The Oklahoma Sooners and the transfer portal did not get off to the best start. Essentially the entire receiving core left, as did quarterback Jackson Arnold, creating doubts for the 2025 season. However, as December continues, those fortunes are starting to turn around.
Oklahoma Is Winning Big In The Transfer Portal
The Exodus in Oklahoma
Last week we saw plenty of names announce their intention to leave Oklahoma. While it’s never a good thing to see so many depart a school, the portal is the least of Brent Venables’ worries right now. The players entering the transfer portal, for the most part, won’t be missed. Those entering graduation or the NFL draft, however, will be.
A majority of the defense is out of eligibility this year. Names that made huge differences this year, such as Billy Bowman, Trace Ford, and Ethan Downs, are going to be gone come 2025. Adding to these woes is that Oklahoma is going to be on the road, once again, in some of its toughest games. The transfer portal is the Sooners’ last chance to grab badly needed replacements.
Mateer Is Moving In
The biggest news, undoubtedly, is that the Sooners have signed the number one quarterback in the portal. Washington State’s John Mateer, as of this week, is following Ben Arbuckle to the panhandle state. There are plenty of big gets, but none as big as this.
Mateer comes off a legendary season. In 2024, Mateer led the nation with 44 touchdowns. Additionally, he was responsible, either directly or indirectly, for over 3,000 yards of offense.
Mateer’s commitment is an even bigger win due to the competition Oklahoma had in recruiting him. Not only did the Miami Hurricanes attempt to court him, but so too did an NFL legend. North Carolina’s newest head coach, Bill Belichick himself, made a massive last-ditch effort to convince Mateer. It was all for naught, however, as next season Mateer will be suiting up for the Sooners’ second year in the SEC.
Oklahoma’s Biggest Week Two Wins
In addition to Mateer, it seems that Venables has learned his lesson in recruiting. Most of those big names that Venables recruited ended up injured early in the season, and most have now transferred out. Last year’s transfer portal recruiting drive had too much sizzle and not enough steak, so what is Venables bringing to the table this year?
Keontez Lewis, a receiver from Southern Illinois, is looking to be a good compliment for Mateer. This season Lewis came away with 790 receiving yards and five touchdowns. Javonnie Gibson, a receiver out of Arkansas Pine-Bluff, is also joining up. For a freshman, Gibson is already making a name for himself. He’s coming out of the FCS with over 1,200 receiving yards and nine touchdowns.
Stanford’s offensive tackle Luke Baklenko, Kennesaw State’s Jacob Ulrich, Western Carolina’s offensive lineman Derek Simmons, and wide receiver/kick returner Isaiah Sategna from Arkansas are also committing to Oklahoma.
Future Targets in the Portal?
There’s still more out there for Oklahoma to recruit. This is why it might be a good thing that so many glass cannons chose to exit. It frees up space on the roster and allows Venables to course correct.
We know that former interests, such as Jerand Bradley and Donaven McCulley, should be out of the running. Their injury-prone 2024 seasons don’t lend well to a future at Oklahoma. So, who else is on the radar for the Oklahoma Sooners in the transfer portal?
Corey Robinson, Georgia Tech-LT. Robinson is the number one tackle in the portal currently, and he’s had the career to prove it. He’s visiting Oklahoma this weekend, but that doesn’t mean the pursuit is over. Even as winter temperatures set in, the hope is he won’t be getting the cold shoulder from Oklahoma.
Tyler Mercer, North Texas-C. The last Mean Green recruit might not have worked out, but Mercer could. He’s also a freshman which means that, if he enjoys Oklahoma, he could remain on the team for years to come. This season Mercer played 565 snaps at center.
Amarion Fortenberry, South Alabama-DB. With so many defenders graduating this season, replacing them is of paramount importance. With players like Fortenberry in the portal, and Venables’ defensive background, this shouldn’t be an issue. Forternberry is a true freshman with 43 tackles and two interceptions to his name so far- a number that will surely grow as his career progresses.
Last Thoughts on The Second Week of Transfers
This is a good group to be bringing in. After the deluge of talent last week, things were looking pretty dice for the Sooners. Additionally, Venables has not had the best track record when it comes to recruiting. Whether it’s the addition of Arbuckle or some other guiding hand, things are already looking much better.
There’s still plenty of work to be done, however. While we don’t know who the next commit will be, you can be sure that Last Word On Sports will be right here in Norman to bring you the latest on all things Oklahoma Sooners in the post-season.
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