25 Players Are Transferring From Major College Football Program

12/24/2024 11:22 AM

This is an important time of the year for many college football programs as they juggle bowl preparation with the transfer portal.

Coming off a disappointing first season in the SEC, Oklahoma has had plenty of activity this month in the transfer portal, both coming and going. As of Tuesday, 25 Sooners had entered the portal, with 17 of them finding new schools. Some of the more prominent transfers included quarterback Jackson Arnold, who is headed to Auburn, wide receiver Nic Anderson (LSU) and tight end Bauer Sharp, who is also LSU-bound.

OU head coach Brent Venables isn't overly worried about all the movement though as he gets his team ready to face Navy in the Armed Forces Bowl.

"Yeah, this is modern college football," Venables said, via On3. "I don't think any team's going to be immune to that. Certainly again, as we've said a lot here over the last several months, we've been preparing for that. Got to get our roster to 105. There's a process that takes place. You don't like it. I've said I don't like it, but it's part of where we're at right now."

Part of the reason Venables can stomach the defections is he has already landed some impressive replacements. Oklahoma has landed a commitment from Washington State's John Mateer, the No. 1 quarterback in the portal, as well as multiple pledges at wide receiver and along the offensive line.

"Everybody has to figure out what's best for them, and we as a program, as we continue to try to grow and start back over with team 131, that's all part of the process," Venables said. "So that's right on schedule."

Oklahoma went 6-6 on the year, including a 2-6 mark in SEC play. The highlight of the season was a 24-3 upset win over No. 7 Alabama on Nov. 23, which clinched bowl eligibility for the Sooners.

Oklahoma and Navy will meet in the Armed Forces Bowl at noon ET Friday on ESPN. 

Related: Former Oklahoma Quarterback Jackson Arnold Picks New Team For 2025 Season