As college football programs across the nation continue to evolve, the transfer portal has become an essential tool for reshaping rosters. For Oklahoma, a program that has experienced a shift under head coach Brent Venables, the transfer portal is crucial to bridging the gap between the end of a season and the start of a new one. With the Winter Transfer Portal window now behind us, it’s time to analyze the Sooners’ greatest needs heading into the 2024 season and identify the positions where they’ll likely focus their efforts for the remainder of the offseason.
### The Importance of the Transfer Portal in 2024
The transfer portal has fundamentally changed the way college football teams build their rosters. Gone are the days of waiting for freshmen to develop into contributors—today’s elite programs are leveraging the portal to quickly address immediate needs. For Oklahoma, a team coming off a 6-7 season in 2022 and showing signs of improvement in 2023, the portal is critical for their trajectory under Venables.
Oklahoma’s first full recruiting class under Venables in 2023 was solid, but they still face the task of rebuilding key positions that were affected by departures and underperformance. With a mix of returning talent and new additions from the portal, the Sooners must focus on areas where they can immediately improve to compete at the highest level in the Big 12 and beyond.
### 1. **Defensive Line Depth**
One of the most pressing needs for Oklahoma in the portal remains the defensive line. This was an issue during the 2023 season, and while Venables has made strides in recruiting, the Sooners still need more talent upfront to compete with the powerhouses in the Big 12, such as Texas and Kansas State.
Oklahoma’s defensive line struggled to generate consistent pressure on the quarterback last season, ranking among the lower half of the conference in sacks and tackles for loss. While Venables has a history of developing defensive linemen, it’s clear that bringing in more experienced players—particularly edge rushers—could provide a significant boost. The Sooners need to add players who can disrupt the pocket and stop the run while providing depth to keep the defensive front fresh.
### 2. **Offensive Line Upgrades**
On the other side of the ball, the offensive line remains an area where Oklahoma needs to improve, particularly in terms of pass protection. The Sooners’ offensive line did show promise in 2023 but still had issues with consistency, especially against strong defensive fronts like those of Kansas State and Texas. To make a real push for a Big 12 championship and compete for a spot in the College Football Playoff, they must bolster this unit.
Oklahoma could use some immediate help in terms of experienced, upperclassman offensive linemen who can contribute from day one. The Sooners have been actively pursuing portal candidates who can provide that experience and help protect whoever is behind center in 2024. Oklahoma’s offense, led by offensive coordinator Jeff Lebby, thrives when the line can give the quarterback time to operate, particularly in the passing game. Adding transfers who can step in and immediately start would be a major coup for the Sooners.
### 3. **Wide Receiver Playmaking Ability**
While Oklahoma has talent at the wide receiver position, they are still looking for that game-changing playmaker who can take the top off a defense and create explosive plays in the passing game. Marvin Mims, a dynamic receiver, left for the NFL, and though players like Jalil Farooq and Drake Stoops have stepped up, there is still a need for another reliable pass-catcher who can stretch the field vertically.
The Sooners could certainly use a high-level transfer who can contribute as both a deep threat and a go-to option in critical situations. Oklahoma has been linked to several notable wide receiver transfers in the portal, and if they can land a player who can immediately impact the passing game, it would give them another weapon to complement their talented running back room and solid quarterback situation.
### 4. **Linebacker Depth and Playmaking**
While Oklahoma’s linebacking corps showed improvement in 2023, it remains a position of need. The Sooners have a solid base, but to truly take the next step defensively, they need more playmaking ability and depth at linebacker. A strong linebacker group is essential for defending against the run, covering tight ends and running backs in the passing game, and providing leadership on defense.
Venables, a former defensive coordinator with a keen eye for linebacker play, knows the importance of having versatile players who can make plays all over the field. This is an area where the portal could be a key source of talent. A standout linebacker with experience at a high level could instantly boost Oklahoma’s defense, especially in terms of sideline-to-sideline range and the ability to cover in space.
### 5. **Quarterback Competition**
Though Oklahoma appears set at quarterback with Dillon Gabriel returning for another year, the Sooners may still look to the transfer portal for additional depth at the position. Gabriel has had a solid career at Oklahoma, but the coaching staff will likely want to bring in a younger quarterback who could compete for the starting job in 2025. Depth at quarterback is important for any program, and if there’s a high-upside player in the portal who can push Gabriel and provide a future option, Oklahoma would likely make a move.
Additionally, considering Gabriel’s injury history, having a capable backup is critical. A well-rounded quarterback with mobility, a strong arm, and the ability to learn from the current system could be an important addition for the Sooners.
### 6. **Secondary Reinforcements**
While the Oklahoma secondary showed signs of improvement under Venables in 2023, there is still work to be done. The Sooners have talent in the back end but need more depth and playmaking ability at cornerback and safety. A strong, experienced cornerback who can shut down an opposing team’s top target would go a long way in giving Oklahoma’s defense the edge it needs in high-pressure situations.
As offenses continue to evolve and the passing game becomes more potent across the country, Venables’ defense will need to keep pace. Adding a transfer with elite coverage skills or an experienced safety who can help lead the secondary could be a game-changer for the Sooners in 2024.
### Conclusion
As Oklahoma moves past the Winter Transfer Portal window, the Sooners’ roster still has some clear areas that need attention. The team is well-positioned in terms of recruiting and player development, but leveraging the transfer portal to address key needs like defensive line depth, offensive line upgrades, playmaking receivers, and linebacker reinforcements will be critical to their success moving forward.
The combination of strong recruiting, the right transfer portal additions, and continued development under Brent Venables will be crucial to Oklahoma’s goal of returning to national prominence. The 2024 season represents another step in the program’s evolution, and if the Sooners can effectively address these remaining gaps, they will be well-positioned to contend for a Big 12 title and make a run at the College Football Playoff.
