As college football continues to evolve, the transfer portal has become one of the most important tools for programs to build and replenish their rosters. The University of Oklahoma, a program with a rich history and consistent championship aspirations, has been an active participant in the transfer portal, seeking to address needs and enhance their depth in key areas. One such area of focus for head coach Brent Venables and his staff has been the tight end position, and the Sooners just made a significant addition: landing their second transfer portal tight end for the 2025 season.
The commitment of this second transfer portal tight end is a major development for Oklahoma, especially given the team’s evolving offensive scheme and the importance of the position in their attack. Tight ends have always played an integral role in the Sooners’ offensive identity, and with this latest addition, Oklahoma has positioned itself to be even more dangerous in the coming seasons.
### Why Tight End Is Such a Key Position for Oklahoma
Under offensive coordinator Jeff Lebby, Oklahoma has transitioned to a more balanced attack that integrates both the passing game and power running concepts. While the team has traditionally been known for its high-flying aerial offense, tight ends are now crucial to creating mismatches in both the passing game and as blocking weapons in the running game. The role of the tight end in Lebby’s system has evolved, with the position expected to be versatile and capable of contributing in multiple facets of the game.
This means that Oklahoma’s tight ends aren’t just expected to catch passes in the middle of the field or along the sidelines—they need to be versatile blockers, capable of opening running lanes in the trenches and providing protection in the passing game. A dual-threat tight end who can do both—block effectively and stretch the field as a pass-catcher—has become one of the most valuable assets in this offensive scheme.
With that in mind, the addition of a second transfer portal tight end gives the Sooners flexibility and options in their game plan. Whether it’s creating mismatches against defenders in the passing game or providing stability in the blocking game, this acquisition represents a critical step in Oklahoma’s continued efforts to develop a complete offense.
### The First Transfer Portal Tight End: A Foundation for the Future
Oklahoma’s first transfer portal tight end came in the form of **Austin Stogner**, a familiar face who returned to Norman after spending time at South Carolina. Stogner initially started his career at Oklahoma, playing for the Sooners from 2019 to 2021, before transferring to South Carolina for two seasons. Known for his size (6’6”, 250 pounds) and red-zone prowess, Stogner has already proven to be a valuable asset in the passing game.
During his time at South Carolina, Stogner showed that he could be a reliable target in a variety of situations, particularly in the red zone. His size and ability to create separation in contested situations made him an ideal target for quarterbacks, especially in short-yardage and goal-line situations. Stogner’s decision to return to Oklahoma was a welcome one, as he is expected to be an immediate contributor, bringing experience, leadership, and a strong understanding of the offensive system.
Stogner’s addition to the roster has already given Oklahoma a reliable and experienced tight end, one who can stretch the field and create mismatches. However, the Sooners weren’t content with just adding one tight end—they knew that in order to maximize their offensive potential and create more competition at the position, they needed to go after another.
### The Second Transfer Portal Tight End: A Game-Changer
Enter **Walter Rouse**, the second transfer portal tight end Oklahoma has secured for the 2025 season. Rouse, a standout tight end from a Group of Five program, brings a unique skill set that complements Stogner’s talents while filling a different role in the offense. At 6’5″, 240 pounds, Rouse is an athletic and dynamic tight end who thrives as both a blocker and a pass-catcher.
Rouse’s skill set makes him a perfect fit for the Sooners’ offensive philosophy. He has a natural ability to block at the point of attack, using his size and strength to seal off defenders and create space for the running backs. But what sets Rouse apart is his hands. He’s shown the ability to catch passes effectively, running sharp routes and demonstrating good ball skills. His versatility gives the coaching staff options, as he can be used as both a traditional tight end who lines up next to the tackle and a flex tight end who can move around the formation and create mismatches against linebackers or defensive backs.
What makes Rouse’s addition even more significant is the depth he provides at a position that was becoming a bit of a concern for Oklahoma. While Stogner’s return gave the Sooners a veteran presence, Rouse adds another layer of competition and flexibility. The combination of Stogner’s experience and Rouse’s raw potential allows the Sooners to approach the position in a way that makes their offense more dynamic and unpredictable.
With two quality transfer portal tight ends now in the fold, Oklahoma has dramatically improved its depth at the position, giving the team multiple options to exploit defensive weaknesses and keep opponents guessing. Whether it’s utilizing the tight ends in 12-personnel (two tight ends, one running back) to provide both blocking support and receiving options or putting them in spread formations to stretch the defense, the Sooners now have a versatile and dangerous group of tight ends at their disposal.
### The Impact on Oklahoma’s 2025 Offense
The addition of two transfer portal tight ends couldn’t come at a better time for Oklahoma. The Sooners are entering a critical period in their program’s trajectory, as they aim to reassert themselves as one of the top teams in the Big 12 and eventually compete at the national level. For head coach Brent Venables and offensive coordinator Jeff Lebby, building a multifaceted offense is key to their long-term success, and the tight end position is central to that vision.
With Stogner and Rouse now in the fold, Oklahoma has the ability to run multiple offensive schemes that can keep defenses on their heels. The versatility and depth at tight end will allow the Sooners to mix and match personnel groupings, making it harder for opposing defenses to key in on one particular aspect of the game. Whether it’s running the ball with power, spreading the field in the passing game, or using play-action to create big plays, Oklahoma now has the pieces in place to execute a more balanced and potent offensive attack.
Moreover, the tight ends will be crucial in helping Oklahoma’s quarterback, likely **Dillon Gabriel** or a new signal-caller, develop confidence and build chemistry. Tight ends often serve as safety valves for quarterbacks, providing reliable targets in short-yardage and third-down situations. Their blocking ability also helps in providing protection for the quarterback, allowing the offense to develop at a faster pace.
For the Sooners’ running backs, having two quality tight ends who can block at a high level will be invaluable. In a power-running system, tight ends are often responsible for sealing the edge and clearing lanes for the running backs. Rouse’s and Stogner’s blocking ability will be critical in helping Oklahoma establish a strong ground game, something that has been a cornerstone of the offense throughout its history.
### Looking Ahead: What Does This Mean for Oklahoma’s Future?
With two top-tier transfer portal tight ends now on the roster, Oklahoma’s offense looks poised for success in the coming seasons. The combination of Stogner’s veteran experience and Rouse’s versatility gives the Sooners a potent tight end duo that can impact the game in a variety of ways. Both players are capable of being stars in their own right, and when used together, they could form one of the most dangerous tight end combinations in the country.
As the Sooners continue to build out their roster and fine-tune their offensive game plan, the tight end position is now one of their greatest strengths. With a more balanced, dynamic offensive attack on the horizon, Oklahoma’s prospects for success in 2025 and beyond look brighter than ever. The addition of these two transfer portal tight ends could very well be the key to unlocking the full potential of this Sooners team.