The 5 most important transfers for the Oklahoma Sooners in 2025 will significantly impact their roster, enhancing both offense and defense.

As the 2025 season approaches, the Oklahoma Sooners find themselves at a pivotal moment. Head coach Brent Venables and his staff have worked tirelessly to revamp the program’s roster, bringing in key transfers that have the potential to make an immediate impact on both sides of the ball. After a season filled with highs and lows, the Sooners are looking to address key needs and continue building toward a championship-contending team.

The transfer portal has become an invaluable tool for college football programs in recent years, allowing teams to fill gaps and bring in players who can contribute right away. For Oklahoma, the 2025 transfer class will play a critical role in shaping the team’s success, as several key positions are in need of reinforcements.

In this article, we will take a deep dive into the five most important transfers for the Oklahoma Sooners in 2025. These players are expected to have an immediate impact and could be the difference between another solid season and one that leads to a championship run.

1. Quarterback Transfer: Boosting the Passing Game

One of the most critical areas of focus for Oklahoma in 2025 is the quarterback position. After a disappointing season under center in 2024, the Sooners are looking to stabilize the position and find a player who can not only lead the offense but also elevate it to new heights. Enter Tyler Van Dyke, the quarterback transfer from the University of Miami.

Van Dyke, who has played three seasons at Miami, brings a wealth of experience and a strong arm that will be crucial for the Sooners’ offense. The 6’4″ quarterback has thrown for over 3,000 yards in each of his last two seasons and has shown flashes of brilliance, including a 2022 season where he threw for 25 touchdowns and nearly 3,000 yards. He is known for his poise in the pocket, ability to make all the necessary throws, and leadership skills, which will be critical for a Sooners team looking to take the next step.

Oklahoma’s offense has long been known for its explosive passing attack, and Van Dyke’s ability to push the ball downfield should complement the Sooners’ up-tempo, high-octane system. With experienced receivers like Jahlil Farooq and Theo Wease returning for the 2025 season, Van Dyke’s presence at quarterback could unlock the full potential of the offense, making him one of the most important transfers for Oklahoma.

Van Dyke’s leadership and maturity will also be vital for a program that has seen some instability at quarterback in recent seasons. His ability to read defenses, make quick decisions, and avoid costly turnovers could be a game-changer for a team that has sometimes struggled to maintain consistency at the position.

2. Defensive Lineman Transfer: Reinforcing the Front Seven

While the offense is critical, defense will ultimately decide the Sooners’ fate in 2025. Under Brent Venables, Oklahoma has committed to building a defense that is aggressive, physical, and disruptive. One of the key areas where the Sooners need improvement is along the defensive line, specifically in the interior.

Dante Stills, a transfer from West Virginia, is expected to be a cornerstone of Oklahoma’s defensive front in 2025. Stills, who played four seasons for the Mountaineers, is an elite pass rusher and a force in the interior of the defensive line. At 6’4″ and 285 pounds, he combines size with exceptional quickness, making him a disruptive presence against both the run and the pass.

Stills’ experience and leadership will be invaluable for a young Oklahoma defense that will rely heavily on its veterans in 2025. His ability to collapse the pocket and create pressure on the quarterback will be crucial for Venables’ defensive schemes, which often prioritize creating havoc in the backfield. Moreover, his leadership in the locker room will help set the tone for a defense that is looking to regain its elite status.

Alongside talented edge rushers like Ethan Downs and Reggie Grimes, Stills will help provide the defensive line with the depth and versatility needed to compete at the highest level. His experience in the Big 12 will also allow him to transition smoothly into Oklahoma’s system and provide an immediate impact.

3. Wide Receiver Transfer: Bolstering the Passing Attack

Oklahoma has a rich history of developing explosive wide receivers who can change the course of a game with one play. With a new quarterback in place, having a reliable and talented receiving corps is essential for the Sooners’ offense to reach its full potential in 2025. That’s where Malik Nabers, a transfer from LSU, comes into play.

Nabers, a 6’0″ wide receiver, is known for his speed, route-running ability, and reliable hands. In his three seasons at LSU, Nabers has accumulated over 2,000 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns. His ability to stretch the field vertically, make plays after the catch, and operate in both the short and intermediate passing game will make him a key asset for Oklahoma’s offense in 2025.

The Sooners’ offense is at its best when it has multiple receiving threats who can create mismatches and force defenses to pick their poison. With Nabers joining the fold, Oklahoma will have a dynamic playmaker who can complement Jahlil Farooq and Theo Wease, two of the team’s most talented returning receivers. Nabers’ ability to make big plays will also give Tyler Van Dyke a reliable target in critical situations.

As the Sooners look to reclaim their spot among the top offenses in college football, Nabers’ experience in the SEC and his ability to perform in big games will be a significant boost to an already talented receiving corps. His chemistry with Van Dyke will be something to watch as the 2025 season progresses.

4. Linebacker Transfer: Strengthening the Middle of the Defense

Another key area for the Sooners in 2025 is linebacker. While Oklahoma has talented players at this position, they need a leader in the middle of the defense who can make plays and be the focal point of the unit. Enter Owen Pappoe, a transfer from Auburn.

Pappoe, who was a key contributor for the Tigers, is a linebacker with excellent sideline-to-sideline speed, awareness, and a knack for making crucial tackles in key moments. At 6’1″ and 225 pounds, Pappoe has the athleticism to cover ground quickly, and his ability to read the offense and anticipate plays will be crucial for the Sooners’ defense.

In 2024, Oklahoma struggled at times with defending the run and covering tight ends and running backs in the passing game. Pappoe’s presence in the middle of the defense will help the Sooners be more effective against the run and create more opportunities for turnovers. His ability to get to the quarterback and his pass-rushing skills will also help provide pressure on opposing offenses.

Under Venables’ aggressive defensive scheme, Pappoe will play a vital role in both the run defense and pass coverage. His experience and leadership will help guide Oklahoma’s linebacking corps, which will be critical for a defense that needs to perform at a high level in 2025.

5. Cornerback Transfer: Enhancing the Secondary

Oklahoma’s defense in 2025 will also rely on improving its secondary, which has been inconsistent in recent years. The Sooners have a talented group of cornerbacks, but the addition of Tariq Castro-Fields, a transfer from Penn State, could be the final piece that elevates the unit.

Castro-Fields is a 6’1″ cornerback with the length, speed, and physicality to compete with the best wide receivers in the Big 12. His ability to shut down top receivers in man-to-man coverage will be a key asset for Oklahoma’s defense, especially in a conference known for its high-powered offenses.

In his time at Penn State, Castro-Fields was consistently matched up against some of the top wide receivers in the country, and his experience in big games will be invaluable for the Sooners. His coverage skills and ability to read the quarterback will make him a key component of Oklahoma’s defensive strategy. With the addition of Castro-Fields, the Sooners will have the flexibility to play more aggressive coverages and put their defensive backs in positions to make plays.

As teams in the Big 12 continue to evolve offensively, having a lockdown corner like Castro-Fields will help Oklahoma compete with the best of the best. His presence will also allow Oklahoma’s other defensive backs to be more aggressive, knowing they have a reliable corner to shut down top receiving threats.