10 Best Football Players to Ever Transfer from Oklahoma: A Look at Players Who Excelled After Leaving Norman
Throughout its storied history, the University of Oklahoma (OU) football program has produced some of the most talented players in the country. However, while Oklahoma has developed and nurtured many stars, there have also been instances where players have chosen to transfer away from the program. For various reasons—ranging from playing time to system fit—these athletes decided to move on from the Sooners and seek opportunities elsewhere. In many cases, they went on to achieve considerable success at their new schools, leaving lasting legacies.
This list will explore ten of the best football players to ever transfer from Oklahoma, looking at the players’ careers both at OU and after their transfers. Some of these athletes became household names, while others found new opportunities to shine in different systems. Regardless of their reasons for transferring, each player made a significant impact on the field after leaving Norman, leaving their mark on college football.
1. Baker Mayfield (Transferred from Texas Tech to Oklahoma)
Baker Mayfield is arguably the most high-profile transfer in recent college football history. The story of his transfer from Texas Tech to Oklahoma is well-known. Mayfield started his college career at Texas Tech but transferred to Oklahoma after his freshman year, following a dispute over playing time. Upon arriving in Norman, he immediately became the Sooners’ starting quarterback and led them to unprecedented success.
At Oklahoma, Mayfield became one of the best quarterbacks in college football history. He won the prestigious Heisman Trophy in 2017 and was a two-time Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year. Mayfield led the Sooners to multiple College Football Playoff appearances, cementing his legacy as a top-tier college quarterback. He also broke numerous passing records at OU, becoming the program’s all-time leader in passing yards, touchdowns, and completions. His success at Oklahoma ultimately led him to the No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, where he was selected by the Cleveland Browns.
Mayfield’s success after transferring from Texas Tech was nothing short of legendary, making him one of the best transfers ever in college football.
2. Kyler Murray (Transferred from Texas A&M to Oklahoma)
Kyler Murray, another quarterback with a remarkable story, transferred to Oklahoma from Texas A&M after his freshman season in 2015. While at Texas A&M, Murray found himself in a backup role behind starter Kyle Allen, which led him to seek a fresh start. After transferring to Oklahoma, Murray sat out the 2016 season per NCAA transfer rules but quickly established himself as one of the best quarterbacks in college football once he took over in 2017.
In 2018, Murray had a breakout year, winning the Heisman Trophy and leading the Sooners to the College Football Playoff. His ability to both throw and run the ball made him a dual-threat dynamo, and he set numerous records for Oklahoma during his brief time in Norman. Murray also became known for his ability to execute in clutch moments, including leading the Sooners to several thrilling victories.
After declaring for the NFL Draft, Murray was selected No. 1 overall by the Arizona Cardinals in 2019. Like Mayfield, Murray’s decision to transfer from Texas A&M ultimately led to a stellar college career and an impressive NFL future.
3. Jalen Hurts (Transferred from Alabama to Oklahoma)
Jalen Hurts is another prominent transfer who made a significant impact after leaving his previous program. Hurts initially played for Alabama, where he helped lead the Crimson Tide to a national championship as a freshman. However, after losing his starting job to Tua Tagovailoa in 2018, Hurts transferred to Oklahoma for his senior season in search of a fresh opportunity.
At Oklahoma, Hurts had an outstanding season in 2019, leading the Sooners to a Big 12 title and a spot in the College Football Playoff. He threw for over 3,800 yards and 32 touchdowns while also rushing for over 1,200 yards and 20 touchdowns, showcasing his dual-threat abilities. Hurts’ leadership on and off the field made a significant impact on the Sooners, and his performance helped him finish as a finalist for the Heisman Trophy.
Although Hurts didn’t win the Heisman, his one season at Oklahoma significantly raised his stock for the NFL, where he was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles in the second round of the 2020 draft. Hurts has gone on to become the starting quarterback for the Eagles, furthering his legacy in the NFL.
4. Tony Jefferson (Transferred from Oklahoma to Arizona)
Tony Jefferson’s college career at Oklahoma helped him become one of the top safeties in the country. After starting his college career at Oklahoma, Jefferson became a force on the Sooners’ defense and was an All-Big 12 performer during his time in Norman. However, after his junior season, he declared for the NFL Draft.
Jefferson went undrafted but quickly found success in the NFL. He was signed by the Arizona Cardinals, where he went on to become a starting safety. Jefferson played for the Cardinals for four seasons and was known for his physical style of play and ability to make big plays. He eventually joined the Baltimore Ravens, where he continued to play at a high level before injuries cut his career short. Despite his brief NFL tenure, Jefferson made an impact on the field and is considered one of the best players to transfer from Oklahoma.
5. DeMarco Murray (Transferred from Oklahoma to Arizona)
DeMarco Murray’s story is one of transformation and success after transferring from Oklahoma to Arizona. Murray was a star running back at Oklahoma, where he set multiple school records for rushing yards and touchdowns. However, after his time in Norman, Murray continued his career in the NFL, where he eventually won the NFL Offensive Player of the Year award in 2014.
Murray’s NFL career flourished after he left Oklahoma, particularly during his time with the Dallas Cowboys. In addition to his individual accolades, Murray became known for his ability to find the end zone and help his team in crucial moments. His explosive running style and ability to perform in clutch situations made him a standout in the NFL.
6. Trey Sermon (Transferred from Oklahoma to Ohio State)
Trey Sermon began his college football career at Oklahoma, where he had some productive seasons in the backfield. However, after two years with the Sooners, Sermon transferred to Ohio State in search of a more prominent role. The decision paid off, as Sermon had a standout season with the Buckeyes in 2020.
Sermon became one of the top running backs in the country during his lone season at Ohio State. In particular, his performance in the 2020 College Football Playoff was impressive, as he rushed for 331 yards in a game against Northwestern. Sermon’s explosive style and ability to break tackles made him a key player for the Buckeyes, and he entered the 2021 NFL Draft after his breakout year. Sermon was selected by the San Francisco 49ers in the third round of the draft.
7. Mark Andrews (Transferred from Oklahoma to Baltimore Ravens)
Mark Andrews, a standout tight end for the Oklahoma Sooners, entered the transfer portal for a brief period during his recruitment before committing to Oklahoma. Andrews became one of the top tight ends in college football during his time in Norman. His combination of size, speed, and hands made him a top target for quarterback Baker Mayfield, and he was instrumental in the Sooners’ offensive attack.
After declaring for the NFL Draft, Andrews was selected by the Baltimore Ravens in the third round. He quickly established himself as one of the best tight ends in the NFL, earning Pro Bowl selections and becoming a key target for Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson. Andrews has become one of the top pass-catching tight ends in the NFL, showing that his time at Oklahoma helped develop him into an elite player.
8. CeeDee Lamb (Transferred from Oklahoma to Dallas Cowboys)
CeeDee Lamb made a name for himself at Oklahoma, where he was one of the top wide receivers in college football. His playmaking ability, size, and speed made him a dangerous weapon for the Sooners’ offense, and he played alongside quarterbacks like Baker Mayfield and Jalen Hurts. Lamb’s ability to make plays downfield and his consistency as a route runner earned him the attention of NFL scouts.
Lamb declared for the 2020 NFL Draft and was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the first round. He quickly became a key contributor in Dallas’ offense and has since established himself as one of the top young wide receivers in the NFL.
9. Roy Williams (Transferred from Oklahoma to Dallas Cowboys)
Roy Williams was one of the top defensive backs in college football during his time at Oklahoma. Williams was known for his hard-hitting style and ability to make game-changing plays in the secondary. After his successful career at Oklahoma, Williams was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the first round of the 2002 NFL Draft.
Williams went on to have a solid NFL career, earning multiple Pro Bowl selections and helping lead the Cowboys to several playoff appearances. His ability to excel in both pass coverage and run support made him a valuable asset for the Cowboys’ defense.
10. Greg Robinson (Transferred from Auburn to Oklahoma)
Greg Robinson is one of the top offensive linemen to have played for Oklahoma. After transferring to OU from Auburn, Robinson played a pivotal role in the Sooners’ offensive line. He helped provide the protection needed for some of the top quarterbacks in recent OU history, including Baker Mayfield. Robinson’s skill and physicality earned him a high selection in the 2014 NFL Draft, where he was picked second overall by the St. Louis Rams.
Robinson played in the NFL for several seasons, proving to be a key contributor on offensive lines with the Rams and Detroit Lions.
Conclusion
While Oklahoma has developed numerous homegrown talents over the years, these ten football players are some of the best to ever transfer from the program. Whether they transferred from another school or left OU for better opportunities, these athletes proved that success can come from many different paths in college football. Their stories show that even though some players might leave Norman, they can still go on to achieve greatness and leave an indelible mark on the sport. From Heisman winners to NFL stars, the legacy of these transfers continues to be felt both in college football and at the professional level.
