The Oklahoma Sooners are no strangers to making waves in college football, and they’ve once again caught the attention of fans and analysts alike with a major addition to their offense. In a move that solidifies their depth and strengthens their playmaking options for the future, the Sooners have added a new tight end via the transfer portal. With the 2025 season fast approaching, the addition of this talented player could have a significant impact on Oklahoma’s offense, especially as they look to maintain their championship aspirations in the competitive Big 12 Conference.
In this blog post, we’ll break down the new tight end addition, what he brings to the table, and why this move is an essential step in the Sooners’ quest to build a complete and dynamic offense for the upcoming season.
### Who is the New Tight End?
The Oklahoma Sooners have secured a commitment from **Jordan Matthews**, a 6’6″, 250-pound tight end who has spent the last three seasons with the **Texas Longhorns**. Matthews is a former four-star recruit who originally chose Texas out of high school, but after a few seasons in Austin, he decided to enter the transfer portal looking for a fresh start and a larger role in an offense that can maximize his skills.
During his time at Texas, Matthews showcased flashes of his potential. He has solid hands, good athleticism for his size, and a strong ability to block in both the running and passing game. Despite being buried on the depth chart at Texas due to the presence of other highly regarded tight ends, Matthews was always viewed as a raw but talented player with a lot of upside.
After entering the portal, Matthews received interest from several high-profile programs, but his decision to transfer to Oklahoma could be a game-changer for his career. Under head coach **Brent Venables** and offensive coordinator **Jeff Lebby**, Matthews will be stepping into a high-powered offense that utilizes the tight end position effectively, making him a perfect fit for the Sooners’ scheme.
### Why is This Addition So Important?
The addition of Matthews is a significant move for the Sooners, and here’s why:
#### 1. **Filling a Critical Need**
Oklahoma’s offense is known for being explosive, with playmakers like **Dillon Gabriel** at quarterback and **Marvin Mims** at wide receiver. However, the tight end position has been a spot that the Sooners have been trying to solidify in recent years. While the team has had capable players at tight end, none have emerged as consistent, dynamic threats in both the passing and running game.
In 2024, Oklahoma’s tight end production was decent but lacked the type of playmaking ability that elite teams have at the position. With the departure of key players to the NFL and other injuries, the Sooners needed to bring in a player who could step in and immediately contribute. Matthews provides that boost. His combination of size, athleticism, and blocking ability gives the Sooners a weapon that can both stretch the field as a receiver and provide additional support in the run game, making him an incredibly valuable asset.
#### 2. **Versatility in Offensive Schemes**
One of the hallmarks of Jeff Lebby’s offense is its versatility. The Sooners run a fast-paced, high-tempo attack that can spread the field, create mismatches, and exploit defenses. Tight ends in this system often line up in various positions across the field: inline as traditional blockers, in the slot as pass-catchers, and even split out wide to create mismatches against defenders.
Matthews’ athleticism and ability to line up at different spots across the formation make him a perfect fit for Lebby’s offense. At 6’6″, Matthews has the size to block effectively in the run game, but he also possesses the speed and ball skills to stretch the defense as a receiving threat. This dual threat gives Oklahoma another dimension on offense. With Matthews, they’ll have the option to use him as a traditional tight end or move him around to exploit mismatches, creating problems for opposing defenses that will already be focused on key players like Gabriel and Mims.
#### 3. **Impact on the Running Game**
In college football, an effective tight end can be a crucial part of a team’s running attack. Tight ends who are skilled blockers can create holes for running backs, helping to establish the ground game and keep defenses honest. Oklahoma’s offense, known for its ability to produce explosive running plays, can benefit greatly from a strong tight end like Matthews who can help with both short-yardage and red-zone situations.
The Sooners’ offensive line is solid, but having a reliable blocker at tight end can further enhance the running game, especially when the team looks to get physical in short-yardage or goal-line situations. Matthews can be an additional asset in helping running backs like **Eric Gray** (who has since moved on, but the team has several capable backs) and **Gavin Sawchuk** get to the second level, or even punch through the line when the team is looking to move the chains in tight spaces.
#### 4. **Developmental Upside**
While Matthews already possesses a solid skill set, he’s also a player with tremendous upside. After spending a few seasons under the guidance of the Texas coaching staff, he now has the chance to develop further under Brent Venables and Lebby. Both are known for their ability to develop players and utilize their skills in creative ways.
Given Matthews’ size and natural athleticism, it wouldn’t be surprising if he took his game to the next level with the Sooners. If he can improve his route running and become more consistent as a pass-catcher, Matthews has the potential to be one of the top tight ends in the Big 12 and a future NFL prospect. The Sooners will look to help Matthews refine his craft and maximize his potential, turning him into a centerpiece of their offense for the next few years.
### What Does This Mean for Oklahoma’s 2025 Season?
The Sooners’ move to add Matthews via the transfer portal could be one of the key steps in ensuring they remain competitive in the 2025 season. As the Big 12 continues to evolve and challenge Oklahoma, the Sooners must continue to upgrade their talent and maintain a balanced offensive attack.
Matthews’ ability to contribute immediately at tight end will provide Oklahoma with a new weapon that can keep defenses guessing. Whether he’s lined up to block, running routes over the middle, or creating mismatches in the red zone, Matthews offers a dynamic piece that will help the Sooners compete with teams like **Texas**, **Kansas State**, and **Baylor** in what is sure to be a competitive season.
Having a reliable tight end like Matthews also benefits the Sooners in the long-term picture. With the departure of key veterans over the next few years, Matthews could become the foundation for the tight end position, helping to develop future talent and maintaining a high level of play at a critical spot. His ability to mentor younger players while contributing on the field could have a ripple effect on the program for years to come.
### What This Means for the Future
Looking beyond the 2025 season, Matthews’ addition strengthens Oklahoma’s long-term trajectory. With the program transitioning into the **SEC** in 2024, the competition will get even tougher, and having a well-rounded offense that includes playmakers at every position will be crucial for success. Tight ends like Matthews, who are able to both block and catch passes effectively, will be key in helping Oklahoma adjust to the speed and physicality of the SEC.
In conclusion, the Sooners’ decision to add Jordan Matthews via the transfer portal is a smart, strategic move that bolsters their offense in multiple ways. Matthews’ size, athleticism, blocking ability, and potential as a receiving threat make him an excellent fit for Oklahoma’s scheme. As the team heads into the 2025 season, Matthews could emerge as one of the key players in their offense, helping to elevate the Sooners to new heights in the Big 12 and beyond. With an experienced coaching staff and a talented roster, Oklahoma’s addition of Matthews positions them well for both the present and the future.
