Predicting 3 major Transfer Portal commits coming soon for the Sooners

The Transfer Portal does not officially open until Friday, which is when college football programs can also start adding talent to replace what they're expecting to lose, but fans can anticipate commitments to start coming in rapidly thanks to behind-the-scenes work, including for the Oklahoma Sooners.

Between roster needs and things already in the works, here are three commits the Sooners could land shortly after portal chaos ensues this weekend.

The Sooners don't have a glaring need at running back with top two backs Xavier Robinson and Tory Blaylock returning, but they do still have a spot worth filling at the position with Jovantae Barnes hitting the portal and the Jaydn Ott disaster finally in the past.

Lloyd Avant won't get fans too excited, but, for a great price, he could take care of two needs while also being a return man with two years of eligibility left. Avant split time in the backfield this season and was second on the team with 90 carries for 417 yards and a team-high six TDs thanks to his solid 5-foot-10, 200-pound frame. He also caught 24 passes for 261 yards and returned 11 kicks for 268 yards (and returned a TD at Tulsa in 2024) to prove his versatility.

He started his career at Tulsa before transferring to Colorado State last year and is originally from Humble, Texas, the same hometown as Blaylock.

Avant is expected to visit Norman this weekend, so a commitment could come as soon as then.

Tight end is the only offensive position the Sooners really need to find an immediate starter in the portal for, and Hayden Hansen would be just that, already as an OU portal target. Saturday Blitz ranked Hansen as the No. 10 tight end expected to transfer this cycle after recording 611 receiving yards and five TDs in three seasons at Florida while gaining SEC experience. Listed at a massive 6-foot-7 and 269 pounds, Hansen can block and provide a giant end-zone target for quarterback John Mateer.

Apparently the Sooners will create a pipeline from Colorado State this transfer cycle, but Owen Long would fill OU's biggest need at linebacker. As a sophomore captain this season, Long led all of college football with 151 tackles in 12 games, plus five tackles for loss, two sacks, five pass breakups and a forced fumble. He was named a Third-Team All-American by Associated Press.

Long will get offers from top programs across the country, but this is a position and player the Sooners are willing to spend a lot of money on as a massive need, plus Long knows the benefits of playing in Brent Venables' defensive system. There's already been a lot of buzz about Long ending up in Oklahoma with two years of eligibility left.