Kanak, Oklahoma could further solidify its defense, particularly in the middle of the field.
Conclusion: Oklahoma’s Strategy in the Transfer Portal
As Oklahoma approaches its SEC transition, the importance of the transfer portal cannot be overstated. With a blend of high school recruits and experienced portal players, the Sooners are well-positioned to strengthen their roster for the challenges ahead. With Brent Venables leading the charge and focusing on both the offensive and defensive fronts, Oklahoma’s ability to close in on key transfer portal targets will play a pivotal role in the team’s immediate success.
While the Sooners still have work to do to be ready for SEC competition, the decisions made during this transfer portal cycle could shape the team’s future in a big way. Fans of the Sooners should keep a close eye on the coming weeks, as Oklahoma looks to add key pieces to its roster, setting the stage for a new era of football in the SEC.
