OU Football Closing in on Interesting Portal Targets | Oklahoma Sooners
As the 2025 football season rapidly approaches, the Oklahoma Sooners are in full swing in preparing for another high-stakes campaign. With head coach Brent Venables leading the charge, the Sooners are eager to return to national prominence. While the program continues to recruit elite high school talent, it’s clear that the transfer portal is playing an increasingly significant role in the team’s strategy for the upcoming season. Oklahoma is closing in on some interesting and potentially game-changing targets in the transfer portal, which could have a massive impact on the Sooners’ depth and success in 2025.
The transfer portal has become a critical tool for college football programs to address specific needs, fill gaps in the roster, and bolster their overall competitiveness. For Oklahoma, the portal represents an opportunity to bring in experienced players who can make an immediate impact. After a somewhat challenging 2024 season, where defensive struggles were a primary concern, the Sooners are looking to improve in key areas, particularly on defense and at the skill positions.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the top players the Sooners are targeting from the transfer portal, the positions they are looking to address, and how these additions could shape the team’s success in 2025.
Oklahoma’s Strategy in the Transfer Portal
The Sooners have made it clear that they are committed to improving their defense, an area that has long been an Achilles’ heel under Venables’ leadership. While the offense continues to shine, with quarterback Dillon Gabriel leading the way, the defense has failed to consistently stop high-powered offenses, especially in key moments. In light of this, Oklahoma has been aggressive in identifying transfer portal targets who can come in and contribute right away.
Additionally, while Oklahoma has always been known for its explosive offenses, the team’s defensive line and secondary are areas where immediate improvement is needed. To address these issues, Oklahoma is focusing on bringing in experienced players who have seen significant playing time in high-level programs. With defensive recruiting being a priority, the Sooners are looking for players who can bolster both the pass rush and the coverage abilities in the secondary.
Apart from the defense, Oklahoma has also been eyeing transfer targets at the wide receiver and running back positions. With departures and the need for more depth, these positions could see an influx of talent through the portal as well. With a balanced approach to portal recruiting, the Sooners are looking to ensure they address the team’s weaknesses while maintaining their strengths.
Defensive Line: Strengthening the Front Seven
One of the primary areas of focus for Oklahoma in the transfer portal is the defensive line. Over the past few seasons, the Sooners have struggled to generate consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks, and they’ve been porous against the run. While the team has some talented players on the defensive line, the depth and experience have been lacking at times.
Oklahoma’s defense relies heavily on a strong front seven to disrupt offenses, and Venables has always emphasized the importance of having a dominant defensive line. The Sooners are reportedly targeting several high-profile defensive linemen in the portal, including Ty’Ron Hopper, a highly coveted edge rusher from a Power Five program. Hopper, who has been a key contributor for his previous team, has been known for his ability to rush the passer and his ability to disrupt plays behind the line of scrimmage.
Oklahoma’s defensive line is expected to be led by returning players like Jalen Redmond, but bringing in an experienced player like Hopper could help add depth and versatility to the defensive front. Additionally, Hopper’s experience in big games could provide the Sooners with a leadership boost that they sorely need.
Another target on Oklahoma’s radar is Riley Williams, a defensive tackle from a top-tier program who could help shore up the interior of the line. Williams’ strength and size make him an ideal candidate to help against the run, and he could play a pivotal role in the Sooners’ efforts to stop opposing ground games. By targeting players like Hopper and Williams, Oklahoma hopes to build a defensive line that can compete with some of the best offenses in the Big 12.
Secondary: A Focus on Pass Coverage
While Oklahoma has had some standout defensive backs, the secondary has often been a weak spot for the Sooners. In 2024, the defense was often exposed by teams with high-powered passing attacks, and defensive backs struggled to maintain coverage down the field. With an eye on improving this unit, Oklahoma has been targeting several key cornerbacks and safeties in the portal.
One player who has garnered significant attention is Braylon Jones, a cornerback from a major conference school who has displayed strong ball skills and the ability to cover top-tier wide receivers. Jones has consistently been one of the top performers in his previous program, and his ability to lock down opposing receivers could be just what Oklahoma needs in the secondary. His experience and skill set make him an immediate asset to a secondary that has had trouble with big plays and coverage consistency.
In addition to Jones, Desmond Kelly, a safety from another Power Five program, has been linked to the Sooners. Kelly’s ability to read the quarterback and his playmaking ability in the defensive backfield would complement Oklahoma’s defensive strategy. With the Sooners needing more stability and athleticism in the secondary, adding Kelly could be a key move.
The goal for Oklahoma is to add depth and stability to the secondary, and both Jones and Kelly would be immediate upgrades in this department. With a secondary that can disrupt passing plays and provide strong coverage on the back end, the Sooners would be much better equipped to handle some of the high-scoring offenses they will face in the Big 12.
Wide Receiver: Replenishing Depth at the Position
While Oklahoma has long been known for its explosive passing attack, the Sooners have also faced some challenges with depth at the wide receiver position. The departure of several key contributors has left a void that must be filled in 2025. Fortunately, the transfer portal offers an opportunity for the Sooners to bolster their receiving corps.
Oklahoma is reportedly eyeing several wide receivers in the portal, including Johnathan Williams, a wide receiver from a rival program who has proven to be a dynamic playmaker. Williams, known for his speed and ability to make plays after the catch, could provide a much-needed spark to the Sooners’ passing attack. His deep-threat potential would also allow the Sooners to open up their offensive playbook and stretch the field vertically.
Additionally, Troy Evans, a 6’4” receiver with excellent size and route-running ability, has been linked to the Sooners. His physicality and ability to win contested catches could help Oklahoma in the red zone and provide Gabriel with another reliable target. With the Sooners looking to replace some of their outgoing wide receivers, adding players like Williams and Evans would significantly strengthen their receiving corps.
Wide receiver depth is crucial for any high-powered offense, and bringing in transfer targets like Williams and Evans could allow Oklahoma to remain a dynamic and potent offensive team in 2025.
Running Back: Adding Depth to the Backfield
In addition to the wide receiver position, Oklahoma is looking to add depth at running back. While Jovantae Barnes and Marcus Major have shown promise, the Sooners have been hit-or-miss with their running back production over the last few seasons. A more consistent and dynamic running game would help take the pressure off Gabriel and the passing attack, ensuring that the offense remains balanced.
Tyler Hill, a running back from a Power Five program, has been a player the Sooners have targeted in the portal. Hill is known for his vision and ability to hit the hole with authority, making him an ideal complement to the skill set of Barnes. The Sooners need a solid backup option who can carry the load when necessary, and Hill’s ability to make an immediate impact could be exactly what they need.
