Transfer Talk: What Punter Will Bring to Oklahoma Jacob Ulrich

As the Oklahoma Sooners prepare for the upcoming seasons and focus on building a competitive roster in the SEC, one position that often doesn’t get as much attention but is critically important to a team’s success is the punter. In college football, the punter is not only responsible for flipping the field but also for setting the tone in terms of field position, especially in tight games. The ability to pin opponents deep in their own territory or produce booming punts that change the game’s momentum is a vital skill that can provide teams with an edge.

One such player who is expected to make a significant impact on the Sooners’ special teams unit in the coming years is Jacob Ulrich, a punter who will transfer to Oklahoma. Ulrich’s arrival comes at a time when the Sooners are looking to shore up every aspect of their game as they prepare for their move to the SEC, a conference known for its physicality and competitive balance. Special teams are often a forgotten area of a football program, but Ulrich’s ability and skill set will provide a necessary boost to Oklahoma’s efforts on that front.

1. Who is Jacob Ulrich?

Jacob Ulrich is a highly regarded punter who has established himself as a strong, reliable leg in college football. Before transferring to Oklahoma, Ulrich played for the Colorado Buffaloes, where he earned praise for his consistency and field position-changing punts. Over his time at Colorado, Ulrich demonstrated the rare combination of power and precision—able to boom punts deep into enemy territory, but also capable of dropping punts inside the 20-yard line with great accuracy.

Ulrich was known for his strong leg and his ability to adapt to different situations. Whether it was executing a short, quick kick to pin an opponent deep or blasting a long punt to cover significant yardage, Ulrich displayed an impressive skill set that will make him a valuable asset for Oklahoma in the 2025 and 2026 seasons.

The Sooners have had some great punters in the past, but with the demands of moving into the SEC and facing some of the top defenses and special teams units in the nation, having a reliable punter like Ulrich will be crucial. But what exactly does Ulrich bring to the table? Let’s break down his skill set and examine how he could help Oklahoma moving forward.

2. Ulrich’s Physical Tools and Punting Style

Jacob Ulrich stands out for his impressive leg strength. Punters with strong legs can be game-changers, as they have the ability to pin opponents deep in their own territory and change field position dramatically. Ulrich’s leg strength allows him to consistently hit punts over 50 yards, and this is something Oklahoma will be looking to utilize to its advantage.

One of Ulrich’s biggest strengths is his hang time. Hang time is crucial because it allows the coverage team to get down the field and make a play on the ball. A punter who can consistently deliver punts with high hang times allows the coverage unit to get in position to either down the ball inside the 10-yard line or make a tackle before the return man has a chance to get going. Ulrich has shown time and time again that he can produce this hang time, and that’s a vital asset for a team trying to control the field position battle.

In addition to his leg strength and hang time, Ulrich is known for his accuracy. While punting for Colorado, Ulrich displayed the ability to place punts in specific areas, particularly inside the 20-yard line. This skill is crucial because it allows a team to pin its opponent deep and create favorable conditions for the defense. Being able to consistently drop punts inside the 10-yard line or even the 5-yard line puts tremendous pressure on the opposing offense and allows the defense to play aggressively.

Another aspect of Ulrich’s punting style is his ability to adapt to different situations. Whether he’s asked to execute a quick punt to catch the defense off guard or a longer, high hang-time punt to set up his coverage team, Ulrich has shown the ability to adjust his technique based on the needs of the situation. This adaptability is something that head coach Brent Venables will value, as the Sooners will likely face various scenarios in each game where different types of punts are needed.

3. What Ulrich Brings to Oklahoma

Special teams play is often overlooked in college football, but it can be the difference between winning and losing, particularly in close games. When a team can win the battle of field position, it makes life much easier for the offense and defense. Ulrich’s addition to the Sooners will be instrumental in improving the team’s special teams unit and ensuring that the Sooners have a consistent, reliable punter to handle this vital role.

Let’s take a closer look at how Ulrich’s skills will benefit the Sooners:

Field Position Control

As mentioned earlier, one of the most important elements of being a successful punter is the ability to control field position. In the SEC, where teams are often evenly matched, field position can be a game-changer. By pinning opponents deep in their own territory, Ulrich will force them to navigate long fields, which increases the chances of mistakes and helps set up the defense for success.

Oklahoma will likely rely heavily on its defense to keep games close in the SEC, and having a punter who can flip the field will be essential. Ulrich’s ability to place punts inside the 20-yard line consistently will make life difficult for opposing offenses, especially those facing an elite defense like Oklahoma’s.

Versatility

Ulrich’s versatility as a punter is another reason he’s an excellent fit for Oklahoma. His ability to deliver a variety of punts, from quick, low kicks to high, booming punts, gives the Sooners options. If Oklahoma needs to kick off a quick, controlled punt, Ulrich can provide that. If the Sooners need a long, booming kick to flip the field, Ulrich can deliver that as well.

In the SEC, where special teams play can be unpredictable and each game presents different challenges, having a punter who can adjust to any situation is invaluable. This flexibility will allow Oklahoma to maximize its special teams and make the most out of every opportunity.

Pressure on Opposing Returners

Ulrich’s powerful leg and ability to generate high hang time mean that opposing returners will often have little room to work with. When a punter consistently places the ball high in the air and deep into the opponent’s territory, it forces the returner to make decisions quickly. They may have to field the ball under pressure, or in some cases, they might opt to let the ball bounce, hoping for a favorable roll. Ulrich’s hang time and accuracy will give Oklahoma’s coverage team an opportunity to get down the field and stop any return before it can become a significant gain.

In the SEC, where returners are often explosive and capable of changing the game on any given play, limiting the return game is essential. Ulrich’s ability to negate the return game with his leg strength and accuracy will be a huge advantage for the Sooners.

Consistency

One of the biggest challenges for any punter is maintaining consistency throughout the season. Ulrich’s career at Colorado demonstrated a strong track record of being reliable week in and week out. His consistency will be crucial for Oklahoma, as special teams are often a difference-maker in close games. Knowing that you have a punter who can consistently execute under pressure gives coaches and players confidence, and that confidence can have a ripple effect throughout the entire team.

Leadership

While punters are often not as vocal as other players, they play a critical role in the locker room, particularly on special teams. Ulrich’s experience and consistency will give him a leadership role on the field and in the special teams unit. Being able to rely on a punter who has been in high-pressure situations before and knows how to perform under those conditions is vital for a team’s overall success.

4. Impact on the SEC Transition

As the Sooners prepare for their move to the SEC, every aspect of their game will be under the microscope. The conference’s high level of competition means that even the smallest edge can make a difference. Ulrich’s ability to handle the pressure of the SEC’s physicality and consistently deliver in high-stakes moments will be a significant asset.

In the SEC, every game will be a battle. Opponents will often have strong offenses and special teams units, meaning that field position will be at a premium. Ulrich will play a major role in ensuring the Sooners have an advantage in this area. The ability to pin opponents deep, change the momentum of a game with a long punt, and consistently control the field position battle will help Oklahoma compete with the best teams in the SEC.