By any measure, January has become the most important month on the college football calendar, and for Oklahoma, the 2026 transfer portal window is already shaping the direction of the roster. With the portal officially open from January 2 through January 16, the Sooners are wasting little time identifying needs, hosting visitors, and pursuing proven production as they continue building a roster capable of surviving — and thriving — in the SEC.
As of Friday, January 2, Oklahoma has one confirmed visitor for the opening weekend of the portal, but the broader picture is clear: the Sooners are targeting experienced, college-ready players at running back, tight end, defensive line, linebacker, and edge rusher, while keeping an eye on at least one potential “splash” addition at wide receiver.
Here’s a look at where Oklahoma stands, why these players are being pursued, and how it all fits together.
Running Back: The Most Immediate Priority
The biggest roster question entering the portal window is at running back. Oklahoma has already seen Taylor Tatum and Jovantae Barnes enter the portal, two departures that significantly thin the room and force the staff to act quickly.
Lloyd Avant, RB – Colorado State (Confirmed Visitor, Jan. 3–4)
The most immediate focus is Colorado State running back Lloyd Avant, who is expected in Norman this weekend. Avant rushed for 417 yards and five touchdowns during the 2025 season, numbers that don’t jump off the page at first glance but carry important context.
Avant showed efficiency, vision, and reliability in a rotational role, and Oklahoma sees him as a back who can:
- Handle SEC-level physicality
- Provide dependable depth immediately
- Contribute in pass protection and situational football
With the Sooners needing stability as much as upside, Avant checks a lot of boxes. He’s not being brought in to replace a superstar — he’s being evaluated as a complementary piece who raises the floor of the room, especially if Oklahoma continues to lose numbers at the position.
Caleb Hawkins, RB – North Texas (High-Profile Target)
If Avant represents stability, Caleb Hawkins represents upside — and possibly star power.
Hawkins burst onto the national scene at North Texas by setting an FBS freshman touchdown record, making him one of the most productive and intriguing backs in the portal. Oklahoma has been consistently linked to Hawkins, and for good reason:
- Elite scoring production
- Explosive running style
- Proven ability to carry an offense
That said, this recruitment is complicated. With North Texas’ former head coach now at Oklahoma State, the Cowboys are widely viewed as the current favorite. Still, Oklahoma remains firmly in the conversation, and if the Sooners can get Hawkins on campus, it could quickly become one of the most important portal battles of the cycle.
Tight End: Experience Over Projection
Tight end is another position where Oklahoma is prioritizing proven snaps over potential, especially following the dismissal of tight ends coach Joe Jon Finley and the need to stabilize the room.
Hayden Hansen, TE – Florida
One of the most intriguing targets is Hayden Hansen, who started all 12 games for Florida in 2025. While Hansen is not expected to visit this weekend, a visit is anticipated later in the cycle.
Hansen fits what Oklahoma is looking for:
- SEC experience
- Durability and availability
- Comfort as both a blocker and outlet receiver
The Sooners aren’t just looking for a pass-catching tight end — they want someone who can survive in-line, help the run game, and reduce the learning curve in a new system. Hansen’s resume suggests he could step into that role immediately.
Rocky Beers, TE – Colorado State
Another name tied to Oklahoma is Rocky Beers, also from Colorado State. Beers is being evaluated as a veteran depth option who could stabilize the position group and provide flexibility, especially if the Sooners opt to bring in multiple portal tight ends rather than relying solely on high school development.
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Defensive Line: Addressing the Interior
Oklahoma’s defensive front has been hit by attrition, and the staff is clearly intent on reinforcing the interior.
Leon Sigler, DL – Arkansas State
Arkansas State defensive tackle Leon Sigler has emerged as a portal name to watch. While visit details are still pending, Sigler is expected to receive a visit invitation soon.
Why the interest?
- Interior defensive line depth is a must in the SEC
- Sigler brings experience and physicality
- Oklahoma needs rotational players as much as starters
The Sooners are not necessarily hunting one-year stars on the defensive line. Instead, they’re looking to build waves, something that has consistently separated elite SEC defenses from the rest.
Linebacker: Quietly a Sneaky Need
Linebacker hasn’t drawn as many headlines, but the departures — including Kobie McKinzie — have created a need for experience and reliability.
Owen Long, LB – Colorado State
Colorado State linebacker Owen Long has been linked to Oklahoma as a potential veteran addition. Long fits a familiar portal archetype for the Sooners:
- Experienced
- Sound fundamentally
- Capable of contributing on special teams
While not a “splash” name, Long would help offset portal losses and reduce the burden on younger linebackers.
Wide Receiver: The Swing-for-the-Fences Option
Cam Coleman, WR – Auburn
If Oklahoma is going to make a headline-grabbing move in the portal, Cam Coleman is the name to know.
The former Auburn wide receiver is considered the top overall non-quarterback prospect in the portal, and Oklahoma’s interest has been well-documented. Coleman would bring:
- Elite athletic traits
- Size and vertical presence
- Immediate attention from opposing defenses
There’s no reported visit yet, and landing Coleman would be a heavy lift. But with Jim Nagy now involved in roster construction, Oklahoma has shown it’s willing to chase high-end talent when the opportunity presents itself.
Edge Rusher: Another Potential Splash
John Henry Daley, EDGE – Utah
Utah edge rusher John Henry Daley is another high-profile name being monitored. Oklahoma has long valued edge depth, and Daley would represent a premium addition at a premium position.
While still early in the process, Daley fits Oklahoma’s desire to add impact players, not just depth, when the opportunity arises.
Why This Portal Cycle Feels Different
This portal window is not just about replacing bodies. The exodus — which includes running backs, offensive linemen Troy Everett and Jacob Sexton, linebacker McKinzie, and defensive back Gentry Williams — has forced Oklahoma to be intentional.
The Sooners are:
- Prioritizing experience
- Targeting players who have already handled college workloads
- Avoiding projects where possible
That’s a clear reflection of SEC realities.
The Big Picture
As the portal window opens, Oklahoma has positioned itself to be active but calculated. Lloyd Avant’s visit is just the beginning. Caleb Hawkins looms as a potential domino. Tight end reinforcements are clearly coming. And if a splash player like Cam Coleman becomes realistic, the Sooners will be ready to move.
This is no longer about rebuilding — it’s about roster optimization. And over the next two weeks, Oklahoma’s portal strategy will tell us a lot about how confident this staff feels heading into another season in the SEC.
Expect more visits. Expect more movement. And expect Oklahoma to stay aggressive until the window closes.
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