The Oklahoma Sooners let the one slip away.
Hayes Fawcett of On3 reported Friday that former Missouri State tight end Lance Mason committed to the Wisconsin Badgers over the Sooners out of the transfer portal. Mason had just visited OU on Monday and Wisconsin on Wednesday after reportedly narrowing his choices down to the two.
BREAKING: Missouri State transfer TE Lance Mason has Committed to Wisconsin, @on3sports has learned
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) April 25, 2025
He was a 23 game starter and led all of FCS in TE receiving yards last season
1 year of eligibility remaining https://t.co/RlUbB6Fk7q pic.twitter.com/iIzga9DvfE
Lance Mason commits to Wisconsin over Oklahoma after visit
Recruiting services didn't rank Mason as the No. 1 tight end in the transfer portal this spring, but he definitely seemed like the Sooners' best option for a position they desperately need but is lacking options in the portal.
Mason, listed at 6-foot-4, led all FCS tight ends in receiving yards last year with 590 on his way to being named an Associated Press All-America honorable mention honoree. Beyond Mason, there aren't many available options left for tight ends coach Joe Jon Finley and the Sooners.
Missouri State TE Lance Mason (@lancemason34 ) is one of the best in the FCS.
— Bryan (@BGauvin23) April 11, 2025
Mason finished the season with 34-590-6 receiving line. Love his long speed. Averaged 17.4 yards per catch!#FCS #GoBears #OutHitOutHustle #ProveIt pic.twitter.com/XfjWFkAUbU
According to 247Sports, former Sooner Davon Mitchell is the top tight end available in the transfer portal. Mitchell, a former five-star recruit, was no longer part of the program after reportedly missing multiple practices and team activities this spring.
Mitchell had the highest hopes to emerge as a viable target in the passing game for the Sooners. Last season, tight end Bauer Sharp led OU with 324 receiving yards, but he transferred to LSU this past winter. OU also lost Jake Roberts, who was the team's second-best tight end.
The Sooners already had a disappointing winter transfer cycle trying to replenish the tight ends room. They added three from the transfer portal this winter, but none have Power 4 experience.
Will Huggins came from Division II Pittsburg State and Carson Kent transferred from Kennessaw State, which had the second-worth offense offense in FBS last season. John Locke played two seasons at Louisiana Tech, where he caught only three passes.
OU also converted linebacker Jaren Kanak to tight end. The rest of the group includes young players with no significant playing time.
In all, there are seven tight ends on OU's roster, but none are proven. And neither is anyone still available in the transfer portal.
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