Oklahoma Sooners running back Sam Franklin is entering the transfer portal, seeking new opportunities for his college football career.

The world of college football is constantly in flux, with players frequently changing teams, whether due to personal decisions, coaching changes, or opportunities for increased playing time. In one of the more notable recent developments for the Oklahoma Sooners, running back Sam Franklin has officially entered the transfer portal. This decision has sparked considerable conversation within the college football community, as Franklin, while not one of the highest-profile players on the team, was still considered a contributor to the Sooners’ backfield. His departure opens up several questions not just for his career, but also for the future of Oklahoma’s football program.

For those unfamiliar with Sam Franklin, his time at Oklahoma had been marked by flashes of potential, mixed with moments of inconsistency. Franklin was recruited to Oklahoma with a lot of promise and showed moments of explosiveness and versatility during his time in Norman. However, despite showing promise, he was often overshadowed by the higher-profile players in the backfield, such as Eric Gray and Jovantae Barnes. Now that he is looking for a new opportunity, the transfer portal once again plays a pivotal role in the ever-changing landscape of college football.

This article delves into the implications of Franklin’s decision to enter the portal, looking at his time with the Sooners, what his departure means for both his future and the Sooners’ roster, and how the transfer portal is reshaping college football.

1. Sam Franklin’s Journey to Oklahoma

Sam Franklin’s path to the University of Oklahoma was not one filled with immediate fanfare. Coming out of high school, Franklin was not the most highly sought-after recruit in the state or region, which made his arrival in Norman somewhat understated. Nonetheless, the Sooners coaching staff saw potential in the versatile back. Franklin was recruited as part of the class of 2022, and like many freshmen, he had the chance to learn and adjust to the college game from the sidelines in his first season.

His first year, the 2022 season, was spent primarily as a depth piece. He showed promise in practice but struggled to get significant playing time due to the depth of talent already present in the Sooners’ backfield. Oklahoma had established running backs like Eric Gray, Kennedy Brooks, and others, who carried much of the offensive load. Franklin, while talented, wasn’t able to find his rhythm with consistent opportunities, and as a result, his first season was quiet in terms of production.

Despite his relatively limited action in 2022, Franklin’s athleticism and skillset never went unnoticed. Standing at 6 feet and 210 pounds, Franklin possessed the ideal combination of size and speed that made him an intriguing option for future seasons. His balance, ability to make defenders miss in tight spaces, and good hands as a pass catcher were traits that coaches appreciated, and he was seen as someone with a high ceiling if given the chance to play.

2. Playing Time and Development in 2023

Entering his sophomore season in 2023, Franklin had an opportunity to establish himself as a contributor in the Sooners’ backfield. However, once again, the running back room was stacked with talent. Eric Gray was one of the top backs in the country and carried much of the workload. Additionally, true freshman Jovantae Barnes made a significant impact, earning his share of carries as well. With the competition growing stiffer, Franklin struggled to carve out a substantial role in the offense.

Despite his challenges, Franklin did manage to showcase flashes of his talent when given the opportunity. Whether as a change-of-pace back or in special teams, Franklin contributed when he was called upon. Yet, he never seemed to get the sustained opportunities necessary to fully develop as a featured back in the offense. For many players, it can be a frustrating experience when their potential is evident, but the opportunity to fully showcase it remains limited due to the depth of talent ahead of them on the depth chart.

In games where Oklahoma had a comfortable lead, Franklin occasionally got a chance to step in and gain valuable experience, but this was more of a backup role rather than a starting or primary role. For a player like Franklin, the lack of opportunities may have started to take its toll, as he needed more exposure to continue developing and take his game to the next level.

3. Reasons for Entering the Transfer Portal

The decision to enter the transfer portal often stems from a variety of factors, particularly when players find themselves buried on the depth chart. In the case of Sam Franklin, there are several possible reasons why he chose to explore other opportunities.

1. Lack of Playing Time: As mentioned, the most obvious factor in Franklin’s decision is the lack of consistent playing time. Despite his potential, Franklin never truly broke through as one of the featured backs in the Sooners’ offense. With players like Eric Gray and Jovantae Barnes taking the majority of snaps, Franklin may have realized that his best chance for significant playing time—and ultimately, greater career progression—would be with another program.
2. Depth at the Running Back Position: Oklahoma has one of the most talented running back rooms in the country, which is a double-edged sword for players like Franklin. While he was part of that talent pool, he was also competing with multiple players who were either more experienced or higher up the depth chart. With the Sooners frequently recruiting top-tier running backs, Franklin may have felt that his path to meaningful playing time would only become more difficult as the program continued to bring in elite talent.
3. A Desire for a Larger Role: For any player, getting an opportunity to be a central figure in a college football program is a key factor in their career. Franklin, by all accounts, has the ability to be a starting running back at a Division I level, but Oklahoma was not going to be the place where he was going to get the starting role he desired. He may have realized that a transfer to another program would give him the chance to be a feature back or at least receive a greater share of carries.
4. Coaching Changes: While not directly mentioned in Franklin’s case, coaching changes can sometimes lead to players re-evaluating their place in a program. Oklahoma’s football program underwent a transition when head coach Lincoln Riley left for USC, and while the program has continued to perform under Brent Venables, changes in the coaching staff or offensive philosophy can cause players to reassess their futures with the team.
5. Personal Growth and Development: Finally, the decision to enter the portal could have been based on a desire for personal growth. Players sometimes feel they need a fresh start or a new environment to push themselves to greater heights. A change of scenery might be just what Franklin needs to unlock his full potential, as he seeks the right situation where he can thrive.

4. What Sam Franklin Brings to a New Team

Despite not being a household name, Sam Franklin is a running back who brings a lot of value to any program. Standing at 6 feet tall and weighing in at around 210 pounds, Franklin is the ideal size for a running back. He has the speed and agility to break long runs, while his physicality and vision allow him to grind out tough yards in short-yardage situations. Moreover, Franklin has demonstrated the ability to catch passes out of the backfield, which adds an additional dimension to his game.

Franklin’s versatility would be attractive to many teams, especially those looking for a back who can contribute both as a runner and a receiver. He has the ability to make defenders miss in space, but also the power to run through arm tackles and pick up extra yardage. In a transfer setting, Franklin could be a valuable asset for a team looking to bolster its running game with a capable, well-rounded back.

Additionally, his experience in a high-profile program like Oklahoma will help him adapt quickly to new environments. Having practiced against some of the best athletes in college football, Franklin is battle-tested and familiar with the pressures and expectations that come with playing for a top-tier program.

5. Impact on Oklahoma’s Roster

Franklin’s decision to enter the transfer portal will have an impact on Oklahoma’s running back depth for the 2024 season. While he was never the starter, he provided depth and a reliable option in the event of an injury or rotation. Losing him means that the Sooners now have one less player to rely on in a position group already heavily dependent on its stars.

Looking ahead, the Sooners will need to lean on players like Jovantae Barnes, who showed significant promise as a freshman, and other contributors like Gavin Sawchuk. The team has been successful in recruiting elite talent, and the loss of Franklin could open the door for younger backs to step up and make their mark in 2024.

Oklahoma may also look to the transfer portal themselves to add depth to the running back position. Programs like Oklahoma always have a large pool of recruits to draw from, and the Sooners’ coaching staff may seek to add a back who can complement Barnes and Sawchuk, ensuring that the position remains strong heading into the new season.

Sam Franklin’s decision to enter the transfer portal marks a new chapter in his college football career. While his time at Oklahoma may not have been marked by stardom, he has certainly shown flashes of what he is capable of. Now, by exploring other opportunities, Franklin is looking for a place where he can become a key contributor and realize his full potential as a running back.

The transfer portal has become an increasingly important factor in shaping college football programs, and Franklin’s decision is a reminder of how fluid the college football landscape can be. As he embarks on the next phase of his career, it will be interesting to see where he lands and how he is able to develop with a new program. For Oklahoma, Franklin’s departure will leave a hole in their depth chart, but the Sooners have the talent and resources to fill that gap and continue their pursuit of a championship. Whether Franklin’s next chapter is one of greater success or not, his journey in college football is far from over.