The NCAA transfer portal has dealt a heavy blow to the Oklahoma Sooners this season, with 26 players exiting the program since the portal opened on December 9. This mass exodus includes some key contributors like quarterback Jackson Arnold, wide receivers Jaquaize Pettaway and Brenen Thompson, and linebacker Dasan McCullough. As one of the hardest-hit teams in the portal era, the Sooners find themselves grappling with significant roster changes during a critical part of the season.
Limited gains amid major losses
While the transfer portal has been a revolving door for many programs, the Sooners have struggled to make up for their losses. They’ve managed to add only seven new players, leaving a significant gap in their roster. With the transfer window closing soon, head coach Brent Venables has his work cut out to ensure Oklahoma fields a competitive team for their upcoming matchups.
Brent Venables addresses the turmoil
Oklahoma head coach Brent Venables acknowledged the challenges of the modern transfer era, admitting the frustration of losing so many players but remaining pragmatic about the situation. “This is modern college football,” Venables said. “You don’t like it, but it’s part of where we’re at right now.” Despite the setbacks, Venables remains focused on preparing the team for the Armed Forces Bowl against Navy.
The impact on Oklahoma’s bowl game preparations
The timing of these roster changes couldn’t be worse, as the Sooners gear up for their Armed Forces Bowl matchup. The departure of key players leaves holes in critical positions, forcing Oklahoma to rely on depth players and recent transfers to step up. This uncertainty could pose a significant challenge against a disciplined Navy team.
Navigating the new era of NCAA football
The Sooners’ struggles highlight the growing impact of the NCAA transfer portal on college football programs. As Venables works to rebuild the roster, Oklahoma’s situation serves as a cautionary tale of how the portal can drastically alter a team’s trajectory. With the Armed Forces Bowl looming and the transfer window nearing its end, the Sooners will need to adapt quickly to salvage their season.