Oklahoma football has lost a key defensive presence, as linebacker Sammy Omosigho has officially committed to UCLA through the College Football Transfer Portal. The move represents a notable offseason development for the Sooners while providing UCLA with an experienced addition ahead of the 2026 season.

The Sooners had hoped to retain the veteran linebacker’s presence heading into a pivotal year, but he instead opted for a fresh opportunity on the West Coast with the Bruins.

The Bruins, eager to strengthen their front seven, saw Omosigho as an ideal fit due to his versatility, leadership, and proven track record against top-tier offenses in the SEC.

UCLA sought defensive reinforcements following multiple transfers and NFL departures, and Omosigho’s arrival immediately strengthens the Bruins’ linebacker corps. He brings SEC playoff experience and consistent production, positioning himself as a key piece of the depth chart when spring practice arrives. His decision highlights the growing competitiveness of the transfer portal as major programs retool their rosters.

The transfer was first reported by On3Sports’ and Rivals’ Hayes Fawcett on X (formerly known as Twitter) confirming Omosigho’s move and noting his career production with the Sooners.

“BREAKING: Oklahoma transfer LB Sammy Omosigho has Committed to UCLA, his agent tells @On3Sports

He totaled 97 tackles, 4 PD, 2 sacks and 1 FF in his time with the Sooners”

Omosigho developed steadily during his time in Norman, earning a starting role in 2025 after contributing in rotation earlier in his career. He finished that season with 50 tackles, two sacks, and three pass breakups, emerging as one of Oklahoma’s most dependable defenders during its 10–3 run to the College Football Playoff. His ability to read offenses pre-snap and adjust on the fly made him a vital communicator in Oklahoma’s defense.

His departure marks a turning point for both programs—Oklahoma must fill a key void, while UCLA gains a battle-tested leader. As transfer decisions increasingly reshape rosters, Omosigho’s move reflects the high-stakes nature of modern college football recruitment.

The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Miami Heat Sunday night, 124-112, in Paycom Center. The Thunder used a 32-10 third-quarter run to take control of what was a close game.

This win is OKC’s third straight, improving its record to 33-7 on the season.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the way with 29 points and eight assists and Chet Holmgren added 16 points, nine rebounds and three blocks.

The Heat shot 53.1% from behind the arc, but still could not come out on top. Here are three takeaways from the run-filled Thunder victory:

1. Sheer Brilliance From the MVP

After a first quarter full of struggles, scoring just three points on 1-of-6 shooting, Gilgeous-Alexander used a stretch of 10 consecutive made field goals to score 29 points on 10-of-19 shooting. The reigning MVP saw double teams throughout the night, assisting on eight made shots as well.

Gilgeous-Alexander tallied 16 third-quarter points, sparking a dominant Thunder stretch of play. He was a +8 in 32 minutes.

The Canadian guard adjusted to the Heat’s heavy pressure following his early-second-quarter rest, looking comfortable scoring the rock the rest of the way. Gilgeous-Alexander now has scored 20-plus points in 109 consecutive games, approaching closer to the NBA record of 126.

2. Third Quarter Thunderstorm

A key sign of the Thunder looking to be coming out of the midseason rut, playing at a.500 level for a six-game span, is the team’s patented dominant third quarters returned against the Heat.

Oklahoma City went on a 32-10 run throughout the bulk of the third quarter to power itself to an eight-point lead at the break. The Thunder won the period by 13 points, 39-26.

Effort was contagious, with the team forcing turnovers and forcing misses at will, pushing the ball on the fast break at high speeds, replicating the Heat’s high-pace style of play. The shooting stroke came alive as well, with OKC shooting a blistering 5-for-11 (45.5%) from long range after hitting just two threes on 15 attempts in the first half.

The three-point line had not been kind to the Thunder in recent games, but it sparked a run full of top-tier offensive basketball for them tonight.

3. Jalen Williams’ Offense Is Coming Alive

Following a strong 26-point, 10-assist effort in the Thunder’s comeback win against the Memphis Grizzlies on Jan. 9, Williams tallied 18 points and four assists in 29 minutes of play against the Heat. Williams was an efficient 9-of-13 on the night, picking up two steals on defense as well.

As he continues to get back in form following two offseason wrist surgeries, continued efforts to string together efficient basketball are vital for the All-NBA forward’s performance. Williams cut and drove to the rim consistently, finding efficient looks inside.

Despite missing his only three-point attempt, Williams hit multiple midrange jumpshots, with his wrist looking more comfortable every game.