It was a solid signing class for Oklahoma, but the 2025 class didn't solve all of the Sooners' problems.
Portal season officially starts with the opening of the transfer portal on Monday. That will be OU's first chance at scoring some immediate help to improve from a 6-6 season in OU's first year in the SEC. Although some might argue it looked like there's a lot the Sooners needed at times this season (including an offensive coordinator, which they got), here are three main positions Brent Venables & Co. needs to get immediate help from the portal for.
1. Offensive line
These aren't ranked, but offensive linemen is still probably OU's biggest need (literally).
The Sooners were abysmal up front this season. Bill Bedenbaugh obviously did not have his group ready for the SEC, or even a non-conference schedule of American and Big 12 teams for that matter. OU gave up 46 sacks this season, including nine in one game, twice. Only Virginia and Florida State allowed more sacks this season throughout the entire country.
Venables said during his signing day press conference that he expects the five incoming offensive line freshmen to be able to make an immediate impact. But the trenches are the hardest place on the field for a freshman to hold his own, no matter how good.
Freshmen Logan Howland and Heath Ozaeta ended up being everyday starters on the left side of the line this year, but they didn't start holding their own until the back half of the season. The Sooners have to have veterans in front of these young, developing linemen to have a chance from the start, and right now they really don't, so that help will need to come from the transfer portal.
2. Quarterback
No quarterback could have succeeded in the situation OU gave them this season, but both of the guys the Sooners threw out there could have used some more developing, especially after juggling offensive coordinators and not having a real quarterbacks coach.
But now, starting quarterback Jackson Arnold, a sophomore, is headed to the transfer portal. Michael Hawkins Jr. started three games as a freshman and will one day be a dynamic player, but he could still use some time to be the best he can be. OU also stole three-star recruit Jett Niu from Oklahoma State, but even Venables said he'll need a lot of development, especially physically.
I'm all about developing quarterbacks, but Venables has to win now to keep his job, and that's possible today because of the transfer portal.
There are expectations for Ben Arbuckle to bring his quarterback from Washington State, John Mateer, with him, but Mateer hasn't even announced plans to leave the Cougars yet. Mateer would be the best option out there in the portal, but even if OU can't reunite Mateer with his old coach, the Sooners still need to attract a big-time quarterback with experience to compete in the SEC next season.
3. Wide receiver
Venables let three incoming receivers from the 2025 class walk, but in his defense, he does need receiver help right now, not in the future.
OU had its five best receivers out because of injury almost all season. Maybe four years ago that meant they'd all be back.
The Sooners have already lost Nic Anderson to the transfer portal. He was probably the No. 2 in that group and brought the most size at 6-foot-4. The top receiver was Purdue transfer Deion Burks. There's a chance Burks enters the NFL Draft and leaves OU after only one season. And more could also be on their way out with the portal not even out yet.
Young guys got valueable experience this season at receiver, but the Sooners still need more help out there. OU needs at least one experienced addition, preferably with size, and really might even need to match its portal losses at receiver with a new one.