Former Oklahoma Sooners linebacker [autotag]Lewis Carter[/autotag] has found his new home via the NCAA [autotag]transfer portal[/autotag].
Carter committed to Scott Frost and the UCF Knights on Saturday, per reports. He spent two seasons in Norman as a reserve linebacker but was in line for a larger role in 2025. He totaled 30 tackles, one forced fumble, and one recovered fumble in his time with the Sooners. He’s the second Oklahoma player to head to Orlando, joining Phil Picciotti. Former OU defensive coordinator Alex Grinch is the Knights’ defensive coordinator.
Carter’s departure is one of the biggest portal blows that OU has suffered on the defensive side, and he was the first player to leave the program after former defensive coordinator/linebackers coach Zac Alley left for the same role at West Virginia.
The Sooners are suddenly a little thin at inside linebacker heading into Year $ under head coach [autotag]Brent Venables[/autotag]. The loss of Danny Stutsman was going to hurt regardless, but losing Carter, Picciotti and Dasan McCullough has emptied the room a bit.
Kip Lewis and Kobie McKinzie are in line to start on the inside, and Jaren Kanak could end up being asked to contribute more next season. The Sooners should also be looking to add a player or two at the position in the portal as well.