NORMAN — Transfer portal season has started.
The portal doesn’t open up until Dec. 9, but with the end of the regular season Saturday, players have begun making their decisions to enter the portal.
The portal remains open until Dec. 28. There is also a portal window in the spring.
Here’s a look at OU football’s portal departures and, eventually, the additions:
Additions
Marvin Jones Jr., edge rusher
Former Florida State and Georgia edge rusher Marvin Jones Jr. is expected to commit to OU, per a report Jan. 5 from 247Sports.
Jones is a former five-star who was one of the top available players in the transfer portal. He has one season of eligibility remaining.
Jones is the No. 77 overall player and No. 11 edge rusher in 247Sports’ portal rankings. He finished the 2024 season with 25 tackles, six tackles for loss and four sacks in nine starts.
Austin Welch, kicker
The Sooners announced Thursday they’ve signed former Kennesaw State kicker Austin Welch out of the transfer portal.
Welch made 14 of his 18 field goal attempts this past season.
Welch is OU’s third portal signee from KSU, joining tight end Carson Kent and punter Jacob Ulrich.
Josiah Martin, wide receiver
OU landed its fourth receiver out of the portal on Dec. 31.
California’s Josiah Martin committed to the Sooners via X. Martin finished the 2024 season with 12 catches for 112 receiving yards, along with five carries for 44 yards and a touchdown.
Will Huggins, tight end
Oklahoma announced a surprise commitment on Saturday.
Former Pittsburg State tight end Will Huggins has joined the program. Huggins caught 22 passes for 395 yards and a touchdown last season. Huggins played at Kansas from 2020-2023.
He joins Kennesaw State’s Carson Kent as Sooners tight end signees out of the portal.
Cole Gonzales, quarterback
Oklahoma gained a Christmas morning transfer quarterback commitment.
Western Carolina’s Cole Gonzales, who has totaled 6,682 yards and 51 touchdowns through three seasons, committed to the Sooners, he announced via social media. Gonzales was named the 2023 Southern Conference player of the year.
A two-time, First Team All-Southern Conference, Gonzales will have two years of eligibility remaining.
Gonzales will join Washington State transfer John Mateer, Michael Hawkins Jr. and incoming freshman Jett Niu in OU’s 2025 quarterback room.
Carson Kent, tight end
The Sooners landed a much-needed first transfer tight end commitment on Dec. 23.
Kennesaw State transfer Carson Kent announced his commitment to OU. At 6-foot-4, 240-pounds, Kent started for the Owls for two seasons.
In 21 career games, Kent, primarily known as a blocking tight end, has recorded 32 receptions for 382 yards and three touchdowns.
Tight end has been a need for the Sooners and they might not be done adding at the position through the portal.
Isaiah Sategna, wide receiver
OU landed its third receiver out of the portal on Thursday.
After adding Keontez Lewis and Javonnie Gibson Wednesday, the Sooners landed a commitment from Arkansas transfer receiver Isaiah Sategna. Gibson caught 37 passes for 491 yards this season with the Razorbacks.
Sategna has two years of eligibility remaining.
Derek Simmons, offensive lineman
The Sooners picked up their second offensive line commitment in the portal on Thursday.
Former Western Carolina standout offensive tackle Derek Simmons has committed to OU. Simmons is listed at 6-foot-6, 325 pounds.
Simmons joins Stanford offensive tackle Luke Baklenko as the Sooners’ offensive line transfers.
John Mateer, quarterback
The Sooners got their guy.
John Mateer is transferring to the OU, the former Washington State quarterback announced on Wednesday evening.
The move reunites Mateer with first-year offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle, who Mateer played for during his breakout redshirt sophomore year with the Cougarsin 2024.
The decision ends the recruitment of one of the top quarterbacks in the NCAA transfer portal. Mateer chose the Sooners over Miami and North Carolina.
Keontez Lewis, wide receiver
The Sooners picked up their second wide receiver of the day Dec. 18 when the Southern Illinois transfer announced his commitment.
Lewis was the Salukis’ leading receiver this season, with 49 catches for 813 yards and five touchdowns. He also had 10 carries for 121 yards and a touchdown on the ground.
Lewis began his collegiate career at UCLA before transferring to Wisconsin after the 2021 season. Lewis had 20 catches for 313 yards and three touchdown for the Badgers in 2022, but played just one game there in 2023 before transferring to Southern Illinois.
Javonnie Gibson, wide receiver
The UAPB wide receiver committed to the Sooners on Dec. 18, according to On3.
The Opelousas, Louisiana, product had 70 catches for 1.215 yards and nine touchdowns as a redshirt sophomore this season after transferring from Arkansas-Monticello.
Luke Baklenko, offensive tackle
OU landed a commitment Monday from Stanford offensive tackle Luke Baklenko.
Baklenko appeared in five games as a true freshman for the Cardinal in 2023 before playing 11 games this past season as a sophomore. A Westlake Village, California, native, Baklenko is a former three-star recruit.
Baklenko is the second Stanford offensive lineman to transfer to OU in recent years after Walter Rouse was a significant contributor on the Sooners’ offensive line in 2023.
Jacob Ulrich, punter
OU landed a commitment Friday from Kennesaw State transfer punter Jacob Ulrich.
Ulrich averaged 46 yards per punt this season and was selected to the Conference USA All-Freshman and First Team All-Conference teams. His longest punt of the season was 77 yards.
Ulrich will compete with Ashton Logan to replace Luke Elzinga, who averaged 45.2 yards per punt for the Sooners in 2024.
Departures
Mykel Patterson-McDonald, defensive back
OU safety Mykel Patterson-McDonald has entered the transfer portal, 247Sports first reported on Friday.
A freshman defensive back and former three-star out of Westmoore, Patterson-McDonald didn’t appear in a game this season.
Lewis Carter, linebacker
A former top 200 overall recruit, Oklahoma linebacker Lewis Carter plans to enter the transfer portal following defensive coordinator Zac Alley’s departure, he tells On3.
Carter played in all 13 games this season and totaled 23 tackles, two tackles for loss, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery.
Davon Sears, defensive lineman
Redshirt fifth-year senior Davon Sears plans to enter the transfer portal, he announced on X on Dec. 27.
Sears has one year of eligibility remaining due to the the NCAA Division I Board of Directors’ decision to approve a blanket waiver granting an additional year of eligibility to former junior college transfers.
Sears played in four games at defensive tackle this season and registered four tackles, including two for loss and a sack.
Sears did not appear in OU’s bowl game against Navy.
Ashton Sanders, defensive tackle
Defensive tackle Ashton Sanders entered the transfer portal on Dec. 17.
Sanders generated some buzz before the season, but played just 28 defensive snaps this season according to Pro Football Focus. In nine games, he had just one tackle.
Eugene Brooks, offensive lineman
Freshman offensive lineman Eugene Brooks is reportedly entering the transfer portal, per 247Sports.
Brooks appeared in three games for the Sooners in 2024. He was a consensus four-star prospect and considered one of the most talented interior offensive linemen in the country in the 2024 recruiting class.
Phil Picciotti, linebacker
Linebacker Phil Picciotti, who didn’t appear in any games in his two seasons with the Sooners, plans to enter the transfer portal, On3 reported on Dec. 12.
Picciotti, from Perkasie, Pennsylvania, was a three-star prospect out of IMG Academy according to 247Sports.
He chose the Sooners over Auburn, Michigan, Nebraska and Penn State among others but suffered an injury before the 2023 season that kept him out the entire season and then did not appear in a game in 2024.
Brendan Zurbrugg, quarterback
Former consensus three-star quarterback Brendan Zurbrugg entered the transfer portal on Dec. 12.
The Alliance, Ohio, native was ranked the No. 66 quarterback by 247Sports.
He was the 2023 Northeast Ohio Inland District Division III Player of the Year and passed for 2,322 yards and 26 touchdowns and rushed for 1,038 yards and 13 touchdowns.
Brenen Thompson, wide receiver
Brenen Thompson became the sixth OU receiver to enter the transfer portal.
Thompson, who is known for his speed, recorded 19 catches for 230 yards and two touchdowns in 2024. He spent two seasons with the Sooners and previously spent one season at Texas.
Thompson joins Andrel Anthony, Jalil Farooq, J.J. Hester, Nic Anderson and Jaquaize Pettaway.
Andrel Anthony, wide receiver
OU wide receiver Andrel Anthony plans to enter the transfer portal, he told On3 on Dec. 11.
Anthony is the fifth Sooners receiver to enter the portal joining Jalil Farooq, J.J. Hester, Nic Anderson and Jaquaize Pettaway.
After spending two seasons at Michigan, Anthony started the Sooners’ first six games and registered a team-leading 429 receiving yards in 2023 before sustaining a season-ending injury vs. Texas. Anthony missed nearly the entire 2024 season still recovering from the ACL injury and caught one pass for four yards.
Dasan McCullough, linebacker
OU linebacker Dasan McCullough plans to enter the transfer portal, he told On3 on Dec. 10.
The 6-foot-5, 235-pound linebacker totaled 47 tackles, including seven for loss in two seasons with the Sooners. McCullough transferred to OU following his freshman season at Indiana where he earned All-American honors.
McCullough has one year of eligibility remaining.
Jalil Farooq, wide receiver
Senior wide receiver Jalil Farooq has entered the transfer portal, On3 reported Dec. 10.
Farooq was limited to just two games this season, with three catches for 58 yards.
He was injured in the season-opener, suffering a foot fracture, then was hurt again against Missouri on Nov. 9.
Farooq has 89 catches for 1,287 yards and seven touchdowns in his career, plus 235 yards rushing on 32 carries.
J.J. Hester, wide receiver
Redshirt senior wide receiver J.J. Hester has entered the transfer portal, he announced on X (formerly Twitter) on Dec. 10.
With five of OU’s best receivers out for most of the 2024 season, Hester stepped up and caught 14 passes for 315 yards and a touchdown.
Hester missed most of the 2022 and 2023 seasons due to injury. The Tulsa native transferred to the Sooners from Missouri following the 2021 season.
Makari Vickers, defensive back
Makari Vickers is OU’s third player from its secondary expected to transfer, per 247Sports.
Vickers is another player who couldn’t stay healthy during his Sooners career. He appeared in just four games in 2024, preserving his redshirt.
The 6-foot-1, 187-pound sophomore from Quincy, Florida, was previously a top 75 recruit out of high school and will have three years of eligibility remaining.
Kani Walker, cornerback
Kani Walker has entered the transfer portal after three seasons at OU.
Walker, who has been praised for his talent throughout his career, played 27 games in his Sooners career. He departs with 51 tackles and two interceptions.
Walker previously transferred to OU from Louisville.
Erik McCarty, defensive back
Redshirt freshman Erik McCarty entered the transfer portal Monday.
McCarty was a consensus three-star out of McAlester High School who struggled to see the field during his Sooners career due to injuries.
Geirean Hatchett, offensive lineman
Geirean Hatchett was the second OU offensive lineman to enter the portal on Monday, according to Mike Farrell Sports.
Hatchett transferred to the Sooners from Washington ahead of the 2024 season. He started OU’s season-opener at left guard before sliding over to center.
Hatchett missed most of the season after undergoing biceps surgery.
Joshua Bates, offensive lineman
Redshirt freshman Joshua Bates plans to enter the transfer portal, he tells On3.
Bates started two games this season and appeared in five contests after redshirting during his first season in 2023. Bates is the Sooners’ first scholarship offensive lineman to enter the portal.
The 6-foot-3, 310-pound lineman will have three years eligibility remaining. Bates is a former four-star recruit out of Durango, Colorado.
Bauer Sharp, tight end
OU starting tight end Bauer Sharp plans to enter the transfer portal, he told On3.
Sharp, who transferred to the Sooners from Southeastern Louisiana, caught 42 passes for 324 yards and two touchdowns this season. With OU’s top five receivers out for most of the year, Sharp led the Sooners in receptions and receiving yards.
Sharp threw an interception on a trick play in OU’s loss to LSU.
Sharp will have one year of eligibility remaining.
Jayden Rowe, defensive back
Redshirt sophomore defensive back Jayden Rowe announced Friday he plans to enter the transfer portal.
At 6-foot-2, 221 pounds, Rowe didn’t record any stats in 2024. He battled a season-ending injury in 2023.
Rowe was a four-star recruit out of Union High School in Tulsa, where he also ran track.
Emeka Megwa, running back
Redshirt junior running back Emeka Megwa is planning to enter the transfer portal, he told On3.
Megwa appeared in two games in 2023 and had one rush attempt. Megwa transferred to OU from Washington ahead of the 2022 season.
Kalib Hicks, running back
Redshirt freshman running back Kalib Hicks is the fourth player planning to enter the transfer portal, he told On3.
Hicks had two carries in 2024 and played in two games in 2023. At 5-foot-11, 209 pounds, Hicks was a three-star out of Ryan High School in Denton, Texas.
Hicks has three years of eligibility remaining.
Nic Anderson, wide receiver
Star wide receiver Nic Anderson is expected to enter the portal, 247Sports’ Matt Zenitz reported on Thursday. Anderson missed most of the 2024 season with an injury after setting a program record for most touchdown catches by a freshman with 10 in 2023.
Anderson was named a semifinalist for the Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award and received All-Big 12 honorable mention acclaim last season. He played in all 13 games in 2023, starting six and totaling 798 yards and 10 touchdowns on 31 receptions.
He averaged 21 yards per catch in 2023, which ranked fifth nationally. Anderson will be remembered for his game-winning touchdown catch in the 2023 Red River Rivalry game.
Jackson Arnold, quarterback
Sooners starting quarterback Jackson Arnold plans to enter the transfer portal, his father, Todd, told The Oklahoman on Wednesday. ESPN’s Max Olson first reported Arnold’s plans to transfer.
Arnold made nine regular season starts in his Sooners career. He finished the 2024 season with 1,421 passing yards, 444 rushing yards and 15 total touchdowns with three interceptions. Arnold was benched for Michael Hawkins Jr. in OU’s game against Tennessee after committing three turnovers in the first half.
This season was tough on Arnold, a former five-star recruit given the keys to the Sooners’ offense. Following his benching, Arnold improved his decision-making down the stretch after he was renamed the starter. He showcased his ability to run the ball, combining for 206 rushing yards in the Sooners’ final two games.
Arnold said following OU’s loss to LSU he was planning to take this week to think about his future.
“Only God knows what’s going to happen in the future,” Arnold said postgame. “This next week, just meet the OC, see who we hire. Take it day by day. There’s nothing making me want to leave or nothing making me waver from being here.”
Jaquaize Pettaway, wide receiver
Pettaway became the first Sooner player to make his intentions to enter the portal known, coming on Dec. 1.
In two seasons in Norman, Pettaway had 16 catches for 157 yards in 19 games with one start this season.
He had five catches for 87 yards this season, but hadn’t had a catch since Oct. 12 against Texas.
Pettaway appeared in all but one game — missing the Alabama game — but was primarily a special teams contributor.
Almost all of his 2024 production came against Tennessee on Sept. 21 when he had three catches for 79 yards.