As the 2025 college football off-season moves on, the Oklahoma Sooners are making their way to spring practice where several new arrivals from the transfer portal are expected to make an impact. Following the latest update from 247Sports, several additions to the Sooners’ roster have experienced significant boosts in their individual rankings. Oklahoma’s transfer class is currently ranked at No. 16 nationally and No. 9 in the SEC, with reinforcing the program’s commitment to securing top-tier talent as it transitions to a new era on both sides of the ball.
With 15 players joining via the portal, the Sooners have focused on bolstering key position groups, particularly at wide receiver and along the defensive front. The recent rankings update highlights the impact of their newest additions and further cements Oklahoma’s reputation as a premier destination for transfers.
Javonnie Gibson: A Significant Rise
One of the most notable jumps in the latest rankings belongs to wide receiver Javonnie Gibson, who transferred to Oklahoma from Arkansas-Pine Bluff. Originally carrying an 87 player grade, Gibson has now been upgraded to an 89, pushing him up 90 spots to No. 193 overall. He also climbs to the No. 35 wide receiver in this year’s portal class.
Gibson dominated at the FCS level in 2024, making a name for himself with 70 receptions for 1,215 yards and nine touchdowns. His performance earned him First-Team All-SWAC honors, and at one point, he led all FCS players in receiving yards, receiving yards per game, and yards per reception. His ability to create explosive plays—evidenced by five games with over 100 receiving yards and three outings surpassing 170 yards—showcases his big-play potential.
Pro Football Focus (PFF) awarded Gibson an offensive grade of 79.9 and a receiving grade of 83.7. He took 553 snaps on the perimeter and 125 in the slot, making him a versatile addition to Oklahoma’s receiving corps. With two seasons of eligibility remaining, Gibson has a chance to make an immediate impact in Norman.
Keontez Lewis: Also Climbing the Wide Receiver Rankings
Another Sooners wideout who saw an improvement in his ranking is Keontez Lewis, a transfer from Southern Illinois. Initially graded at 87, he has now been bumped up to 88. While his overall ranking shifted slightly downward to No. 271 due to movement elsewhere, he did rise to No. 49 among wide receivers in the transfer portal.
Lewis had a productive 2024 campaign, hauling in 49 receptions for 813 yards and five touchdowns. He averaged an impressive 16.6 yards per catch and also contributed on the ground with 10 rush attempts for 121 yards and a touchdown. His long gains of 65 yards receiving and 57 yards rushing show his explosiveness and versatility.
PFF assigned him an offensive grade of 79.3 and a receiving grade of 81.0, reinforcing his value as a dynamic playmaker. Oklahoma’s receiving room saw significant turnover this offseason, and Lewis’ blend of experience and athleticism makes him a key piece in the Sooners’ offensive plans.
Marvin Jones Jr.: A Major Rankings Boost for the Defensive Line
One of the most significant ranking increases among Oklahoma’s transfers belongs to edge rusher Marvin Jones Jr. Originally rated at 90, he has now been upgraded to a 92, pushing him 22 spots higher to No. 64 overall. This jump underscores his elite potential as a pass rusher in the SEC.
Jones arrives in Norman with a strong pedigree. The son of Florida State legend Marvin Jones, he was a five-star recruit out of high school and ranked as the No. 1 edge defender in the country. He initially signed with Georgia, where he played in 25 games across two seasons, contributing 16 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, and two sacks. After transferring to Florida State, Jones became a key starter in 2024, recording 25 tackles, six tackles for loss, four sacks, three quarterback hurries, and a forced fumble.
Jones’ 6-foot-5, 255-pound frame makes him a formidable presence on the defensive line. His rankings boost further validates Oklahoma’s decision to pursue him heavily in the portal. With one year of eligibility remaining, he is expected to be a difference-maker in Brent Venables’ defense.
Other Notable Transfers and Their Impact
Beyond Gibson, Lewis, and Jones, Oklahoma’s 15-player transfer class features several other key additions. These players have contributed to the Sooners securing the No. 16 overall transfer class ranking and the ninth-best haul in the SEC.
Among them, Oklahoma has bolstered its defensive front with additional talent, ensuring that the team remains competitive in the trenches as it adjusts to SEC play. The Sooners have also targeted reinforcements in the defensive secondary, offensive line and at quarterback, creating a well-rounded class designed to address immediate needs while providing long-term depth.
Oklahoma’s Transfer Strategy Paying Off
The Sooners’ coaching staff has placed a strong emphasis on strategic portal additions, recognizing the importance of experienced playmakers as they prepare for their second season of competition in the SEC. The steady rise in rankings for players like Gibson, Lewis, and Jones highlights the effectiveness of this approach.
With Oklahoma boasting a top-20 transfer class, expectations are high for these incoming players. The Sooners will look to integrate them quickly into the system, maximizing their potential as the team gears up for a challenging 2025 season.
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