Oklahoma’s bleak linebacker outlook shifts fast after Cole Sullivan commitment

Oklahoma fans can now have some peace of mind about the Sooners' linebacker situation in 2026.

Michigan transfer middle linebacker Cole Sullivan committed to the Sooners on Wednesday, according to ESPN's Pete Thamel and multiple other reports. Sullivan had reportedly been deciding between staying at Michigan or heading to Oklahoma before ultimately going through with his transfer with two years of eligibility left.

Michigan transfer Cole Sullivan fills Sooners' LB need

After limited opportunity as a freshman in 2024, Sullivan broke out in his sophomore campaign this season. He totaled 44 tackles, five tackles for loss, two sacks, three interceptions, four pass deflections, one forced fumble and recovered a fumble in 11 games as one of the Wolverines' biggest playmakers on defense this season. Against Texas in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl in his final outing, Sullivan had a season-high seven tackles and forced a fumble on a special teams play.

The Sooners also saw Sullivan firsthand when the Wolverines visited Norman in Week 2. He tallied three tackles, a TFL, a sack and recovered a fumble in the loss. He'll now return to his old stomping grounds next season when the Sooners travel to Michigan on Sept.12.

Linebacker was one of the Sooners' biggest portal needs this cycle, especially in the middle. Starter Owen Heinecke may or may not be back while still awaiting a decision from the NCAA if he'll get another year of eligibility. Kobie McKinzie, who started the first eight games of the season at middle linebacker, transferred to Northwestern. The Sooners are also still waiting on Kip Lewis' decision of entering the NFL Draft or returning in 2026.

Sammy Omosigho also entered the portal just moments after Sullivan's commitment, which certainly put a damper on OU's situation, but still didn't put the Sooners in crisis mode thanks to the Sullivan addition.

Regardless of how things shake out at linebacker for the Sooners now, the worst-case scenario is no longer detrimental thanks to the addition of Sullivan. He could immediately start for the Sooners, but if both Lewis and Heinecke return in a best-case scenario, Sullivan is still a stellar depth piece for the Sooners. OU could also still add more to the position from the portal.

Plus, with still two years of eligibility left in Brent Venables' defense, Sullivan could develop into an All-SEC caliber player considering the jump he just made from his freshman to sophomore season and has the ballhawking ability to completely flip games around.