Oklahoma

Several Oklahoma targets rank among ESPN’s best transfer portal players

Published

3 years ago

December 8, 2022

Several Oklahoma targets rank among ESPN’s best transfer portal players

Retooling by means of the switch portal has turn into an vital a part of roster turnover for each soccer workforce in America. Largely because of the portal, but in addition due to commencement and NFL draft losses, it’s turn into crucial to assault the portal searching for expertise.

In Brent Venables first offseason, the Sooners added distinction makers Dillon Gabriel, Jeffery Johnson, Jonah La’ulu, and C.J. Coldon. They’ll hope to do it once more this offseason with wants at almost each place group on the depth chart.

The Sooners have been energetic, extending affords to vast receivers, tight ends, and defensive linemen. It stays to be seen who shall be Sooners this spring, however a number of of their targets appeared on ESPN’s rating of the highest switch portal gamers. Let’s check out what Tom VanHaaren of ESPN needed to say about every Oklahoma goal (ESPN+) and the place they rank on his checklist.

2. Dasan McCullough, EDGE, Indiana

Indiana’s Dasan McCullough (0) sacks Western Kentucky’s Austin Reed (16) throughout the Indiana versus Western Kentucky soccer sport at Memorial Stadium on Sept. 17, 2022. Wealthy Janzaruk/Herald-Instances / USA TODAY NETWORK

What ESPN Needed to Say:

McCullough was the No. 43 general prospect within the 2022 class and one of many highest-ranked recruits to ever signal with the Hoosiers. His father, Deland, was teaching at Indiana when he dedicated however was employed by Notre Dame in February. Dasan McCullough performed in 10 video games, recording 49 whole tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, 4 sacks and three go breakups in a wonderful freshman season. – VanHaaren, ESPN

The Oklahoma Sooners are closely within the operating for the McCullough brothers. Earlier this week, the Sooners obtained crystal ball predictions for the elder McCullough, Dasan, a switch edge participant from Indiana.

5. Dorian Singer, WR, Arizona

Oct 29, 2022; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Arizona Wildcats vast receiver Dorian Singer (5) makes a landing catch towards USC Trojans defensive again Jaylin Smith (19) throughout the first half at Arizona Stadium. Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports activities

What ESPN Needed to Say:

Singer performed within the closing 5 video games of the season in 2021 and completed with 301 yards. He performed in all 12 video games in 2022, ending this season atop the Pac-12 in receiving yards with 1,105 yards. He had six landing receptions and averaged 92.08 receiving yards per sport. As a sophomore with excessive manufacturing, he shall be closely focused now that he’s within the portal. – VanHaaren, ESPN

The Sooners are out there for a large receiver, and Oklahoma could be hard-pressed to search out one with as a lot manufacturing as Dorian Singer. He’s performed in 17 video games and is averaging 16.7 yards per reception. He was second within the Pac-12 in targets on throws of 20 or extra yards and completed third in catch proportion. He’s not merely a downfield risk, although, ending fourth within the convention in receptions for first downs.

18. Dante Cephas, WR, Kent State

Sep 4, 2021; Faculty Station, Texas, USA; Kent State Golden Flashes vast receiver Dante Cephas (14) receives the go from Kent State Golden Flashes quarterback Dustin Crum (not proven) throughout the second quarter towards the Texas A&M Aggies at Kyle Subject. Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports activities

What ESPN Needed to Say:

Cephas broke out with 1,240 receiving yards and 9 touchdowns on 82 receptions in 2021. He performed in 9 video games throughout the 2022 season and nonetheless managed 48 receptions for 744 yards and three touchdowns. He’s a former All-MAC choice and has already heard from Notre Dame, Penn State, West Virginia and Pitt, amongst others. – VanHaaren, ESPN

Although it’s unlikely the Kent State product finally ends up at Oklahoma, it’s clear the Sooners like Dante Cephas and need to add a productive vast receiver to the depth chart.

With the standing of Marvin Mims and Drake Stoops unknown in the mean time, it is smart as Jalil Farooq could be the one participant at vast receiver with any important expertise in the event you lose Mims and Stoops.

24. Javion Cohen, OL, Alabama

Dec 31, 2021; Arlington, Texas, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide guard Javion Cohen (70) in motion towards the Cincinnati Bearcats throughout the 2021 Cotton Bowl school soccer CFP nationwide semifinal sport at AT&T Stadium. Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports activities

What ESPN Needed to Say:

Cohen was a three-star recruit within the 2020 class who signed with Alabama out of Phenix Metropolis, Alabama. He was an SEC All-Freshman participant in 2020, regardless of not being a starter. He then began 14 video games in 2021 at left guard and was a stabilizing pressure on the inside. Cohen began 10 video games in 2022 and performed a complete of 554 snaps. It’s not each day that an Alabama offensive lineman enters the portal, so it’s extremely probably that Cohen will see huge curiosity. – VanHaaren. ESPN

Offensive line is an space that the Sooners may definitely deal with. Anton Harrison and Wanya Morris have already declared for the NFL draft and Chris Murray shall be graduating. The Sooners may use an offensive lineman with expertise on the Energy 5 degree like Cohen.

25. Jacob Lacey, DT – Dedicated to Oklahoma

Jan 1, 2022; Glendale, AZ, USA; Notre Dame’s Jacob Lacey (54) and Drew White (40) take down Oklahoma State’s Jaylen Warren (7) throughout the 2022 Ps Fiesta Bowl on Saturday, Jan. 1, 2022 at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. Necessary Credit score: Michael Caterina/South Bend Tribune-USA TODAY Sports activities

What ESPN Needed to Say:

How he matches at Oklahoma: Brent Venables’ workforce wants assistance on protection. The OU coach used the portal final yr to fill holes, particularly at quarterback with Dillon Gabriel, and he’s doing it once more on the defensive facet this offseason. Lacey was productive in his time at Notre Dame and has expertise taking part in on the highest degree. He’ll be capable of are available and contribute straight away for the Sooners to present them an enormous physique up entrance alongside the defensive position. – VanHaaren, ESPN

The Sooners’ first step in addressing their defensive position departures was the addition of Jacob Lacey. Just like the Jeffery Johnson addition a yr in the past, search for Lacey to play primarily because the 1-technique or nostril deal with in Brent Venables’ protection.

27. Kyler Morlock, TE, Shorter

Sep 11, 2021; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners sooner schooner throughout the sport towards the Western Carolina Catamounts at Gaylord Household-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports activities

What ESPN Needed to Say:

Morlock is among the most intriguing transfers of this cycle. He’s a 6-foot-7, 245-pound tight finish from a D-II college with a number of years of eligibility remaining. He had 446 receiving yards and 6 touchdowns this season and has already been involved with a number of faculties. – VanHaaren, ESPN

Out of division two, Kyle Morlock would offer a receiving risk at tight finish and somebody with a number of years left of eligibility to construct with.

35. Austin Stogner, TE, South Carolina

South Carolina tight finish Austin Stogner (18) towards Arkansas throughout an NCAA soccer sport on Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022, in Fayetteville, Ark. (AP Picture/Michael Woods)

What ESPN Needed to Say:

Stogner initially transferred from Oklahoma, the place he had a couple of profitable years for the Sooners. He was a second-team All-Massive 12 choose in 2020 and one of many prime tight ends within the nation. He adopted his former quarterback, Spencer Rattler, to South Carolina and had 20 receptions for 210 yards and one landing. He has one other yr of eligibility, and it isn’t out of the query to see him switch again to Oklahoma to complete out his profession. – VanHaaren, ESPN

A reunion between Oklahoma and Austin Stogner makes plenty of sense. The Sooners shall be shedding Brayden Willis and Daniel Parker to commencement, leaving redshirt freshmen Kaden Helms and Jason Llewellyn on the prime of the depth chart. There’s not plenty of expertise there. Including Stogner gives Oklahoma one other legit passing sport risk and permits the Sooners an opportunity to take their time with Helms and Llewellyn and get them able to take over on the place in 2024.

Contact/Comply with us @SoonersWire on Twitter, and like our web page on Fb to observe ongoing protection of Oklahoma information, notes, and opinions. Tell us your ideas, and touch upon this story under. Be part of the dialog as we speak. You may also observe John on Twitter @john9williams.

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Oklahoma

Baylor looks to bounce back on the road in game against Oklahoma State

Published

2 weeks ago

September 24, 2025

Press Room

Baylor looks to bounce back on the road in game against Oklahoma State

WACO, Texas (KXXV) — To say the least, it has been a memorable four games for Baylor football so far this season.

A walk off field goal by Arizona State at McLane Stadium brings the Bears to 2-2 for the season and now they are heading to Stillwater looking to bounce back against Oklahoma State.

Watch the full story here:

Baylor looks to bounce back in road game against Oklahoma State

“Saturday’s game was a tough one,” head coach Dave Aranda said. “But, I think the message there is that hey, you can prepare, you can practice, you can do all of the things — that doesn’t mean you’re gonna win. There’s still more things that you gotta do.”

“There’s no participation trophy for preparing right and staying late and doing the extra all these details matter and so we’re really focused on that,” he added.

The Bears enter Stillwater following the firing of Oklahoma State head coach Mike Gundy after 21 years on the job. While the Cowboys are reeling, the Bears understand that they still have a talented roster.

“They play hard, you know. They get after the ball, their record doesn’t reflect the kind of team they are. They got a lot of talent and they’re gonna be ready to play,” safety Devyn Bobby said.

“Same thing we always talk about — respect all, fear none. We take that into every week, you know they’re still a great program. They have great coaching staff, great athletes on the field, so we gotta be prepared and ready for them,” wide receiver Kobe Prentice said.

After the Arizona State game, head coach Aranda spoke about complimentary football. While the defense had a great game last week, the offense struggled — and they are looking to find that balance.

“Obviously we didn’t get the win, so we got to get better so you know a lot of people might say we had a great game but we didn’t get to win — we could have had more stops, had more turnovers, but you know we’re still having to attack everyday mindset and we’re trying to get better,” Bobby said.

“The higher level than all of that is the team is that you know if one side’s down the other side picks it up. We need to be able to have that, you know, when we’ve played at the level that we need to play, we play that way and so we’re going to continue to aim for it,” Aranda said.

Baylor vs Oklahoma State is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. this Saturday.

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Oklahoma

Oklahoma State football fires coach Mike Gundy after 21 seasons, school announces

Published

2 weeks ago

September 23, 2025

Press Room

Oklahoma State football fires coach Mike Gundy after 21 seasons, school announces

Oklahoma State football has fired head coach Mike Gundy after 21 seasons, the program announced on Tuesday, Sept. 23.

Gundy, previously the second-longest tenured head coach with one program in college football, led the Cowboys to a 1-2 start this season, including a 19-12 loss to in-state foe Tulsa on Sept. 19, which was OSU’s first at home to Tulsa since 1951. Oklahoma State also lost to Oregon 69-3 in Week 2.

“Cowboy Football reached an unprecedented level of success and national prominence under Coach Gundy’s leadership,” OSU athletic director Chad Weiberg said in the announcement. “I believe I speak for OSU fans everywhere when I say that we are grateful for all he did to raise the standard and show us all what is possible for Oklahoma State football.”

Oklahoma State is amid its longest losing streak to Power Four teams in program history, having lost 11 straight against such teams. The Cowboys went 3-9 last season and were winless in Big 12 play. Gundy leaves the program with a 170-90 career record and has the school’s winningest coach of all time. He has 108 more wins than Pat Jones, who ranks second in program history with 62 wins.

Gundy is owed a $15 million buyout from the school due to be fired prior to Dec. 31, 2027, according to his contract obtained by the USA TODAY Network.

Gundy said after the Tulsa loss that he had no interest in 2025 being his final season with the program, and was swarmed with questions about his future with the school.

“In 21 years it’s a different position than I’ve been in,” Gundy said. “As I say every week, my job is to evaluate the overall program, players, the systems … And then I have to make a decision on where we’re at based on what we have. That’s what I do. We’ve certainly been in a different situation a lot of years in a row, but currently we’re not in that situation.”

The 58-year-old coach helped build Oklahoma State into a perennial Big 12 title contender after taking over for Les Miles in 2005. He nearly led the Cowboys to the national championship in 2011, and was Big 12 Coach of the Year in 2010, 2021 and 2023.

The fall from grace was fast for the program, as the Cowboys earned a spot in the Big 12 championship in 2023, and also beat archrival Oklahoma in the final Bedlam for the foreseeable future.

Gundy, a former Oklahoma State quarterback and Midwest City, Oklahoma, native, has only coached four seasons at other schools in his career, serving as passing-game coordinator at Baylor in 1996 and receivers coach at Maryland from 1997-99. He was an assistant at Oklahoma State from 1990-95, and again from 2001-04.

Oklahoma State will turn to a new coach for the first time in over 20 years for the 2026 season, and they’ll look to lead the program back to the heights of Gundy’s prime in Stillwater.

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AP Top 25 Continues Troubling Trend for Big 12, Oklahoma State’s Future

Published

4 weeks ago

September 14, 2025

Press Room

AP Top 25 Continues Troubling Trend for Big 12, Oklahoma State’s Future

The Big 12 is still having a rough time in the national landscape.

Over the weekend, the Big 12 had some interesting matchups as it secured an unbeaten record in nonconference games. While a couple of matchups between Big 12 teams on Friday kept the conference from having a perfect record, the 12 teams in action combined for a 10-2 mark, which is the best they could have achieved in Week 3.

However, that didn’t mean a whole lot for the Big 12 in the AP poll, which dropped on Sunday. The conference had only three teams in the top 25, with No. 12 Iowa State, No. 16 Utah and No. 17 Texas Tech representing the Big 12.

In terms of how bad that is for the Big 12, the conference’s most recent departures in Texas and Oklahoma came in at Nos. 8 and 11, respectively. Meanwhile, the other three power conferences have at least one team in the top four and multiple teams in the top seven.

Of course, the AP poll is only good for discussions, as evidenced by winless Notre Dame’s inclusion, with the independent program riding the coattails of last season’s runner-up performance. The real rankings won’t come until the final weeks of the year, with the College Football Playoff’s top 25 ultimately being all that matters in the end.

To put it simply, the AP poll is unlikely to have any impact on OSU this season. The Cowboys’ loss at Oregon will keep them from receiving a single vote for quite some time, even if they could somehow put together a sizeable winning streak starting with the Tulsa matchup.

Of course, if the Cowboys could find a way to put together any sort of streak, perhaps in a similar fashion to 2023’s winning streak, they might be able to break through anyway, given the Big 12’s status nationally. Sure, the Cowboys won’t be any sort of contender at the national level any time soon, but a 5-1 start would probably be good enough to get them into the polls and the Big 12 title conversation.

In terms of the long-term future, the Pokes might not even be saved by any type of resurgence. Considering the Big 12 is easily the laughing stock of the Power Four, it needs a program to essentially save it from becoming irrelevant in the national landscape.

With OSU being the laughing stock of the Big 12, there’s no reason to expect the Cowboys to be the saviors the conference desperately needs.

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