Most entrants into the Transfer Portal don’t really come as a surprise, including Oklahoma’s first two losses of this cycle, but the most recent blow blindsided OU fans on Sunday.
Hayes Fawcett of On3 reported on Sunday that OU linebacker Kobie McKinzie, who will be a redshirt senior in 2026, plans to enter the Transfer Portal for the first time in his career once it officially opens on Jan. 2. McKinzie was the first reported transfer loss since the Sooners' season ended on Friday with a home loss to Alabama in the first round of the College Football Playoff.
Kobie McKinzie's portal exit rocks Sooner Nation
McKinzie was part of the 2022 signing class that committed to Lincoln Riley before he left to USC and was replaced by Brent Venables. He actually decommitted from OU after the news and pledged to Texas. That didn't last long, though, after talking to Venables and re-committing to the Sooners just eight days after his commitment to Texas.
After redshirting in 2022, McKinzie became a three-year contributor on the Sooners' defense, including 10 starts between this season and last. However, after starting the first eight games this season, McKinzie lost his starting job to breakout star Owen Heinecke as his playing time dipped. Unless the NCAA grants Heinecke another year of eligibility, though, that spot at middle linebacker will be open again for McKinzie next season. Having a veteran familiar with the system at the heart of the defense and calling shots would be huge for the Sooners in 2026.
The fact McKinzie could be a starter on one of the best defenses in the country contending for a playoff spot next season, especially after already grinding it out for four years at OU, made a move to the portal seem unlikely, especially with the NFL as another option. Also, off the field, McKinzie is engaged to OU softball great Kinzie Hansen, who currently plays professionally nearby for the Oklahoma City Spark.
But always expect the unexpected from the Transfer Portal.
Didn’t see that one coming. https://t.co/7OFhxI5bqa
— Sooner Baum (@SoonerBaum) December 21, 2025
This is surprising. Hopefully OU can get him the money he’s looking for. He’d be a huge piece for OU next year. https://t.co/edUjrHjEOr
— Christopher Cox (@ChrisWCox17) December 21, 2025
What…? Why? https://t.co/SByd6nvsUU
— #BakersDozen (@EazyBeezy7) December 21, 2025
A bit surprised by this one… Thought McKinzie might enter the NFL Draft. He’s been a solid player for the #Sooners. https://t.co/QyalaoFgf4
— George Stoia III (@GeorgeStoia) December 21, 2025
Did not see this one coming. Thanks for everything Kobie. Go be great. https://t.co/Jmw3oBfxAd
— Johnny OU (@OUFball218) December 21, 2025
https://t.co/n47DHzx63Q pic.twitter.com/4ZQkSDDHli
— Sheed (@rmolake07) December 21, 2025
Wow. Have to admit I’m surprised if not the league I for sure thought 11 would be back in Norman
— Dave Myrick 🐐🦡🛫🇺🇸 (@Danny_Bigmac13) December 21, 2025
Been a great Sooner, someone’s getting a very solid LB https://t.co/EmwPN4XAMG
Yikes this makes me sad https://t.co/qvAJ1mOWrA
— oklahomagirl (@KLynnsoonergrl) December 22, 2025
Quite shocking news tbh..
— Baker Mayfield’s burner (@BiggestOUfan) December 21, 2025
Thought he’d return or go to the NFL. Especially with his deep rooted connections to the university?? https://t.co/SILMfLTe6A
It’s honestly gonna feel surprising that any of the guys who play regularly on defense would leave. Hate to lose him, but best of luck at your next stop! @kobiemckinzie26 https://t.co/wZMOUGjTCs
— Kurt Witten (@kurtjwitten) December 21, 2025
I should be used to this by now but god I hate the “transfer portal giveth and the transfer portal taketh away” agenda we are in. https://t.co/8d5rMZAeT1
— Casey Bliss (@Blisster4) December 21, 2025