Oklahoma Sooners lose star wide receiver to the transfer portal

Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver Nic Anderson expected to enter the transfer portal.

The Oklahoma Sooners saw another big name on their roster announce his intentions to enter the [autotag]transfer portal[/autotag] on Thursday.

Wide receiver [autotag]Nic Anderson[/autotag], who spent three seasons in Norman, will enter the portal when it opens on Monday, according to a report from Matt Zenitz and Chris Hummer of 247Sports.

Anderson missed all but one game this season due to injury. In his only appearance against Tennessee, Anderson was targeted once and had to leave the game after reaggravating the hamstring injury he dealt with from the beginning of fall camp. He didn’t register a catch in 2024.

That’s a stark contrast from his 2023 season, when he caught 10 touchdowns, enjoying a breakout campaign. He’s a key member of the defining play of the [autotag]Brent Venables[/autotag] era at Oklahoma: the game-winning touchdown pass from Dillon Gabriel against Texas in 2023.

Anderson was a four-star prospect and a member of the [autotag]2022 recruiting class[/autotag], Venables’ first at OU. Now he’s looking for a fresh start.

Anderson joins Jaquaize Pettaway, quarterback Jackson Arnold and running backs [autotag]Kalib Hicks[/autotag] and [autotag]Emeka Megwa[/autotag] as players who intend to enter the [autotag]transfer portal[/autotag] less than a week after OU’s regular season came to a close.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DDNcLPnSec7/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Contact/Follow us @SoonersWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oklahoma news, notes and opinions. You can also follow Aaron on X @AaronGelvin.

What did new OC Ben Arbuckle say about the Oklahoma Sooners 2025 recruiting class?

What did new offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle have to say about the Oklahoma Sooners 2025 recruiting class?

The Oklahoma Sooners finalized their [autotag]2025 recruiting class[/autotag] on the first day of the [autotag]early signing period[/autotag], adding 18 players for next season from the high school ranks.

It’s the Sooners smallest recruiting class in the Brent Venables era. With a new roster limit of 105 on the horizon, the Sooners and the rest of college football will be feeling a roster crunch.

Though the Sooners added talent on both sides of the football, the players on offense weren’t recruited by Arbuckle, save for quarterback [autotag]Jett Niu[/autotag], who flipped to the Sooners on Wednesday after being committed to Oklahoma State since September. Niu was offered by Washington State earlier in the year.

So what did Arbuckle have to say about Oklahoma’s class of signees?

“These coaches did an unbelievable job. Everybody in the personnel department, everybody in scouting did an unbelievable job of finding the right talent, acquiring them and bringing them here to OU,” Arbuckle said via The Oklahoman. “I see playmakers all over the field.”

At wide receiver, the Sooners added big-time talents [autotag]Elijah Thomas[/autotag] from Checotah, Oklahoma, and [autotag]Emmanuel Choice[/autotag] out of Lancaster, Texas. The Sooners also brought in a dynamic running back, [autotag]Tory Blaylock[/autotag]. At tight end, the Sooners added Trynae Washington, who can play both offense and defense.

But where the Sooners really made strides on the recruiting trail was in their offensive line additions. Oklahoma added a pair of top-10 offensive tackles: [autotag]Michael Fasusi[/autotag] and [autotag]Ryan Fodje[/autotag]. The Sooners also added a trio of physical interior offensive line prospects: Darius Afalava, Owen Hollenbeck and preferred walk-on Sean Hutton.

With these additions, Arbuckle has an intriguing group of players to work with on offense. The program has to get the veterans healthy and continue to develop the offensive line. But there’s a great deal of potential if the Sooners can have better injury luck than in 2024.

Contact/Follow us @SoonersWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oklahoma news, notes and opinions. You can also follow John on X @john9williams.

Where does the Oklahoma defense rank in stop rate after the regular season?

Analyzing where Oklahoma Football ranks in defensive stop rate after 12 games.

This year, the Oklahoma Sooners boasted the best defense they’d had in a long time. It may not have been the elite unit that head coach [autotag]Brent Venables[/autotag] and defensive coordinator [autotag]Zac Alley[/autotag] were shooting for, but it was still the best in years.

Unfortunately, OU’s offense fell off a cliff, the Sooners went just 6-6 in 2024 and posted just a 2-6 record in Southeastern Conference play. Despite a rough performance in the finale against the LSU Tigers, it’s been a good season overall for this defense.

One metric that shows how well the Oklahoma defense played this year is “stop rate.” ESPN and staff writer Max Olson compiled all 134 FBS defenses in 2024 after the regular season, ranking them by their defensive stop rate.

What is stop rate? It’s a basic measurement of success: the percentage of a defense’s drives that end in punts, turnovers or a turnover on downs. – Olson, ESPN

Exiting the final week of the regular season, Oklahoma’s defense ranks 23rd in the country, stopping the opposition 69.7 percent of the time. That’s an 11-spot drop from last week, and it’s also a drop of over two percentage points in stop rate after the Tigers rolled offensively against this unit. However, the Sooners allowed just 1.53 points per drive over 12 games.

The highest stop rate in the country belongs to the rival Texas Longhorns, who are headed to the [autotag]SEC[/autotag] Championship Game on Saturday.

The job Venables and Alley did with the defense this season was excellent, especially considering the woeful place it was in when the head coach found it three years ago. No one can argue that he hasn’t improved that side of the ball mightily.

However, it’s what he does on the other side of the ball that will determine whether or not the Sooners get back to the place they want to be alongside the elites of college football. Venables has bet his head coaching career on new offensive coordinator [autotag]Ben Arbuckle[/autotag], whom he hired on Monday.

Contact/Follow us @SoonersWire on X, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oklahoma news, notes, and opinions. You can also follow Aaron on X @AaronGelvin.

Oklahoma’s Ben Arbuckle has impressive quarterback track record

Oklahoma’s new offensive coordinator is something of a QB whisperer.

The search for the next Oklahoma Sooners offensive coordinator is over. Coach [autotag]Brent Venables[/autotag] hired Ben Arbuckle away from the Washington State Cougars to call plays and coach quarterbacks in Norman.

Though Arbuckle is just 29 years old, he has already called plays for three seasons. He cut his teeth under new Florida Atlantic coach and previous Texas Tech offensive coordinator Zach Kittley. He may be young, but he has earned a reputation as a quarterback whisperer in a very short time.

After Sooners fans suffered through a 2024 season of watching a broken offense and quarterbacks who weren’t handled or coached correctly, Arbuckle is a sight for sore eyes. Whether it’s [autotag]Michael Hawkins Jr.[/autotag] or a [autotag]transfer portal[/autotag] quarterback who starts for the Sooners next year, they’ll have Arbuckle as his primary teacher.

But who has Arbuckle coached prior to landing in Norman? Here is each QB he’s tutored at the college level.

Bailey Zappe

Houston Baptist (FCS), 2018-2019; Western Kentucky, 2021

Arbuckle’s coaching career started as a quality control coach at FCS Houston Baptist in 2018 and 2019. It was there that he worked with Bailey Zappe, and was instrumental in the young QB’s development.

Zappe threw 58 touchdowns to just 28 interceptions over those two seasons. After a year in the high school ranks in Texas, Arbuckle found his way back to Zappe in 2021 at Western Kentucky. Arbuckle was an offensive quality control coach, and Zappe was once again the starter under center. They worked closely together again.

Zappe broke Football Bowl Subdivision records that season, throwing 62 touchdown passes, 11 interceptions and almost 6,000 yards. He was drafted by the New England Patriots after the year, starting a few games for them over a couple of seasons.

That performance earned the OC, Kittley, the same job at Texas Tech. Arbuckle was chosen to succeed Kittley in 2022.

Austin Reed

Western Kentucky, 2022

In his first stint calling plays. Arbuckle worked with WKU’s Austin Reed. A 40-to-11 touchdown-to-interception ratio in 2022 speaks for itself, but Reed also threw for 4,744 yards for one of the best offenses in college football. His yardage total led the nation.

Arbuckle left Tyson Helton’s staff to take the same job under Jake Dickert at Washington State. Reed stayed with the Hilltoppers, but saw his stats dip in 2023 without Arbuckle. He signed with the Chicago Bears as an undrafted free agent and is in the midst of his rookie season.

Cam Ward

Washington State, 2023

In his first of two seasons in Pullman, Arbuckle mentored Cam Ward, a former Incarnate Word transfer. Ward threw for over 3,700 yards, 25 touchdowns and 7 interceptions, all improvements over his previous season with the Cougars.

Ward’s 2023 campaign made him a high-profile player and the new quarterback of the Miami Hurricanes after he transferred to South Florida for 2024. He’s been arguably the best quarterback in the country, leading Miami to a 10-2 regular season. He’ll likely be a Heisman Trophy finalist and a high pick in April’s NFL Draft.

After Ward transferred, Arbuckle needed another QB for the 2024 season.

John Mateer

Washington State, 2024

Arbuckle found his guy in unheralded three-star prospect John Mateer. Mateer has been a revelation for the Cougars this year. He has thrown for 3,139 yards, 29 touchdowns and seven interceptions. He added 15 scores on the ground to lead the Football Bowl Subdivision with 44 total touchdowns.

The interesting part of this equation is Mateer is a candidate to enter the portal this offseason. OU and Arbuckle are a distinct possibility for a landing spot if he does. Other schools will certainly vie for his services as well, making Arbuckle’s next QB protégée still up in the air for 2025.

Contact/Follow us @SoonersWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oklahoma news, notes and opinions. You can also follow Aaron on X @AaronGelvin.

QB Jackson Arnold expected to enter transfer portal per report

Oklahoma Sooners quarterback Jackson Arnold expected to hit the transfer portal per report.

Oklahoma quarterback [autotag]Jackson Arnold[/autotag] intends to enter the [autotag]transfer portal[/autotag], according to a report from CBS Sports/247Sports Matt Zenitz.

The 2024 season didn’t go as planned for the Oklahoma Sooners on the offensive side of the ball. Injuries at wide receiver and along the offensive line and the relative inexperience and talent deficiency that came with that put a damper on what had a chance to be a good offense for the Oklahoma Sooners.

Arnold, was left to try to pick up the pieces of the offense. It was a rough season for the former Gatorade National Player of the Year, who struggled with turnovers and, at times, indecision as a passer. Arnold was benched in the first half of the loss to Tennessee after three turnovers in the first half.

He regained the starting job after a solid performance against South Carolina in relief of Michael Hawkins Jr., but could never put it together as a passer given the circumstances.

Still, he had some really good moments, particularly the win over Alabama, where he showed his toughness and running ability to lead the Sooners to the top 10 win.

Oklahoma’s struggles went well beyond the quarterback position, but with turnover at offensive coordinator, there was a chance you’d see some turnover at quarterback this offseason.

Arnold finished the 2024 season completing 62.6% of his passes for 1,421 yards, 12 touchdowns and three interceptions. He also added 444 rushing yards and three touchdowns, highlighting his dual-threat ability.

Though there are more experienced quarterbacks in the transfer portal market, Arnold will have plenty of suitors. He’s got big-time ability and given the right situation, could have a resurgent year in 2025.

Contact/Follow us @SoonersWire on X, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oklahoma news, notes, and opinions. You can also follow John on X @john9williams.

5-Star offensive tackle signs with the Oklahoma Sooners

Oklahoma Sooners earn signature of five-star offensive tackle Michael Fasusi.

The Oklahoma Sooners completed the recruitment of five-star offensive tackle Michael Fasusi on the first day of the early signing period. Despite late pushes from Texas and Texas A&M to flip Fasusi from the Sooners, the Lewisville, Texas product signed with the Sooners.

Fasusi is the highest-rated prospect in the class, coming in at No. 9 in the nation, according to Rivals and ESPN. Fasusi represents the No. 2 offensive tackle in the country, providing [autotag]Bill Bedenbaugh[/autotag] with a pair of top 10 offensive tackles in the [autotag]2025 recruiting class[/autotag] along with Ryan Fodje, who signed earlier in the day.

Fasusi’s been arguably the No. 1 priority for the Sooners in the cycle. He moves incredibly well in space, does a great job in pass protection, and looks to put the defender on the ground. He’s got the prototypical size for the position and will have the opportunity to push for snaps in year one with the Sooners.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DDLEslsBNc4/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Film

Hudl

Rating

	Stars	Overall	Position	State
ESPN	5	9	2	3
Rivals	5	12	2	4
247Sports	5	17	3	6
247 Composite	5	13	2	5
On3 Recruiting	5	22	6	7
On3 Industry	5	13	2	5

Vitals

Hometown	Lewisville, Texas
Projected Position	Offensive Tackle
Height	6-foot-5
Weight	299

Contact/Follow us @SoonersWire on X, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oklahoma news, notes, and opinions. You can also follow John on X @john9williams.

Oklahoma wide receiver commit flips to Nebraska during Early Signing Period

Oklahoma Sooners four-star wide receiver target flips to Nebraska on the first day of the early signing period.

The Oklahoma Sooners had a fairly clean morning during the [autotag]early signing period[/autotag]. The only defection from the [autotag]2025 recruiting class[/autotag] was four-star wide receiver [autotag]Cortez Mills[/autotag].

Mills flipped from Oklahoma to Nebraska during a signing ceremony on Wednesday morning. It’s not completely unexpected, as On3’s Steve Wiltfong and Chad Simmons projected Mills to flip to the Cornhuskers over the weekend. But a final push from the Sooners appeared to put them back in a favorable position with the early signing period approaching.

During his ceremony, it appeared Mills chose Oklahoma but pulled off his OU shirt to reveal the Nebraska logo.

It’s another loss at wide receiver for the Sooners over the last week after Marcus Harris and Gracen Harris also decommitted from the class. However, with a number of veteran wide receivers set to return for 2025 and the additions of Elijah Thomas and Emmanuel Choice, the Sooners are still in a good position at wide receiver moving forward.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DDKRyYER-6j/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Contact/Follow us @SoonersWire on X, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oklahoma news, notes, and opinions. You can also follow John on X @john9williams.

In-state defensive end prospect signs with the Oklahoma Sooners

In-state defensive end signs with the Oklahoma Sooners on the first day of the early signing period.

The Oklahoma Sooners added a high-upside defensive end on the first day of the [autotag]early signing period[/autotag] when [autotag]Alexander Shieldnight[/autotag] signed with the Sooners.

Rivals considers Shieldnight the No. 34 defensive end prospect in the [autotag]2025 recruiting class[/autotag] and the No. 7 prospect in the state of Oklahoma.

At 6-foot-3 and 235 pounds, Shieldnight has the size to be disruptive off the edge for the Oklahoma Sooners. He’s a great athlete, serving as both a defensive end and a tight end for Wagoner. He also wins with a motor that doesn’t quit. He shows good explosiveness and does a great job using his length on both the pass rush and in the run game.

When he committed in November of 2023, Shieldnight chose the Sooners over Oklahoma State, Arkansas, Texas Tech, Kansas, Tennessee, Vanderbilt, Tulsa, and Houston.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DDKZDKPRcTy/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Film

Hudl

Rating

	Stars	Overall	Position	State
ESPN	3	—	68	10
Rivals	3	—	34	7
247Sports	3	—	104	25
247 Composite	3	796	61	13
On3 Recruiting	3	—	105	17
On3 Industry	3	810	76	14

Vitals

Hometown	Wagoner, Olka.
Projected Position	Defensive End
Height	6-foot-3
Weight	235 pounds

Contact/Follow us @SoonersWire on X, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oklahoma news, notes, and opinions. You can also follow John on X @john9williams.

Oklahoma Sooners flip quarterback prospect away from Oklahoma State

Oklahoma Sooners flipped 2025 quarterback prospect Jett Niu from Oklahoma State on the first day of the early signing period.

Just a few days on the job, and offensive coordinator [autotag]Ben Arbuckle[/autotag] is making his presence felt. On the first day of the [autotag]early signing period[/autotag], the Oklahoma Sooners added quarterback [autotag]Jett Niu[/autotag], who signed with the Sooners Wednesday.

Niu was originally committed to Appalachian State before flipping to Oklahoma State in September. Niu received an offer from Arbuckle and Washington State back in January, and now the Sooners have added the high-upside quarterback to their [autotag]2025 recruiting class[/autotag].

Niu has good size for the position at 6-foot-2 and is an accurate passer. He throws with anticipation and does a great job targeting the middle of the field. He’s got a quick release. Niu is a good athlete who displays the ability to extend plays and pick up yards in the scramble game.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DDKN0dfx5Sn/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Film

Hudl

Rating

	Stars	Overall	Position	State
ESPN	3	—	67	19
Rivals	3	—	—	10
247Sports	3	—	58	14
247 Composite	3	1400	83	15
On3 Recruiting	3	—	111	18
On3 Industry	3	1482	88	17

Vitals

Hometown	Lehi, Utah
Projected Position	QB
Height	6-foot-2
Weight	180 pounds

Contact/Follow us @SoonersWire on X, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oklahoma news, notes, and opinions. You can also follow John on X @john9williams.

Offensive lineman Darius Afalava signs with the Oklahoma Sooners

Oklahoma Sooners add 2025 interior offensive lineman Darius Afalava during the early signing period.

The Oklahoma Sooners hope to improve their offensive line play in 2025 after injuries and inconsistency hindered the group in their first season in the SEC. Joining the ranks during the [autotag]early signing period[/autotag] is three-star interior offensive lineman [autotag]Darius Afalava[/autotag] out of Lehi, Utah.

ESPN and Rivals consider Afalava a top 25 interior offensive line prospect in the [autotag]2025 recruiting class[/autotag]

Afalava had 23 Power Four offers and chose the Sooners over Utah, Washington, and Michigan State, who were in his final four.

He’s got great size and moves well in space, allowing the Utah product to be effective as a puller in the running game.

Afalava is a true guard in every sense. He could slide out to right tackle in a pinch, but with his strength, hand placement, and base, he seems like a seamless fit as a guard who can handle the size in the SEC and make a difference in the trenches. – Bryant Crews, Sooners Wire

Afalava joins an interior offensive line group that includes returning starters Heath Ozaeta and Febechi Nwaiwu and [autotag]2024 recruiting class[/autotag] standouts Eddy Pierre-Louis and Eugene Brooks.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DDKQeQ8xHxV/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Film

Hudl

Rating

	Stars	Overall	Position	State
ESPN	3	—	21	2
Rivals	4	—	25	2
247Sports	3	—	44	6
247 Composite	3	515	36	4
On3 Recruiting	3	—	90	8
On3 Industry	3	577	50	4

Vitals

Hometown	Lehi, Utah
Projected Position	IOL
Height	6-5
Weight	320 pounds

Contact/Follow us @SoonersWire on X, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oklahoma news, notes, and opinions. You can also follow John on X @john9williams.