There are some players in the Oklahoma Sooners' minor league system in Stillwater that need to be called up soon.
Between Trace Ford and Kendal Daniels recently, the Sooners have built a pipeline and had success in talent they've gotten from in-state rival Oklahoma State. It's an easy process and move from just down the highway, with many being Oklahoma products who have only developed since high school.
There will be more opportunity than ever before this transfer cycle with the Cowboys experiencing a mass exodus because of a coaching change after Mike Gundy was fired early in the season. The Transfer Portal doesn't officially open until Jan. 2, but some OSU players are in the portal already after taking advantage of the 30-day window when Gundy was fired. A few have already even visited Norman for a game, making it clear the Sooners are looking to poach players from an easy target.
Sooners potential Transfer Portal targets from OSU
Stillwater born and raised, tight end Josh Ford hasn't just visited Norman recently, but has even already narrowed his options down to five, including the Sooners. Ford will have three years of eligibility left after starting as a freshman and redshirting this season, making him a long-term boost for the Sooners' thinnest position.
In four games this season before redshirting, Ford caught three passes for 45 yards and scored a touchdown in his last appearance against Baylor on Sept. 27. In 2024, Ford was one of just two freshmen to start for OSU. He finished his freshman campaign with 10 receptions for 92 yards and a TD while playing in every game and making six starts.
Defensive end Wendell Gregory is the only player on this list that isn't actually expected to enter the portal, at least not yet. Although a decision hasn't been reported or announced, there's no doubt other programs have already been after Gregory as the best player on the Cowboys' roster, and the Sooners should also definitely be in the mix as soon as possible.
Gregory was just named Big 12 Defensive Freshman of the Year and made the All-Big 12 Third Team after leading all freshmen in the FBS with 12 tackles for loss this season. He also had four sacks.
OSU will do all it can to keep Gregory in Stillwater, but there might be too much opportunity and money for Gregory to ignore. He's also been at OSU for only a year after transferring from South Carolina last cycle.
The Sooners hosted OSU starting right guard Noah McKinney for a visit during the season and even made his top 5, but McKinney eventually committed to TCU. However, since McKinney's decision, offensive coordinator Kendal Briles and offensive line coach Randy Clements left TCU for South Carolina, so that recruitment was likely busted wide open.
The Sooners will lose starting right guard Febechi Nwaiwu after the season. There's plenty of talent behind Nwaiwu, but as the No. 1 offensive lineman currently in the portal as a redshirt junior, McKinney has the talent and experience to at least provide solid depth for the Sooners, if not compete for a starting job.
Wide receiver Talyn Shettron, listed at 6-foot-2, is a former four-star recruit from Edmond, Oklahoma, who at one time in high school was even committed to the Sooners. Injuries, though, have hampered Shettron's college career to this point, but the talent is still definitely there.
OU fans are probably hesitant about an injury-prone receiver, but Shettron's lack of production because of that and his clear want to stay close to home could make him a value steal for OU general manager Jim Nagy. He's also from the same Edmond Sante Fe High School as Trace Ford, who was his teammate with two different teams.