There's always next year, so since they're already too far behind to catch up this season, the Oklahoma Sooners need to get a head start on the 2027 roster.
Programs around college football are announcing deals they've already made with current players to return in 2027 instead of entering the Transfer Portal, including Mississippi State quarterback Kamario Taylor and Mizzou QB Austin Simmons. It's one less headache during a chaotic time early in the offseason and a pillar to build upon while trying to bring in talent from the portal.
OU also has a few players it needs to get an early deal done with to ensure they're back again next season. These aren't guys with an NFL option, and it's not saying they have intentions of transferring already, but they're promising underclassmen with the Transfer Portal being their only way out, so the Sooners need to shut their only exit sooner rather than later.
Offensive lineman Noah Best has been the biggest surprise of the season while starting every game so far during his freshman campaign.
Every lineman is valuable, especially with the Sooners' consistent injury problem up front, but Best will be invaluable in 2027, when OU will have to replace starting center Jake Maikkula. Best has spent most of his time at guard, but he made his debut at center and held his own.
It's difficult to find a reliable center, but the Sooners wouldn't have to go searching for one if Best is still around; plus, he can also play either guard spot as OU's most reliable lineman this season.
Starting left tackle Michael Fasusi inevitably has one college season left before heading to the NFL next year, so the Sooners need to make sure he spends his entire career wearing crimson and cream.
Fasusi, a sophomore, is OU's best offensive lineman and a former five-star recruit. He missed five games this season because of a shoulder injury, and it was immediately evident how important he was to the offense once he returned. After his third game back last week, he was named SEC Offensive Lineman of the Week.
It doesn't matter who the Sooners' offensive coordinator is next season, or who's playing quarterback; Fasusi will be crucial to the offense's success.
Offensive lineman Ryan Fodje has been sidelined for the last three games, but it can't be forgotten how valuable he is.
Fodje, who started as a freshman alongside Fasusi last season, wouldn't just be a three-year starter in 2027, but he could start literally anywhere the Sooners need him. He was expected to start at right guard this season, but spent most of the time filling in for Fasusi at left tackle and also stepped up to learn center.
That's irreplaceable versatility the Sooners couldn't find in the portal and gives OU flexibility on what depth it needs to add.
Sophomore Courtland Guillory could be one of the best cornerbacks in college football next season, if he isn't already. Guillory was a True Freshman All-American by On3 last year and has only improved this season, with two interceptions so far while locking down elite receivers.
Trystan Haynes, also a sophomore, needs to be opposite Guillory in 2027.
Starting corner Eli Bowen still has eligibility left as a junior, but the NFL will likely come calling. If it does, Haynes will slide right in to replace Bowen, just as he did this season while Bowen was sidelined with an injury. Even if Bowen stays, Haynes already proved this season that he's imperative as a depth piece, and he'll eventually have to take over one of the corner spots.
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