With the end of the season for Oklahoma football, it's time for the Sooners to build their roster for next season.
The transfer portal will open up Jan. 2 and players are starting to announce their intent to transfer. The Sooners are having announcements trickle in, with a few being key pieces for OU the past few seasons.
Here is a running update board and updated roster chart for OU's roster next season, including graduating players and incoming freshmen at each position:
Transfer Commitments:
Jan. 16:
New tight end coach Jason Witten is already hot on the recruiting trail, getting Tennessee transfer tight end Jack Van Dorselaer, a consensus four-star transfer, it was announced Friday.
Van Dorselaer played in 12 games this season for the Volunteers and served as the third-string tight end.
He's a former four-star recruit in the 2025 class from Southlake Carroll in Southlake, Texas , and caught five catches for 23 yards and a touchdown.
He will be among the five newcomers and a couple returning tight ends that will compete for the Sooners' wide-open starting tight end spot.
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The Sooners got Mississippi Valley State defensive back Prince Ijioma out of the portal.
Ijioma started in the 2025 season and had 39 total tackles with four pass breakups.
Ijioma is from Little Elm, Texas − starting quarterback John Mateer 's high school.
Jan. 12:
Georgia State defensive lineman Bishop Thomas has committed to OU.
Thomas played in all 12 games this past season, getting 48 total tackles and 1.5 sacks.
Thomas will be utilized as a needed depth piece for the Sooners, who lost three vital interior defensive linemen after 2025.
Jan. 11:
Washington State wideout Mackenzie Alleyne committed to the Sooners.
Alleyne is a former three-star recruit of OU offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle at Wazzu and spent one season in Pullman. He will have three seasons of eligibility remaining.
Alleyne had just four receptions this season, but three of those came in WSU's bowl game where he had three catches for 63 yards and a touchdown.
Jan. 10:
Former Georgia Tech offensive lineman Peyton Joseph committed to the Sooners, via On3's Pete Nakos.
Joseph is a former consensus four-star recruit in the 2025 class and played in six games with the Yellowjackets this season. Those appearances were mainly at left guard and left tackle. He will have three seasons of eligibility remaining.
Jan. 7:
Michigan transfer and linebacker Cole Sullivan has committed to play for OU.
Sullivan played mostly middle linebacker this season for the Wolverines as a backup. He started the final three games in 2025 and appeared in 10 games.
Sullivan had 44 total tackles, two sacks and three interceptions this season.
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Former OU lineman Kenny Wermy announced his return to OU Wednesday.
Wermy spent 2023-24 with the Sooners before transferring to UCO and playing for the Broncos last season.
Jan. 6:
Former Texas wide receiver Parker Livingstone has committed to the Sooners, according to ESPN's Pete Thamel.
Livingstone, a soon-to-be sophomore, will be in-line to be a go-to target for the Sooners as he had an impactful freshman season at Texas.
Livingstone caught 29 passes for 516 yards and six touchdowns for the Longhorns in 2025. He will have three years of eligibility remaining.
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UTSA defensive lineman Kenny Ozowalu has committed to OU, according to ESPN's Pete Thamel.
Ozowalu is a 6-foot-4, 270-pound defensive lineman, who played in nine games for the Roadrunners in 2025 and had 17 total tackles with three sacks.
Ozowalu was considered to be a top defensive lineman transfer and the Sooners secured him Tuesday. He will have three years of eligibility remaining.
Jan. 5:
Virginia wide receiver Trell Harris committed to OU, giving the Sooners another weapon for the offense.
Harris, a 6-foot, 200-pound redshirt senior, caught 59 receptions for 847 yards and five touchdowns this season with the Cavaliers, who were one win away from the College Football Playoff.
Harris earned third-team All-ACC last season and will have one season of eligibility remaining.
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Arkansas offensive lineman E'Marion Harris is committing to OU, per OU Insider's Parker Thune.
Harris ended his Razorback career starting in 24 games at right tackle the past two seasons.
He's a 6-foot-7, 313-pound tackle that will have one season of eligibility remaining as a redshirt senior. He's a former four-star recruit.
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Oregon corner Dakoda Fields will transfer to OU.
Fields, a 6-foot-2, 198-pound cornerback, is the first defensive transfer for the Sooners in this cycle.
Fields is a former four-star recruit who played in three games this season for the Ducks . He will be a redshirt sophomore with three years of eligibility remaining.
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Colorado State tight end Rocky Beers will be playing for the Sooners in 2026, adding to the depleted depth at the position.
Beers is the brother of OU's star women's basketball player Raegan Beers. He's a 6-foot-5, 250-pound tight end, who caught 31 passes for 288 yards and seven touchdowns this season.
Beers will be a super redshirt senior as 2026 will be his sixth season of college football. He spent two seasons at Air Force, two seasons at FIU and one season at Colorado State.
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The Sooners will also add Colorado State running back Lloyd Avant for next season.
Avant will add to the depth of the Sooners' backfield room that's been a revolving door the past few seasons.
Avant, a soon-to-be junior, rushed for 417 yards and five touchdowns last season. He played his freshman season at Tulsa.
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OU added Western Kentucky offensive lineman Caleb Nitta to strengthen the depth of the O-line.
Nitta had the most playing time of his career last season with the Hilltoppers as he started nine games.
Nitta is a former unranked recruit in the 2023 class from Leesburg, Virginia, and was an unranked transfer recruit this cycle.
Jan. 4:
The Sooners added at a much-needed position with a commitment from Florida tight end Hayden Hansen , he announced on his X account.
Hansen, a 6-foot-8, 269-pound tight end, spent three seasons as a Gator, totaling 57 receptions, 611 receiving yards and five touchdowns. He started 33-consecutive games for Florida.
Hansen is a former three-star prospect from Weatherford, Texas, and will have one season of eligibility left.
The Sooners lost their top four tight ends before the portal opened Friday and they add to a depleted position to start the portal season.
Transfer Announcements:
Jan. 9:
Defensive lineman Siolaa Lolohea has entered the portal, he announced Friday.
Lolohea transferred to OU last season from Utah State and before that was at Oklahoma State in 2023. He's a former three-star recruit who didn't see playing time as a Sooner this season.
Jan. 7:
With the news OU got Michigan linebacker Cole Sullivan, OU linebacker Sammy Omosigho will transfer. Omosigho will transfer to UCLA .
Omosigho was a rotational linebacker for the Sooners in 2025, playing in all 13 games and earning three starts. He was positioned to be a full-time starter for OU next season.
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OU defensive back Jaydan Hardy will enter the portal. He will play at Colorado next season.
Hardy is a former four-star recruit in the 2024 class who was in-line to get more playing time in 2026.
Hardy played in 13 games this season as a backup and rotational defensive back for OU.
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Wide receiver Zion Ragins will look for a new team after entering the portal Wednesday. He will transfer to Mississippi State .
Ragins is a former four-star recruit who started five games last season, but didn't appear in a game this season.
With Ragins leaving, this will be the eighth wideout to enter the portal this season.
Jan. 6:
Another wide receiver has hit the portal, this time it's Javonnie Gibson, according to On3's Hayes Fawcett. Gibson announced he will transfer to Cincinnati .
Gibson spent one season in Norman and was a spring camp star before breaking his leg, forcing him to miss the start of last season.
Gibson had 18 receptions for 199 yards and a touchdown in nine games for OU in 2025.
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Wide receiver Ivan Carreon will enter the portal, according to CBS Sports' Chris Hummer.
Carreon didn't play much in 2025, but appeared in 11 games in 2024 as a freshman. He's a former consensus four-star prospect.
Jan. 5:
Former top recruit wide receiver Zion Kearney entered the portal Monday.
Kearney, a former four-star recruit, played two seasons for the Sooners, totaling 10 receptions for a 159 yards and a touchdown.
In 2025, he caught just two passes in a blowout win against Temple .
Jan. 2:
Former top running back recruit Taylor Tatum announced his plans to enter the portal. He will transfer to Michigan, it was announced Jan. 8.
Tatum is the former top-overall running back prospect in the 2024 class, but dealt with injuries that derailed his OU career.
Dec. 31:
OU's backup quarterback Michael Hawkins Jr. told ESPN's Pete Thamel his intentions to enter the portal this week. Hawkins will play at West Virginia , he announced Jan. 5.
Hawkins, a soon-to-be redshirt sophomore, has been OU's backup the past two seasons and got at least one start in each season.
Hawkins spot-started for OU against Kent State in place of injured starter John Mateer. He also started four games last season, taking over for former OU quarterback Jackson Arnold.
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Following his brother, OU freshman cornerback Maliek Hawkins will enter the portal, according to ESPN's Pete Thamel. He will also transfer to West Virginia, he announced Jan. 5.
Hawkins will have four years of eligibility remaining and played in one game this season for OU.
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Offensive lineman Luke Baklenko is entering the transfer portal, he announced on X. He's a former Stanford transfer last cycle. He will transfer to Arizona State.
Baklenko spent one season in Norman, playing in all but one game for the Sooners, and will exit with one season of eligibility remaining.
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Backup defensive back Devon Jordan told CBS Sports' Matt Zenitz his intentions to enter the portal. He announced his commitment to Baylor Jan. 5.
Jordan spent this season as a key rotational piece for the defensive backfield for OU. He played in every game this season and got 16 total tackles.
Jordan will have two years of eligibility remaining.
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OU defensive back Gentry Williams announced his plan to enter the portal, via On3's Pete Nakos. Williams announced his transfer to Georgia.
Williams is a longtime Sooner and will enter the portal with one year of eligibility left. He dealt with plenty of injuries throughout his career, but he was a vital part of OU's defense specifically the past three seasons.
His departure leaves the cornerback depth light after a bevy of departures announced Wednesday.
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Offensive lineman Logan Howland will enter the portal Friday, via On3's Pete Nakos. Howland will transfer to Virginia Tech .
Howland has been a rotational piece for the Sooners' offensive line the past few seasons and will have two years of eligibility remaining.
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Wideout KJ Daniels has announced his intentions to enter the transfer portal, according to On3's Hayes Fawcett. Daniels will move to UAB.
Daniels spent two seasons in Norman and didn't appear in a game for the Sooners.
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Another wideout, Josiah Martin , will enter the portal Friday, according to ESPN's Max Olsen.
Martin played in seven games last season as a true freshman, but found the field only in two games in 2025.
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another offensive lineman, Jake Taylor, entered the portal, according to CBS Sports' Matt Zenitz. He announced Jan. 5 he will transfer to Iowa State.
Taylor spent four seasons in Norman and played in a total of 16 games as a backup.
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One of the bigger announcements for the Sooners is defensive tackle Markus Strong announcing his intention to enter the portal, according to On3's Pete Nakos. Strong will transfer to Clemson.
Strong was expected to have a bigger role for OU's defense next season, with a few starters graduating, but he will enter the portal after three seasons in Norman.
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Tight end Carson Kent will enter the portal, according to On3's Hayes Fawcett. Kent will move to Pittsburgh .
Kent spent a majority of this season as the third-string tight end and didn't find much playing time in his lone year at OU.
Dec. 29:
Season captain and senior offensive lineman Troy Everett announced his plans to enter the portal, according to On3's Pete Nakos. Everett will transfer to Ole Miss.
Everett started the season as OU's center and team captain, one of two on offense. Everett, though, suffered a season-ending injury after the first game this season.
This season was his redshirt senior year, but was granted an extra year of eligibility with a medical redshirt, according to The Oklahoman's Colton Sulley.
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Former walk-on wide receiver Jakeb Snyder announced portal entry via his X account. Snyder spent three seasons with the Sooners.
Dec. 26:
Defensive back Marcus Wimberly is set to hit the portal, according to On3's Hayes Fawcett. He announced he will be going to Utah in January.
Wimberly is a freshman and took a redshirt this season, not appearing in a game. Wimberly is a former four-star recruit, rated by On3, and will have four years of eligibility remaining.
Dec. 23:
Longtime Sooners running back Jovantae Barnes will be entering the transfer portal once the window opens next week, according to On3's Hayes Fawcett. He will be transferring to Kentucky, it was announced Jan. 6.
Barnes has been a mainstay in the Sooners' backfield for the past few seasons, totaling more than 1,200 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns in four years.
Barnes, though, has been spotty and lost his starting spot early this season and didn't appear in a game after Sept. 20's game against Auburn, which preserved his redshirt and ability to play one more collegiate season.
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Offensive lineman Jacob Sexton will be entering the transfer portal, according to On3's Pete Nakos. Sexton will play at Oklahoma State in 2026.
Sexton spent four seasons in Norman and played significant roles in each season. He started this season as a leader and a starter, but got an injury in OU's first game against Illinois State Aug. 30 and didn't see the field again.
He will have one year of eligibility remaining.
Dec. 22:
Tight end Kaden Helms is expected to enter the portal once the window opens, according to On3's Hayes Fawcett. Helms announced he will transfer to Minnesota .
Helms spent four seasons in Norman, but dealt with injuries throughout his time. He dealt with an injury at the start of camp this season and didn't appear in a game until Sept. 20 against Auburn.
Helms departure, along with other graduates leaving, leaves a massive hole in the Sooners' tight end room, that will certainly need addressed with portal additions starting next week.
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Offensive lineman Isaiah Dent announced his plans to enter the transfer portal, via his X account. Dent will transfer to Mississippi State.
Dent, a former consensus three-star recruit, appeared in one game for the Sooners over his two seasons in Norman.
Dec. 21:
Linebacker Kobie McKenzie announced his plans to enter the portal, according to On3's Hayes Fawcett. McKenzie committed to Northwestern Jan. 6.
McKenzie's portal entry is a bit of a stunner, but he's been getting on the field less and less the past few games during OU's College Football Playoff run.
McKenzie, a soon-to-be redshirt senior, spent four years at OU and started the first eight games of the season for the Sooners before suffering an injury and losing his starting spot to Owen Heinecke .
The Linebacker core could see significant change going into next year with Mckenzie entering the portal, starter Kip Lewis potentially going to the NFL, Heinecke potentially out of eligibility and Kendal Daniels graduating.
Dec. 17:
Defensive back Kendel Dolby plans to enter the portal, according to On3's Pete Nakos. Dolby will transfer to Mississippi State.
Dolby appeared in four games this season and last season for the Sooners after a breakout 2023 campaign. In 2024, he suffered a season-ending injury against Tennessee and hasn't been back to how he played two seasons ago.
2025-26 OU Football Roster:
Quarterback:
Returning:
- John Mateer, redshirt senior
- Whitt Newbauer, redshirt sophomore
- Jett Niu, redshirt freshman
Incoming:
- Bowe Bentley, freshman
Leaving:
- Michael Hawkins Jr. (transfer, West Virginia)
Running Back:
Returning:
- Tory Blaylock , sophomore
- Xavier Robinson , junior
- Gabe Sawchuk, redshirt sophomore
- Andy Bass, redshirt sophomore
Incoming:
- Lloyd Avant, junior (transfer from Colorado State)
- Jonathan Hatton Jr., freshman
- DeZephen Walker, freshman
Leaving:
- Jovantae Barnes (transfer, Kentucky)
- Taylor Tatum (transfer, Michigan)
- Jaydn Ott (graduation)
Tight End:
Returning:
- John Locke Jr., redshirt junior
- Trynae Washington, redshirt freshman
- Kade McIntyre, redshirt junior
Incoming:
- Hayden Hansen, senior (transfer from Florida)
- Rocky Beers, redshirt senior (transfer from Colorado State)
- Ryder Mix, freshman
- Tyler Ruxer, freshman
Leaving:
- Jaren Kanak (graduation)
- Will Huggins (graduation)
- Kaden Helms (transfer, Minnesota)
- Carson Kent (transfer, Pitt)
Wide Receiver:
Returning:
- Isaiah Sategna III , redshirt senior*
- Jer'Michael Carter, senior
- Elijah Thomas , sophomore
- Jacob Jordan , junior
- Manny Choice, sophomore
- Trey Brown , redshirt junior
- Eli Merck, redshirt junior
Incoming:
- Trell Harris, redshirt senior (transfer from Virginia)
- Parker Livingstone, sophomore (transfer from Texas)
- Mackenzie Alleyne, sophomore (transfer from Washington State)
- Jayden Petit, freshman
- Daniel Odom, freshman
- Xavier Okwufulueze, freshman
- Jahsiear Rogers, freshman
Leaving:
- Jayden Gibson (transfer, South Carolina )
- Javonnie Gibson (transfer, Cincinnati)
- Jakeb Snyder (transfer)
- Zion Ragins (transfer, Mississippi State)
- Zion Kearney (transfer)
- Ivan Carreon (transfer)
- Josiah Martin (transfer)
- KJ Daniels (transfer, UAB)
- Deion Burks (graduation)
- Keontez Lewis (graduation)
- Major Melson (graduation)
Offensive Tackle:
Returning:
- Michael Fasusi , sophomore
- Ryan Fodje, sophomore
Incoming:
- E'Marion Harris, redshirt senior (transfer from Arkansas)
- Caleb Nitta, redshirt junior (transfer from Western Kentucky)
- Kenny Wermy, redshirt junior (transfer from UCO)
Leaving:
- Jacob Sexton (transfer, Oklahoma State)
- Isaiah Dent (transfer, Mississippi State)
- Luke Baklenko (transfer, Arizona State)
- Logan Howland (transfer, Virginia Tech)
- Jake Taylor (transfer, Iowa State)
- Derek Simmons (graduation)
Offensive Guard:
Returning:
- Eddy Pierre-Louis, redshirt sophomore
- Heath Ozaeta, redshirt junior
- Daniel Akinkunmi, redshirt sophomore
- Gunnar Allen, redshirt senior
- Darius Afalava, redshirt freshman
- Owen Hollenbeck, redshirt freshman
- Sean Hutton, redshirt freshman
Incoming:
- Peyton Joseph, sophomore (transfer from Georgia Tech)
- Noah Best, freshman
- Deacon Schmitt, freshman
Leaving:
- Febechi Nwaiwu (graduation)
Center:
Returning:
- Jake Maikkula, redshirt senior
Incoming:
None
Leaving:
- Troy Everett (transfer, Ole Miss)
Defensive End:
Returning:
- Taylor Wein , redshirt junior
- Danny Okoye, redshirt sophomore
- Adepoju Adebawore , senior
- Wyatt Gilmore, redshirt freshman
- CJ Nickson, redshirt freshman
- Alex Shieldnight, redshirt freshman
- Bergin Kysar, redshirt sophomore
Incoming:
- Kenny Ozowalu, redshirt sophomore (transfer from UTSA)
- James Carrington, freshman
- Jake Kreul, freshman
- Matthew Nelson, freshman
- Daniel Norman, freshman
Leaving:
- R Mason Thomas (graduation)
- Marvin Jones Jr. (graduation)
Defensive Tackle:
Returning:
- Jayden Jackson , junior
- David Stone , junior
- Trent Wilson , redshirt freshman
- Nigel Smith II, redshirt sophomore
- David Rowaiye, redshirt senior
- Jacob Henry , redshirt sophomore
- Ace Hodges, redshirt sophomore
Incoming:
- Bishop Thomas, senior (transfer from Georgia State)
- Brian Harris, freshman
Leaving:
- Gracen Halton (graduation)
- Damonic Williams (graduation)
- Markus Strong (transfer, Clemson)
- Siolaa Lolohea (transfer)
Linebacker / Cheetah:
Returning:
- Kip Lewis, redshirt senior*
- Owen Heinecke, redshirt senior*
- Reggie Powers III, junior
- James Nesta, redshirt sophomore
- Taylor Heim, redshirt sophomore
- Elgee Webster, redshirt freshman
- Marcus James, redshirt freshman
- Barrett Travis, redshirt freshman
Incoming:
- Cole Sullivan, junior (transfer from Michigan)
- Dane Bathurst, freshman
- Jacob Curry, freshman
- Beau Jandreau, freshman
- Kristian Moore, freshman
Leaving:
- Sammy Omosigho (transfer, UCLA)
- Kobie McKenzie (transfer, Northwestern)
- Kendel Dolby (transfer, Mississippi State)
- Kendal Daniels (graduation)
Corner:
Returning:
- Courtland Guillory, sophomore
- Eli Bowen, junior
- Jacobe Johnson, senior
- Jeremiah Newcombe, redshirt sophomore
- Trystan Haynes, redshirt freshman
- Casen Calmus, redshirt junior
- Preston Mickens, redshirt sophomore
Incoming:
- Dakoda Fields, redshirt sophomore (transfer from Oregon)
- Derrick Johnson II, freshman
Leaving:
- Devon Jordan (transfer, Baylor)
- Gentry Williams (transfer, Georgia)
- Maliek Hawkins (transfer, West Virginia)
Safety:
Returning:
- Peyton Bowen, senior
- Michael Boganowski, junior
- Omarion Robinson, sophomore
- Reed DeQuasie, redshirt junior
Incoming:
- Markel Ford, freshman
- Niko Jandreau, freshman
Leaving:
- Jaydan Hardy (transfer)
- Marcus Wimberly (transfer, Utah)
- Robert Spears-Jennings (graduation)
Kicker:
Returning:
- Tate Sandell, redshirt senior
- Liam Evans, redshirt sophomore
- Preston Tarpley, redshirt freshman
Incoming:
- Trace Rudd, freshman
Leaving:
- Austin Welch (graduation)
Punter:
Returning:
- Grayson Miller, redshirt senior
- Jacob Ulrich, redshirt junior
Long Snapper:
Returning:
- Ben Anderson, redshirt senior
- Seth Freeman, redshirt freshman
