Oklahoma hit with sudden Transfer Portal loss days before CFP showdown

Even with the College Football Playoff just days away, it had to happen eventually. The Oklahoma Sooners on Wednesday finally suffered their first potential loss to the Transfer Portal since the regular season concluded and such decisions started flooding in from players at other programs around the country.

OU defensive back Kendel Dolby on Wednesday announced via social media his plans to enter the Transfer Portal once it officially opens on Jan. 2. Although the timing might seem odd with the No. 8 Sooners hosting No. 9 Alabama for a first-round playoff game on Friday, Dolby's decision was no surprise considering how the 2025 season unfolded for him.

Kendel Dolby plans to enter Transfer Portal

"After much thought and prayerful consideration, I have decided that my time at the University of Oklahoma has come to a close, and I will be entering the transfer portal," Dolby wrote. "I am incredibly grateful for my time as a Sooner and will always be thankful for the opportunity to be part of such a special brotherhood. Thank you Sooner nation it has been a wild ride.

"I'm excited and hopeful for this next chapter and look forward to getting back on the field and doing what I love."

After missing all but three games in 2024 because of injury, Dolby was expected to rebound as a big-time contributor this season as a redshirt senior with the expectation to play both cheetah and cornerback for the Sooners. However, after starting and making his long-awaited return Week 3 against Temple, Dolby appeared in just three more games as a reserve and hasn't played since the Red River Rivalry on Oct. 11. He was a last-minute addition to the availability report ahead of South Carolina and that trend continued the rest of the season. Dolby was also listed as out against Alabama on Tuesday's availability report.

In his last full season in 2023, Dolby appeared in all 13 games and made three starts at cheetah. That's also where he started the first three games of last season. During that 2023 season, Dolby tallied 49 tackles, five tackles for loss, two sacks and two interceptions.

Dolby got to Oklahoma before the 2023 season after transferring from Northeastern Oklahoma A&M, but this will be his first time in the Transfer Portal as a Division-I prospect. At the time, 247Sports ranked Dolby as the No. 1 junior college CB in the class as a four-star recruit.

Thanks to their CFP berth, portal chaos has been delayed for the Sooners. So far, the only other expected loss is wide receiver Jayden Gibson, who hasn't been with the team since midseason.