Oklahoma fans experienced their first shock of the transfer cycle with linebacker Kobie McKinzie's plans to enter the Transfer Portal for the first time in his career once it officially opens on Jan. 2. Come next season, fans will have to get used to seeing McKinzie in something other than a crimson and cream jersey, unless the Sooners manage to change to his mind.
McKinzie had been with the Sooners since signing with the 2022 class and was a contributor on defense the last three seasons, including 10 starts. He started the first eight games of the season this year at middle linebacker before losing the job to breakout star Owen Heinecke. Even after a dip in playing time, McKinzie still finished with career highs in tackles (32) and tackles for loss (6.5).
That experience and production, especially in the SEC, will make McKinzie a hot commodity this cycle, but there are already a few likely destinations that stick out as possibilities for where McKinzie will play his final year of eligibility.
Where could Kobie McKinzie transfer to after OU?
Texas A&M Aggies
McKinzie already has proven experience in the SEC, so will draw plenty of interest from other conference foes. He was at one point briefly committed to Texas out of high school, but it's hard to imagine he'll go from crimson to burnt orange. However, as a Texas native, McKinzie could still be closer to home and stay in the SEC with a move to Texas A&M, which has plenty of NIL money to offer and would still put McKinzie on another College Football Playoff contender.
Texas Tech Red Raiders
A four-star recruit in the 2022 class out of Lubbock-Cooper High School, McKinzie originally committed to his hometown Red Raiders. Since, Texas Tech has risen as a serious national contender with a solid defense and recruits out of the Transfer Portal just as well as anyone in college football. Between location, money and opportunity, if the Red Raiders really want McKinzie, they have more than any other program to offer McKinzie.
USC Trojans
Lincoln Riley was who originally drew McKinzie to Oklahoma out of high school. McKinzie committed to the Sooners, but then flipped to Texas after Riley left OU for USC. However, after Brent Venables took over, McKinzie re-committed to the Sooners. Four years later, that prior relationship could finally actually put McKinzie on Riley's roster that's always desperate for defensive help.