Oklahoma could steal more talent from Bedlam rival

Brent Venables could convert another Cowboy to a Sooner.

On3's Steve Wiltfong reported Tuesday that former Oklahoma State linebacker Jeff Roberson is visiting Oklahoma just a day after entering the transfer portal. On3 also predicts for Roberson to commit to the Sooners.

Roberson was a late addition to the transfer portal as a graduate transfer after announcing his intentions on Monday. Although the portal closed for OSU on Dec. 28, grad transfers like Roberson can enter the portal at any time.

Roberson was mostly a non-factor at OSU until emerging as a starter this past season as a redshirt senior because of injuries. He was third on the team with 58 tackles. He also added three sacks, seven quarterback hurries and an interception.

Before the 2024 season, Roberson was a backup in 2023 while appearing in every game. He mainly saw time on special teams before that and missed all of the 2022 season because of injury.

Roberson committed to the Cowboys as a three-star recruit in the 2020 class out of Choctaw, Oklahoma. Despite being an in-state product, though, Roberson did not have an offer from OU out of high school.

He does this time, though, and if Roberson does choose the Sooners like predicted, he would be the second Cowboy to do so during this transfer portal cycle.

It was reported Monday that former OSU linebacker and safety Kendal Daniels will transfer to OU after starting for the Cowboys for three seasons. Daniels and Roberson played side-by-side this season at linebacker in Bryan Nardo's 3-3-5 system.

These are not the first instances of Venables stealing talent from enemy territory, though, even when Bedlam was still played on a football field. Former defensive end Trace Ford, who just graduated, was the first player to cross Bedlam lines during the transfer portal era in 2022.

Ford made headlines for the move but somewhat started a trend. Since, OSU has also gained players from OU, including receiver Gavin Freeman last year and most recently running back Kalib Hicks.

Hicks is the only one of the bunch who didn't play their high school ball in the state of Oklahoma.

Considering the Sooners and Cowboys no longer play annually on a football field and their proximity, this will likely continue to become a more frequent occurrence.