NORMAN — OU figures to have plenty of movement in the transfer portal — both incoming and outgoing.
Wide receiver Jaquaize Pettaway has already made his intentions to enter the portal known and other Sooners figure to follow.
OU figures to add several players in the portal as well, though the upcoming 105-player roster limit will complicate things there.
With the portal window officially opening Monday, here’s a look at three areas where the Sooners will look to add via the transfer portal and some possibilities among players who have already made their decisions to enter the portal known or who have natural ties to OU/Sooners’ coaches:
More: How OU football QB Jett Niu went from committed to Oklahoma State to signing with Sooners
Three key transfer portal needs
1. Quarterback
Even with the addition of Jett Niu to the Sooners’ 2025 quarterback class, they figure to add an experienced arm to the roster.
The obvious connection here is with Washington State quarterback John Mateer, who thrived in Ben Arbuckle’s offense as a redshirt sophomore this season.
Mateer has thrown for 3,139 yards and 29 touchdowns with seven interceptions this season and also has 826 yards rushing with 15 touchdowns.
When Jeff Lebby arrived in Norman, he brought a quarterback with him and Dillon Gabriel showed how much a quarterback who is familiar with the offense can help.
Mateer could do the same for Arbuckle and the Sooners.
But he doesn’t figure to be the only option.
With Jackson Arnold’s decision to enter the portal, the Sooners’ most experienced quarterback on the roster is Michael Hawkins Jr., who started three games in the middle of the season before Arnold regained the starting job.
More: OU football flips Oklahoma State quarterback commit Jett Niu on early signing day
2. Offensive line
The Sooners hit the transfer portal hard on the offensive line last season with Geirean Hatchett suffering a season-ending injury in the opener after starting at left guard, Branson Hickman starting four games before being replaced by Troy Everett at center, Michael Tarquin starting seven games at tackle and Spencer Brown taking over at right tackle for the season’s last four games. Febechi Nwaiwu was the only one of the transfers — or any offensive lineman — to start every game for the Sooners.
Although there’s some talent left and added on signing day, the Sooners will need another injection of experience up front if the offense is to take a significant step forward in 2025.
The Sooners could already have one portal offensive lineman lined up, as TCU’s Marcus Williams announced recently he would enter the portal.
3. Edge rusher
The Sooners’ defensive line was definitely much improved in 2024, especially with the development — and health — of R Mason Thomas.
But with Thomas a candidate to enter the NFL Draft early and with Ethan Downs, Caieden Woullard and Trace Ford all seniors, OU needs to add another pass rusher.
One of the most intriguing possibilities could be Nebraska’s Princewill Umanmielen.
Umanmielen was a four-star prospect out of Manor (Texas) High and his brother, Princely Umanmielen, has blossomed into a star on Ole Miss’ defense.
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Important transfer portal dates
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Winter window opens: Monday
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Winter window closes: Dec. 28
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Spring window opens: April 16
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Spring window closes: April 25
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: What are OU football’s priorities in the 2024-25 transfer portal?
