January 10, 2026

Sooners Football Faces Major Roster Changes

News Summary

The Oklahoma Sooners football team is bracing for significant changes as over 20 players enter the NCAA Transfer Portal. This development follows a successful season and a playoff appearance, prompting the team to focus on rebuilding key position groups for the future. Departures, including notable players such as a backup quarterback and several defensive and offensive contributors, highlight a growing trend in college athletics. The Sooners aim to attract new talent to ensure competitiveness in the upcoming season.

Oklahoma City, OK – Sooners Football Faces Major Roster Changes

The Oklahoma Sooners football team is navigating significant roster changes following the opening of the NCAA Transfer Portal on January 2, 2026. With over 20 players announcing their intentions to transfer, this development marks a pivotal moment for the Sooners after a 10-3 season that concluded with a College Football Playoff appearance. Facing Alabama in the first round of the playoffs, the team is now tasked with rebuilding key position groups as they prepare for the future.

These substantial departures highlight a broader trend within college athletics precipitated by the transfer portal’s growing influence, presenting both opportunities and challenges for teams in Oklahoma City and the greater landscape of college football.

Key Departures

Michael Hawkins Jr.: The backup quarterback recorded six touchdowns and over 200 rushing yards over the past two seasons before entering the transfer portal, along with his brother, Maliek Hawkins.
Jayden Gibson: This former four-star wide receiver, who faced injury setbacks, plans to explore new opportunities and has two years of eligibility remaining.
Kendel Dolby: A veteran defensive back significantly impacted the team before announcing his departure after dealing with injuries that limited his participation over the last two seasons.
Kobie McKinzie: The standout linebacker struggled with injuries in his final season, prompting him to seek a new team after contributing to Oklahoma’s defense.
Isaiah Autry-Dent: The offensive lineman, once a highly regarded recruit, is also transferring after a limited role during his time with the Sooners.
Kaden Helms: The tight end aims to find a larger role elsewhere following a productive season despite being a secondary option in Oklahoma’s system.
Jovantae Barnes: A key running back in his cohort, he is looking to cap his career with a more significant role after preserving a redshirt year.
Jacob Sexton: The local lineman’s injury history led to limited contributions, prompting him to enter the portal.
Marcus Wimberly: As a freshman safety plagued by injuries, he seeks fresh opportunities to showcase his talent elsewhere.

Impact on the Team

The departures from Oklahoma’s roster underscore the need for strategic reinforcement in several key areas, such as offensive line depth and skill position production. As general manager Jim Nagy leads the charge, the Sooners may be active in the portal to attract new talent. The team’s previous success and its stable positioning within the SEC make Norman an attractive destination for potential recruits, but retaining talent has become increasingly challenging in this evolving collegiate athletics environment.

Looking Ahead

As the transfer portal window remains open until January 16, 2026, the Sooners must focus on revitalizing their roster, particularly within the wide receiver position. Notable potential targets include:

Jayce Brown: Coming from Kansas State, Brown’s skills could elevate the Sooners’ receiving corps.
Dre’lon Miller: This former four-star talent has experience and versatility, having played at both Colorado and Vanderbilt.
Tre Richardson: Known for his playmaking ability, Richardson led his previous team with over 800 receiving yards and could significantly contribute to Oklahoma’s offense.

As fans and analysts keep a close eye on these developments, the Sooners look to navigate these changes effectively and position themselves for a competitive upcoming season.

FAQ

What is the NCAA Transfer Portal?

The NCAA Transfer Portal is a system that allows college athletes to declare their intent to transfer to another institution, facilitating communication between players and potential new schools.

How many players have entered the transfer portal from Oklahoma?

Over 20 players have announced their intentions to transfer as of January 2, 2026.

Who are some of the key players leaving Oklahoma?

Notable departures include quarterback Michael Hawkins Jr., wide receiver Jayden Gibson, defensive back Kendel Dolby, linebacker Kobie McKinzie, offensive lineman Isaiah Autry-Dent, tight end Kaden Helms, offensive lineman Jacob Sexton, running back Jovantae Barnes, and safety Marcus Wimberly.

What positions is Oklahoma focusing on in the transfer portal?

Oklahoma is focusing on rebuilding their roster, particularly in the wide receiver position, to strengthen their offense.

Who are some potential wide receiver targets for Oklahoma?

Potential targets include Jayce Brown from Kansas State, Dre’lon Miller, and Tre Richardson from Vanderbilt.

Key Features

Feature	Description
Transfer Portal Opened	January 2, 2026, marking the start of the offseason for college football teams.
Number of Departures	Over 20 players from Oklahoma have announced their intentions to transfer.
Notable Departures	Quarterback Michael Hawkins Jr., wide receiver Jayden Gibson, defensive back Kendel Dolby, linebacker Kobie McKinzie, offensive lineman Isaiah Autry-Dent, tight end Kaden Helms, offensive lineman Jacob Sexton, running back Jovantae Barnes, and safety Marcus Wimberly.
Focus Areas for Rebuilding	Offensive line depth, linebacker experience, secondary youth, and skill position production.
Potential Wide Receiver Targets	Jayce Brown (Kansas State), Dre’lon Miller, and Tre Richardson (Vanderbilt).