5 wide receivers Oklahoma needs to target in transfer portal

The Sooners are losing wide receivers like a third grader loses baby teeth.

Oklahoma has lost 20 players to the transfer portal so far, and while most were casualties of looming roster limits, the biggest blows have come at receiver. After over two days of the transfer portal being open, OU has lost five receivers -- Jaquaize Pettaway, Nic Anderson, J.J. Hester, Jalil Farooq and Andrel Anthony.

Young receivers on OU's roster gained valuable experience this season because of multiple injuries, but the Sooners almost need to match the talent they lost to the portal with more from it. And OU especially needs size out there at receiver.

Donaven McCulley, Indiana

Maybe 2024 was a fluke for Donaven McCulley. Hopefully 2023 wasn't

McCulley had only two catches this season before no longer even being on the roster by October. In 2023, though, McCulley led the Hoosiers with 48 catches, 644 receiving yards and six TDs. That season included an 11-catch outing against Illinois.

A converted quarterback, McCulley still has a high ceiling after playing the position for only three years after getting to Indiana as a QB. He also played only four games this season as a junior so should be able to redshirt and have two years of eligibility left wherever he goes next.

McCulley also has all the intangibles to be a great receiver with the IQ of a former quarterback and a 6-foot-5 frame.

De'Zhaun Stribling, Oklahoma State

Stribling wouldn't have to move far and crossing Bedlam lines has become a norm in this state now.

Stribling was maybe the most talented receiver on Oklahoma State's roster this season at 6-foot-2. Even through a carousel at quarterback throughout the season, Stribling still had 52 receptions with 882 yards and six TDs.

This is Stribling's second time in the portal after transferring from Washington State to OSU before the 2023 season, during which he redshirted because of injury. In 2022 with the Cougars, Stribling had 51 receptions, 602 receiving yards and five TDs. That was the season before OU's new offensive coordinator, Ben Arbuckle, got to Washington State.

Dane Key, Kentucky

Dane Key has done nothing but produce his entire career.

In three seasons at Kentucky, Key has amassed 126 receptions, 1,870 receiving yards and 14 TDs. He's coming off his best season yet with 47 catches, 715 yards and a pair of TDs.

Key is a big target out of the portal at 6-foot-3 and is getting a lot of attention. He not only has the size OU needs, but also already has three years of experience in the SEC.

Micah Hudson, Texas Tech

Micah Hudson (6-foot) might not have the size the Sooners need, but he certainly has everything else and is a talent every program in the country is after.

Hudson spent only one season at Texas Tech after signing there as a five-star recruit from the 2024 class. In his first college season, he had only eight catches and 123 receiving yards. But Hudson will only go up from here with his talent.

With Deion Burks likely moving on to the NFL, Hudson could be OU's next big-time versatile playmaker at receiver, especially paired with Brenen Thompson. He's also not just a short-term rental with three years of elibility left.

Eric Rivers, Florida International

Eric Rivers would be a well-known name if he wasn't at Florida International (no offense to the Panthers).

Rivers broke out as a junior this season with 62 catches, 1,172 yards and 12 TDs. He doesn't have much size, listed at 5-foot-11, but he's proven to have a knack for pulling in TDs and making plays.

Considering he is from FIU, Rivers might also be a cheaper get for OU compared to the talent coming from other Power Four programs.