Sooners Tap Kennesaw State Pipeline for Three Key Transfers
NORMAN, Okla. – Head Coach Brent Venables is turning to an unexpected source to strengthen the Oklahoma Sooners’ roster: Kennesaw State. On Thursday, the Sooners announced the signing of kicker Austin Welch, marking the third transfer from the Owls this cycle, following punter Jacob Ulrich and tight end Carson Kent.
Special Teams Bolstered by Welch and Ulrich
Kennesaw State may not be a household name in college football, but its special teams unit shone bright in an otherwise challenging inaugural season at the FBS level. The Owls finished their 2024 campaign at 2-10 and ranked 133rd among FBS teams, per CBS Sports, ahead of only winless Kent State. Yet, their special teams ranked an impressive ninth in efficiency, according to ESPN’s FPI—a testament to the skills of players like Welch and Ulrich.
Austin Welch, a redshirt junior, proved to be a reliable kicker during his lone season with Kennesaw State after transferring from Eastern Kentucky. Welch converted 12 of 14 field goals, including a season-long 49-yarder, and was a key contributor to the Owls’ standout special teams. With both Zach Schmit and Tyler Keltner exhausting their eligibility, Welch fills a critical void for the Sooners.
“Welch has the consistency and confidence we need in high-pressure situations,” a source within the Sooners’ coaching staff shared. “He’ll be instrumental for us next season.”
Joining Welch is Jacob Ulrich, who made an immediate impact during his redshirt freshman season. Ulrich led the FBS in punting yards and ranked second in punt attempts, averaging an impressive 46 yards per punt. With three years of eligibility remaining, Ulrich is expected to seamlessly replace outgoing punter Luke Elzinga and bring stability to the Sooners’ special teams unit.
Carson Kent Adds Depth at Tight End
While much of the focus has been on special teams, the Sooners also tapped into Kennesaw State for tight end Carson Kent, who brings versatility and potential to the roster. Though Kent’s role at Oklahoma is yet to be defined, his addition adds depth to a position that Venables has sought to strengthen through the transfer portal.
A Growing Transfer Class
The Sooners have now added 12 players from the transfer portal in this cycle, addressing key positional needs as they prepare for the challenges of the SEC. However, the influx comes at a cost, with 26 players leaving the program via the portal.
With the portal window officially closed, Venables and his staff may still explore remaining transfer options. As for Kennesaw State, the Sooners’ recent activity suggests that the pipeline to Norman, though surprising, has proven valuable.
“Grabbing talent from Kennesaw State might not have been on anyone’s radar, but they’ve provided us with pieces we genuinely needed,” a staff member said. “Special teams can be the difference-maker in tight games, and these players give us that edge.”
Looking Ahead
While Oklahoma fans may not have expected three transfers from a fledgling FBS program, the Sooners have identified and secured impactful players who could shine under the bright lights of Norman. With the SEC on the horizon, Venables and his team are leaving no stone unturned in their quest to build a competitive roster.
And while Kennesaw State may not become a regular recruiting hub, its contributions to Oklahoma’s 2025 roster cannot be overlooked.
