The question isn't if the Oklahoma Sooners will lose more players during the spring transfer portal window, but who?
The transfer window briefly opens on Wednesday for the second time this offseason. It will close on April 25, with this cycle being much shorter than the winter. But that doesn't mean less drama.
The Sooners must soon have their football roster capped at 105 players. After already two expected losses to the transfer portal this spring, OU is at exactly 105 right now based on the spring roster.
However, that number does not include incoming freshmen Marcus James and CJ Nickson. The Sooners also want to bring in more talent from the transfer portal so will need more room for new additions.
There's also still players wanting more playing time and money.
With that, more OU players will certainly be heading elsewhere soon. Here are five players, based on their current situation, who could be on the way out this spring.
Sooners expected to lose more players to transfer portal during spring
The Sooners are crowded at running back, which used to be a good problem to have. But now, that means those lost in the mix will likely look for greener turf they can actually play on.
Jovantae Barnes seems to be the clear No. 1 ball carrier for OU this upcoming season. Xavier Robinson was also stellar down the stretch last year as a freshman. OU also has Gavin Sawchuk, who was the Sooners’ leading rusher in 2023.
That leaves talented sophomore Taylor Tatum lost in the shuffle. Tatum got playing time early in his freshman campaign and proved he’s explosive enough to contribute to a big-time program from the backfield. However, the opportunities look to be limited in Norman, especially being in the same class as Robinson.
It’d be hard to blame Tatum if he looks elsewhere to get more playing time before possibly wasting his sophomore season unless he redshirted.
It was honestly a surprise Gavin Sawchuk didn’t hit the portal during the winter.
After being the Sooners’ leading rusher in 2023, Sawchuk got just 39 carries last season compared to 120 the year before. Now, everyone ahead of him returns this season.
Already getting forgotten in the mix last season, it could happen again because of the same situation mentioned previously for Tatum. Either Tatum or Sawchuk will likely head somewhere new, and maybe even both, in search of more carries.
The Sooners will probably look for more help at interior offensive lineman in the transfer portal. If they do bring in more talent, that means some already in Norman will probably leave.
The most Jake Taylor has played in a season at OU was eight games as a freshman in 2022. He’s appeared in just four games the last two years. However, he was a starter last season before an injury ended his season early.
Regardless, the Sooners keep trying to bring in more reinforcements on the offensive line after a dreadful year, including an outstanding freshman class. Sophomores Logan Howland and Heath Ozaeta were also solid down the stretch last season while Taylor was sidelined.
Taylor could have more of a sure spot in the rotation somewhere else.
Zion Ragins was one of the freshmen who stepped up last season while the Sooners were decimated at receiver because of injuries. He didn't do much, though, while playing in all 13 games and making five starts with 10 catches for 68 yards and no touchdowns.
Despite the early playing time, that was in a desperate time of need for the Sooners, and Ragins has been moved down the depth chart, including probably behind fellow sophomore Ivan Carreon. OU will likely add even more players to the receiver group during the upcoming transfer cycle, as well.
Ragins could be better off somewhere else before getting to the bottom of the depth chart.
It's a pretty sure thing that the Sooners will be looking to add more talent at tight end from the transfer portal, and at least someone further down the pecking order will need to go.
Kade McIntyre, a redshirt sophomore, has played in only seven games in two years at OU after redshirting last season. The Sooners added three more tight ends from the transfer portal this winter, moved linebacker Jaren Kanak to the position and signed freshman Trynae Washington.
McIntyre keeps moving down the depth chart and might not have a choice but to find a new home.