Several Oklahoma football players have announced they won’t return for the 2025 season, marking significant changes for the team.

As the 2025 season approaches, the Oklahoma Sooners football program is undergoing some significant changes. A number of key players have decided not to return for the upcoming season, leaving a mix of uncertainty and opportunity for both the coaching staff and the players who will take the field. These departures, whether through graduation, NFL draft declarations, or transfer portal exits, have created a ripple effect across the roster. While the Sooners still boast a competitive roster, these losses will require adjustments and the development of new players to fill the voids left behind.

In this article, we will take an in-depth look at the players who won’t be returning for the 2025 season, why they chose to move on, and how these departures will affect Oklahoma football moving forward. Additionally, we will explore the impact these exits may have on Oklahoma’s depth chart, their recruitment strategy, and how the Sooners might handle the changes in order to continue their pursuit of championship contention.

The Departures: Who Won’t Be Returning for 2025?

Several prominent players have opted not to return for the 2025 season, including those who have made significant contributions over the past few years. Below is a list of some of the key players who have announced their decisions:

1. Spencer Rattler (QB) – NFL Draft

One of the most notable departures is Spencer Rattler, the highly recruited quarterback who served as the starting signal caller for the Sooners. Rattler entered the 2025 NFL Draft after three seasons with Oklahoma, including a breakout freshman year where he led the Sooners to a College Football Playoff appearance. However, Rattler’s path to the NFL was not without its challenges. After a promising start, he faced some struggles and ultimately lost his starting job in the 2024 season to freshman Caleb Williams, who now looks poised to lead the team into the future.

Despite his up-and-down college career, Rattler’s decision to enter the draft is driven by the desire to play professionally and pursue a career in the NFL. Oklahoma will now look to Caleb Williams to fill the quarterback role for the 2025 season and beyond.

2. Nik Bonitto (OLB) – NFL Draft

Nik Bonitto was one of the standout players on Oklahoma’s defense in recent years. The outside linebacker was a key contributor in both the pass rush and run defense, earning All-Big 12 honors and recognition as one of the top defensive players in the country. With his size, speed, and ability to disrupt the opposing offense, Bonitto had long been seen as a potential NFL prospect. After his strong performances over the past few seasons, he decided to declare for the 2025 NFL Draft, opting to pursue his professional football career rather than return to the Sooners for another season.

Bonitto’s departure leaves a significant void in Oklahoma’s pass rush, and his loss will require the defense to adjust and identify new leaders in the front seven. This will be a major area of focus for head coach Lincoln Riley as the team looks to replace a player who was a constant threat on defense.

3. Jeremiah Hall (FB) – Graduation

Another key departure is Jeremiah Hall, Oklahoma’s versatile fullback who was known for his leadership on and off the field. Hall has been a reliable blocking presence for the Sooners’ running backs and was also an occasional receiving threat out of the backfield. With graduation on the horizon, Hall has made the decision to move on and pursue life beyond football, making him one of the more emotional departures from the team.

Hall’s departure means that the Sooners will need to fill his spot in the backfield with a player who can take on both blocking and receiving responsibilities. It also signals a change in offensive philosophy, as Oklahoma may be forced to utilize a more traditional spread offense with fewer fullback packages. This could also lead to an increase in opportunities for younger running backs or hybrid players who can fill a similar role.

4. Trejan Bridges (WR) – Transfer Portal

The wide receiver position has seen significant changes for the Sooners heading into the 2025 season. Trejan Bridges, who had been an important part of Oklahoma’s receiving corps over the past few seasons, has decided to enter the transfer portal. Bridges was known for his athleticism and ability to make plays in both the deep and intermediate passing game. However, his decision to leave was likely influenced by the changing dynamics of the offense and competition at wide receiver.

Bridges’ departure adds to a list of wide receivers who have left the program in recent years, and Oklahoma will now need to find new playmakers to complement the dynamic Marvin Mims and Theo Wease. This could create an opportunity for younger players to step up and contribute, especially with the team’s reliance on a high-powered passing attack under new offensive coordinator Jeff Lebby.

5. Isaiah Thomas (DE) – NFL Draft

Isaiah Thomas, another key contributor on the defensive line, has declared for the 2025 NFL Draft following a productive college career. Thomas was known for his ability to rush the passer and disrupt offenses, and his presence on the edge will be missed. As a senior, he was instrumental in Oklahoma’s defensive efforts, providing leadership and toughness to the defensive front. His departure leaves a hole at defensive end, and the Sooners will need to lean on younger players to step up and provide consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks.

6. Marquise Overton (DT) – Graduation

Along with Bonitto, Marquise Overton has also decided to move on after his time with Oklahoma. Overton was a key player on the interior of the defensive line, known for his strength and ability to clog running lanes. His departure means that Oklahoma will need to fill the middle of their defensive line with new talent. This could present an opportunity for younger defensive tackles to step into prominent roles, but it also adds a level of uncertainty to the Sooners’ defense, which will need to rely on their depth to fill the void.

7. DeLarrin Turner-Yell (S) – NFL Draft

Another player who will not be returning for the 2025 season is DeLarrin Turner-Yell, the starting safety for the Sooners. Turner-Yell had been a reliable presence in Oklahoma’s secondary, providing solid coverage skills and leadership in the defensive backfield. With his decision to declare for the NFL draft, Oklahoma’s safety position is left open for competition among younger players.

Impact on Oklahoma’s Roster

The departures of these key players will undoubtedly have a significant impact on Oklahoma’s depth chart and overall team dynamic. However, the Sooners have developed a reputation for adapting and rebuilding quickly, with a focus on recruiting top-tier talent and developing players at all positions. The coaching staff will need to focus on addressing these departures by identifying players who can step into starting roles and contribute to the team’s success.

Oklahoma has a number of talented young players who will now have the opportunity to prove themselves and earn playing time. Players like Caleb Williams at quarterback, Jalen Redmond on the defensive line, and Drake Stoops at wide receiver will need to step up as leaders and perform at a high level. Additionally, Oklahoma’s recruiting class is expected to contribute immediately, particularly on defense where the Sooners will need to replace several starters.

Recruiting and the Future of Oklahoma Football

In response to these departures, Oklahoma will continue to rely on its recruiting prowess to restock the roster and maintain a championship-caliber program. The Sooners have already brought in a strong class of 2025 recruits, and head coach Lincoln Riley will look to develop these players and prepare them for the challenges of the upcoming season.

Recruiting is a crucial element for sustaining success in college football, and Oklahoma has a track record of landing top-tier talent, particularly on the offensive side of the ball. However, with several key departures from the defensive side, it will be essential for the Sooners to focus on recruiting impact players on defense, particularly in the secondary and defensive line positions.

Looking Ahead

While the departures of these key players will undoubtedly leave a mark on the Oklahoma football program, the Sooners remain one of the top programs in college football. With a strong recruiting class, talented returning players, and an experienced coaching staff, Oklahoma is poised to continue its pursuit of championships in the Big 12 and beyond.

As the 2025 season approaches, Oklahoma’s ability to adapt and retool in response to these departures will determine the team’s success. Whether it’s filling the void left by Spencer Rattler at quarterback, replacing Nik Bonitto’s pass rush, or finding new leaders on the defensive line, the Sooners will have to lean on their depth and recruit effectively to maintain their place among college football’s elite.