Talk about Transfers: What Oklahoma Will Receive Austin Welch, kicker

In the ever-evolving landscape of college football, the transfer portal has become an essential component in the recruitment and development of rosters. Teams that excel in utilizing the portal can find immediate contributors, plugging gaps left by departures or bolstering areas in need of improvement. For the Oklahoma Sooners, one key addition this offseason is Austin Welch, a kicker who comes to Norman with a unique skill set and potential to make an immediate impact.

Welch’s transfer to Oklahoma has generated considerable attention, especially given the importance of special teams in the modern game. As Oklahoma continues to build on its already strong foundation, the addition of a player like Welch is an essential piece of the puzzle. But what exactly will the Sooners receive in Welch? What can fans expect from this new addition to the kicking game, and how will he influence the Sooners’ special teams in 2025 and beyond?

A Proven Kicker with Experience

Before diving into what Welch can bring to Oklahoma, it’s important to understand his background and the experience that he will be bringing to the Sooners’ roster. Austin Welch transferred to Oklahoma from a different program, where he had established himself as a reliable and consistent kicker. Over his career, Welch has displayed a combination of power, accuracy, and composure under pressure—traits that are crucial for any kicker at the college level.

In his previous tenure, Welch demonstrated the ability to hit from long distances, with a proven track record of successfully converting field goals from beyond 40 yards. His range and leg strength immediately stand out, making him a potential weapon in situations where longer kicks are required. But what truly sets Welch apart is his calm demeanor in clutch situations. Kicking under pressure is something that every top-level kicker must do, and Welch has repeatedly shown that he can rise to the occasion when the game is on the line.

In addition to his prowess with field goals, Welch has also been known for his accuracy on extra points. He has the reliability needed to make those crucial kicks following touchdowns, which is often an overlooked but vital part of special teams play. His consistency on both types of kicks—field goals and extra points—will be key as Oklahoma looks to stabilize its special teams unit.

Bringing Stability to Oklahoma’s Special Teams

The kicking game is often a position that doesn’t get as much attention as other positions on the field, but it can be the difference between a win and a loss. Whether it’s making a game-winning field goal, nailing a long kick to change field position, or converting extra points in a high-scoring affair, a strong kicker is essential to any championship-caliber team. For Oklahoma, the addition of Austin Welch brings an added level of stability to a special teams unit that, while solid in past seasons, can always use a reliable, consistent kicker.

For teams with high aspirations—like Oklahoma, which regularly competes for conference championships and playoff berths—having a kicker who can consistently put up points and handle pressure situations is invaluable. Welch is an experienced kicker who will not be fazed by big moments, which means he can be counted on in crucial games down the line. In tight matchups where every point counts, his accuracy and poise will provide a sense of security to the entire team, knowing that their kicker can perform at the highest level when it matters most.

A Strong Leg and Range: What Welch Brings to the Table

One of the most notable qualities that Austin Welch brings to Oklahoma is his strong leg. Kicking range is a crucial factor when evaluating a college kicker, especially as teams often need a kicker who can hit long-range field goals, especially in high-pressure situations or when the offense stalls in opponent territory. Welch has demonstrated the ability to kick from 50 yards or more, a skill that will certainly come in handy for Oklahoma.

With a strong leg, Welch will provide Oklahoma with additional flexibility when it comes to managing field position. A long field goal attempt can change the complexion of a game, especially if it’s one that allows a team to score when the offense is unable to finish the drive. His ability to convert from long range is likely to force opponents to play more conservatively in certain situations, knowing that a kick from anywhere on the field could be a potential scoring threat.

Additionally, Welch’s leg strength could be beneficial for Oklahoma in areas like kickoffs, which play a role in field position battles. A kicker who can consistently boot the ball deep into the opponent’s end zone forces the opposing offense to begin its drives further back, creating favorable conditions for the Sooners’ defense. Special teams can often be the unsung hero of a football team, and having a kicker like Welch can be a significant advantage in this area.

Mentorship and Leadership on Special Teams

While Austin Welch’s contributions on the field will certainly be felt, his influence could extend beyond just his performances. As a transfer, Welch brings a wealth of experience and maturity to the Oklahoma special teams unit. It’s not just about kicking; it’s also about bringing leadership and composure to a unit that can sometimes be overlooked. As someone who has already gone through the pressures and challenges of college football, Welch can serve as a mentor for younger kickers or other special teams players, helping them develop their skills and stay calm under pressure.

Leadership on special teams is often a quiet but important aspect of a team’s success. Welch’s role could transcend simply making field goals. He could be an important figure in the locker room and during practice, teaching younger players about the mental aspects of the game, the importance of focus, and how to stay confident in crucial moments. With his experience and approach to the game, Welch could be a steadying presence for the Oklahoma special teams unit as a whole.

Competition and Development for Oklahoma’s Kicking Game

Welch’s arrival also signals that Oklahoma is serious about improving and refining its special teams unit. College football teams are always looking to upgrade their rosters, and the addition of a seasoned kicker shows that Oklahoma is no exception. The Sooners are expected to field one of the most competitive teams in the Big 12, and their special teams are just as important as any other aspect of the team.

By bringing in a proven kicker like Welch, Oklahoma now has more competition in the kicking game, which will elevate the performance of all involved. Competition tends to bring out the best in players, and with Welch now on the roster, it’s likely that the Sooners will see increased attention to detail, greater consistency in practice, and more drive to perform when it matters. Whether Welch is competing for the starting job or simply working as a contributor, his presence will push everyone in the unit to perform at a higher level.

Oklahoma’s Future in the Kicking Game: A Bright Outlook

Looking forward, the addition of Austin Welch should give Oklahoma fans confidence in the team’s special teams unit moving forward. Whether it’s handling high-pressure kicks in tight games or simply providing the stability needed for the Sooners to manage field position, Welch’s presence will undoubtedly be an asset. His experience, range, and mental fortitude give Oklahoma a strong foundation in the kicking game that could help propel them to new heights in the 2025 season and beyond.

The Sooners are a program with championship aspirations, and while the offense and defense are typically the focal points of conversation, the importance of special teams cannot be understated. By bringing in a reliable, experienced kicker like Austin Welch, Oklahoma has ensured that they will be solid in an area that could prove to be the difference between winning and losing crucial games down the stretch.

Welch’s ability to make long kicks and perform under pressure will provide Oklahoma with the necessary tools to compete for titles in the Big 12 and potentially for a spot in the College Football Playoff. His leadership and experience will also help to shape a special teams unit that could be a vital part of Oklahoma’s success over the next few years.

In the ever-competitive world of college football, the ability to strengthen all facets of the team is key to sustained success. For Oklahoma, the addition of Austin Welch could prove to be one of the most important moves of the offseason—a transfer that brings much-needed stability, leadership, and reliability to the Sooners’ kicking game.