Sometimes, it just seems like a match made in Transfer Portal heaven.
Just as the Oklahoma Sooners will need to look in the portal for some depth along the offensive line, Hayes Fawcett of On3 reported on Monday that Florida State offensive lineman Lucas Simmons, whose dad, Able Simmons, played at OU, is expected to enter the Transfer Portal once it officially opens on Friday. He will have two years of eligibility left.
Florida State OL Lucas Simmons expected to enter Transfer Portal
Simmons never reached his potential at Florida State as a top-10 recruit at his position in the 2023 class. According to 247Sports, Simmons was the No. 9 offensive tackle in his class as a four-star recruit. Originally from Sweden, Simmons moved to the United States and signed with the Seminoles out of Clearwater Academy International in Florida.
In three seasons at Florida State, Simmons served as a reserve and never started while appearing in 24 games, including 12 this season, but played just 81 offensive snaps in 2025 as a redshirt sophomore.
However, there are clearly issues in Tallahassee as the Seminoles went 7-17 the past two seasons and Simmons became the third offensive linemen expected to transfer this offseason after failing to develop into what was expected from them. All three committed to offensive coordinator and offensive line coach Alex Atkins, who was fired after last season.
There is clearly talent there with Simmons based on his past recruiting ratings. There's obviously good genetics, as well, with a father who was good enough to play for the Sooners in 1996-98. Simmons also has SEC size while listed at 6-foot-8 and 311 pounds.
The Sooners are expected to return four of five starting offensive linemen in 2026, and so far have lost only depth pieces from the position, with none appearing in more than two games this season. They don't need to find an immediate starter to plug in. Those departures, though, did create a need for OU for some experienced reserves, which Simmons fits the mold for.
An offseason with Bill Bedenbaugh could result in the most progress yet for Simmons in his career, while his family connection and lack of production so far could also make him a value addition for OU general manager Jim Nagy.