With spring ball wrapping up, Oklahoma enters the break with a clear understanding of what their roster needs are before they return to campus for summer workouts.
One of those needs was filled on Sunday as the Oklahoma Sooners landed a commitment from former SMU center Branson Hickman.
Hickman entered the transfer portal in January and already holds his degree from SMU. Oklahoma reached out to him after Troy Everett’s injury, and he visited for the spring game. The visit went well enough this weekend that he committed. With more than 2,400 snaps to his ledger, he’s all but assured a leg up on starting at center this season.
Depth at the center was a significant issue when Everett went down. Joshua Bates was good in the spring game, but the addition of Hickman allows the Sooners to continue to be patient with Bates as he develops.
BREAKING: Former SMU OL Branson Hickman has Committed to Oklahoma, he tells @on3sports
The 6’3 300 OL was the Top Available IOL in the Portal (per On3)
Has 33 career starts and was an All-AAC selection in 2023
“Let’s work. Boomer!”https://t.co/FuRCKhXliX pic.twitter.com/UclHQ8upVR
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) April 21, 2024
Hickman spent four seasons with the Mustangs. He started the final 33 games, including 12 in 2022 and all 14 this past season. This past season, he was named to the Rimington Trophy Preseason Watch List, which honors the best centers in the NCAA. He was also a Second-Team All-American Athletic Conference selection this year.
Hickman may be on the smaller side, playing just under 300 pounds this past year. However, his football IQ and technique have been lauded. He should add a lot of stability to the Sooners’ offensive line as they try to stabilize it in front of new starting quarterback Jackson Arnold.
Oklahoma’s commitment to improving their line play before entering the SEC continues with this commitment.
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