Sooners Eye Key Talent in Transfer Portal to Bolster 2025 Roster
NORMAN, Okla. – While the transfer portal window officially closed for Oklahoma on Wednesday night, the Sooners’ hunt for talent is far from over. Head Coach Brent Venables and his staff have already landed 12 transfers this cycle, including standout players like a star quarterback, four wide receivers, two tight ends, and a pair of specialists. However, the Sooners are still searching to address critical needs for their 2025 roster.
With a competitive SEC schedule looming, here are five top-tier players still in the portal that the Sooners could target to enhance their roster.
1. Kendal Daniels (LB/S, Oklahoma State)
One of the most versatile defensive players in the portal, Kendal Daniels could seamlessly fit into the Sooners’ hybrid cheetah position, which combines safety and linebacker roles. Daniels, a three-year starter at Oklahoma State, transitioned from safety to linebacker this past season, showcasing his adaptability.
His addition would fill the gap left by Dasan McCullough, who recently transferred to Nebraska. Venables has a history of poaching defensive talent from Oklahoma State, as seen with Trace Ford. Daniels, a former four-star recruit from Beggs High School, also has prior connections with the Sooners, who offered him during his high school days.
2. Zachariah Branch (WR, USC)
Despite adding four receivers in the portal, the Sooners have yet to snag a marquee name to complement John Mateer. Zachariah Branch, the No. 2 portal receiver according to 247Sports, could be the game-changer OU needs.
In 2024, Branch recorded 47 receptions for 503 yards and a touchdown at USC. The former five-star recruit is electric on the field, and his skill set would immediately elevate Oklahoma’s passing game.
Adding Branch could also bring a bonus: his brother, Zion Branch, another talented receiver. While OU faces stiff competition from programs like Miami, snagging the Branch brothers would be a significant statement for the Sooners.
3. Fa’alili Fa’amoe (OT, Washington State)
The Sooners can never have too much depth on the offensive line, especially with the physical demands of the SEC. Fa’alili Fa’amoe, a redshirt junior with 26 career starts, is a logical fit.
Fa’amoe already has familiarity with Oklahoma’s new offensive coordinator, Ben Arbuckle, and has experience protecting QB1 John Mateer at Washington State. He started seven games at right tackle this past season after recovering from an early-season injury. His size and experience make him an ideal addition to OU’s offensive front.
4. Marvin Jones Jr. (Edge, Florida State)
With the potential departure of Ethan Downs and uncertainty surrounding R Mason Thomas, the Sooners are in need of reinforcements on the defensive line. Enter Marvin Jones Jr., a 6-foot-5, 255-pound edge rusher with Power Five experience.
This past season at Florida State, Jones tallied 25 tackles, four sacks, and a forced fumble. His ability to pressure quarterbacks and hold the edge would provide much-needed depth and experience for OU’s defense.
5. Ethan O’Connor (CB, Washington State)
Oklahoma’s secondary could use a boost, and Ethan O’Connor fits the bill. A redshirt freshman, O’Connor started every game for Washington State in 2024, leading the team with four interceptions and eight pass breakups while recording 32 tackles.
Paired with fellow freshman Eli Bowen, O’Connor could give the Sooners a formidable cornerback duo for years to come. His proven playmaking ability and youth make him a valuable asset for Venables’ defense.
Sooners’ Strategy Moving Forward
The Sooners have already built an impressive transfer class, but the players still available in the portal could address lingering gaps. As Brent Venables looks to solidify the roster for the 2025 season, these five targets offer the potential to enhance both sides of the ball.
With the SEC transition approaching, Oklahoma must continue to strategically utilize the portal to compete at the highest level. The coming weeks will determine if the Sooners can secure these high-impact players and set the stage for a successful season.
