BREAKING: Oklahoma basketball has landed a commitment from Alabama transfer forward and former 5-Star prospect Derrion Reid.

In a major offseason move that’s sure to shake up the college basketball landscape, former Alabama forward and five-star prospect Derrion Reid has officially committed to the Oklahoma Sooners. The 6-foot-8, 220-pound forward, who was ranked as one of the top prospects in the 2024 recruiting class, brings a unique blend of size, skill, and athleticism to a program hungry for national relevance. This transfer is not just a win for Oklahoma—it’s a statement.

A Highly Touted Prospect

Before he ever stepped on a college court, Derrion Reid was turning heads across the country. A consensus five-star recruit, Reid starred at Prolific Prep in Napa, California, where he built a reputation as a dynamic forward with the ability to impact the game in numerous ways. He averaged 17.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game on the Nike EYBL circuit with Team Thad, showcasing his versatility and high-level motor.

Ranked No. 9 overall and No. 5 among small forwards by ESPN in the class of 2024, Reid was selected to the prestigious McDonald’s All-American Game, cementing his status as one of the elite players in his class. His recruiting journey was closely followed, with programs like Georgia, Texas, Florida State, and Alabama vying for his commitment. Ultimately, Nate Oats and the Crimson Tide landed the talented forward, a win that was expected to bolster Alabama’s frontcourt for years to come.

A Promising Yet Uneven Freshman Campaign

Reid’s freshman season at Alabama showed flashes of promise but lacked the consistency needed to establish himself as a cornerstone of the program. Playing behind a deep and experienced rotation, Reid appeared in 24 games, making three starts—two of which came early in the season. He averaged 6.0 points and 2.8 rebounds in 14.1 minutes per game, shooting efficiently and showing glimpses of his potential on both ends of the floor.

His best moments came during Alabama’s deep NCAA Tournament run, where he contributed 16 points over four games on 6-of-9 shooting. Though his role was limited, Reid’s performance in the postseason hinted at what could be possible with a larger opportunity.

Sources close to Reid suggested that while he respected the coaching staff and appreciated the chance to develop in a competitive environment, he was seeking a greater role—something that became increasingly unlikely as Alabama added more high-profile recruits and transfers for the 2025-26 season.

Why Oklahoma?

The decision to transfer was not made lightly. Reid entered the portal with strong interest from a host of top programs, but ultimately chose Oklahoma, citing both opportunity and vision as key factors. In a social media post announcing his commitment, Reid wrote:

“I want to thank Coach Oats and the Alabama staff for believing in me and giving me my first opportunity. I’ve grown so much in my time there. But after much thought and prayer, I’ve decided to continue my journey at the University of Oklahoma. I’m excited to get to work and help bring something special to Norman.”

Under head coach Porter Moser, the Sooners have built a culture centered around defensive toughness, player development, and character—values that aligned with Reid’s goals for the next chapter of his career. Moser, entering a critical season at the helm of Oklahoma basketball, has been aggressive in the portal, retooling the roster after a 20-14 season that ended with a first-round NCAA Tournament exit.

In addition to Reid, Oklahoma has added Miami’s Nijel Pack, Notre Dame’s Tae Davis, and Saint Joseph’s Xzayvier Brown—a trio of experienced guards who should immediately contribute. With the addition of Reid, the Sooners now boast a balanced and dynamic roster that blends youth, experience, and athleticism.

What Reid Brings to Oklahoma

Derrion Reid’s impact on Oklahoma’s program could be substantial. His size and athleticism make him an ideal fit for the modern game. At 6-foot-8 with a 7-foot wingspan, he has the ability to guard multiple positions, switch defensively, and protect the rim. Offensively, he thrives in transition, can finish above the rim, and has shown an improving perimeter shot that suggests he could stretch defenses from the forward position.

While not yet a finished product, Reid’s ceiling is incredibly high. If he can develop his ball-handling and improve his consistency from three-point range, he has NBA-level potential. In Oklahoma’s system, which emphasizes tempo, ball movement, and spacing, Reid will likely have the freedom to play both forward spots and be featured as a mismatch problem for opposing defenses.

His development will be critical, not just for the Sooners’ season, but for Reid’s long-term professional prospects. And the coaching staff in Norman is confident they can help him get there.

Oklahoma’s 2025–26 Outlook

The Sooners are coming off a respectable season in which they returned to the NCAA Tournament after missing out in the previous two years. Yet, for a program with aspirations of contending in the new-look SEC, the bar is higher. Porter Moser knows that time is running out to build a contender, and this offseason’s moves indicate an urgent push to elevate the program.

With Reid, Pack, Davis, and Brown in the fold, Oklahoma has addressed its two biggest issues from last season: scoring depth and defensive versatility. Reid, in particular, could be the key piece that ties everything together. His presence gives the Sooners a frontcourt option who can run the floor, defend multiple positions, and create matchup nightmares.

If Reid reaches even 75% of his potential this season, Oklahoma could find itself in the top tier of the SEC—a conference that includes heavyweights like Kentucky, Tennessee, and Alabama.

A Strategic Move for Reid

From Reid’s perspective, the transfer is about more than just playing time—it’s about trajectory. In an increasingly NIL-driven and portal-dominated era of college basketball, players are making calculated moves to set themselves up for professional success. Reid’s decision reflects an understanding that he needs a place where he can not only play but showcase his full skill set.

At Oklahoma, he’ll have the platform. He’ll also have the responsibility. No longer just a promising freshman trying to earn minutes, Reid will be expected to lead, both in production and attitude. It’s a new role, but one that could ultimately define his career.

Fan and Analyst Reactions

Reactions from the college basketball world were swift. On social media, Oklahoma fans celebrated the commitment as one of the biggest additions in recent program history. Recruiting analysts praised the fit, noting that Reid’s game matches well with the Sooners’ style and that he could be a breakout candidate in the 2025–26 season.

Former players and insiders have echoed that sentiment, with many calling the transfer a “perfect storm” of opportunity and talent.

“This is the kind of move that can change the trajectory of a season,” one anonymous Big 12 coach said. “If he clicks, Oklahoma is going to be a problem.”

Derrion Reid’s transfer to Oklahoma is more than a headline—it’s a turning point. For Reid, it’s a fresh start and a chance to fulfill the promise that made him a five-star prospect. For Oklahoma, it’s a signal of intent and ambition in an increasingly competitive college basketball world.

If the pieces fall into place, Reid could become a centerpiece of a resurgent Sooners squad. And for a program looking to climb the ladder in the SEC, his arrival might just be the start of something special.