After Davon Mitchell’s exit, the Oklahoma Sooners face uncertainty at tight end. The team will rely on emerging talent to step up, with a focus on development and replacing Mitchell’s impact.

The Oklahoma Sooners have long been a powerhouse in college football, known for producing top-tier quarterbacks, explosive offenses, and a history of dominant playmakers. However, as the 2025 season approaches, the Sooners are faced with a significant void after the departure of tight end Davon Mitchell. Mitchell, who has been a cornerstone of the Oklahoma offense in recent seasons, has now moved on, leaving behind a challenge for head coach Brent Venables and offensive coordinator Jeff Lebby. The team now finds itself navigating a crucial period of transition, with a need for emerging talent to step up and replace Mitchell’s impact in both the running and passing games.

Mitchell’s exit marks more than just the loss of a talented player—it represents a shift in how the Sooners will approach their offensive game plan. With a program that has historically relied on dynamic tight end play, the challenge will be finding a suitable replacement who can contribute in similar ways. Tight ends in Oklahoma’s system are not only expected to block but also to serve as significant weapons in the passing game, stretching defenses and creating mismatches. Now, the question remains: who will step up to fill Mitchell’s shoes?

Davon Mitchell’s Impact on Oklahoma’s Offense

To understand the gravity of Mitchell’s departure, it’s essential to reflect on his impact during his time in Norman. Davon Mitchell, a highly recruited tight end, quickly established himself as one of the premier talents in the country. Standing at 6’5” and possessing both impressive speed and agility for his size, Mitchell was a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses. His blend of blocking ability and pass-catching prowess allowed Oklahoma to maintain its offensive versatility, which was a hallmark of the Sooners’ high-powered attack.

In the passing game, Mitchell was a reliable target for quarterbacks, especially in critical third-down situations. His ability to create separation, along with his reliable hands, made him a safety valve for the Sooners’ signal-callers. Furthermore, his yards after catch (YAC) ability and athleticism after the reception allowed him to pick up additional yardage and make explosive plays, turning short passes into big gains.

Mitchell’s blocking ability was also crucial to Oklahoma’s ground game. Tight ends in Jeff Lebby’s system are asked to serve as crucial components in both the running and passing games. Whether it was sealing the edge for running backs or chipping in on pass protection, Mitchell was a versatile piece that allowed the Sooners to keep defenses on their heels. His ability to function as both a blocker and a receiving option made him invaluable to the Oklahoma offense, and now, with his departure, the team will need to find ways to replace those contributions.

The Transition at Tight End

With Mitchell moving on, the Sooners are faced with the challenge of filling his role and continuing to operate effectively at the tight end position. The expectation is not to find an exact replacement for Mitchell, but rather to develop a group of players capable of maintaining a high level of performance while complementing the rest of the offense.

The key to maintaining success at the tight end position lies in developing players who can contribute in both the blocking and receiving facets of the game. Oklahoma’s offense, under Jeff Lebby’s guidance, has traditionally featured a tight end who can stretch the field vertically as well as contribute in short-yardage situations. Whether it’s a player like Mitchell who can contribute immediately as a playmaker or one who takes time to develop, Oklahoma’s ability to effectively use the tight end will be vital to the offense’s success.

Emerging Talent at Tight End

Fortunately for the Sooners, the talent pool at tight end is far from barren. A number of emerging players have the potential to step into Mitchell’s role and develop into impactful contributors. Let’s take a look at some of the players in the tight end room who will be tasked with stepping up in 2025.

Brady McBride: The Strong Sophomore

One player to watch is Brady McBride, a sophomore tight end who has shown flashes of potential in his early career. Standing at 6’5” and weighing around 250 pounds, McBride has the size and skill set to thrive in Oklahoma’s system. His experience, though limited, has given him an edge, and he is poised to take on a more significant role this season.

McBride has demonstrated solid blocking skills, which will be critical in helping establish the run game. However, what has impressed coaches is his development as a receiving threat. During spring practice, McBride showed an ability to work the middle of the field and make tough catches in traffic. With a solid grasp of the playbook, McBride is expected to be a key contributor in 2025.

Ethan McGuire: The Freshman Sensation

Another name to watch is Ethan McGuire, a highly-touted freshman who enrolled at Oklahoma with an impressive resume. McGuire comes to the Sooners as one of the top tight end recruits in the country, boasting a combination of size (6’6”, 240 pounds) and athleticism that makes him a dangerous weapon in both the passing and running games.

As a high school player, McGuire displayed excellent hands and the ability to make plays after the catch, especially on deep routes. His ability to stretch the field and create mismatches with defenders has already caught the attention of the coaching staff. While he may need time to adjust to the speed of college football, McGuire’s raw talent gives him a significant chance to contribute early in his career.

Cole Wilson: The Traditional Tight End

While McBride and McGuire represent the newer, more dynamic options at tight end, Cole Wilson brings a more traditional approach. Wilson, standing at 6’4” and 255 pounds, has a strong blocking pedigree and a solid foundation in his technique. He is not as much of a receiving threat as McGuire or McBride, but his ability to play effectively as a blocker in both the running and passing game could make him a valuable asset for the Sooners.

As a result, Wilson could become an integral piece of the offense in short-yardage and goal-line situations. His willingness to put his body on the line in the trenches will be vital as the Sooners look to maintain their balanced offensive attack. Wilson’s development as a receiver will be a key factor in determining how much of a role he can take on moving forward.

The Role of Tight End in Jeff Lebby’s System

One of the main challenges for Oklahoma as they transition at tight end is finding a player (or players) who can thrive within Jeff Lebby’s offensive system. The role of the tight end in this offense is unique in that it requires versatility. Tight ends must not only be capable of running crisp routes and catching passes but also block effectively at the point of attack and contribute to the team’s running game.

Lebby’s offense places a premium on tight ends who can line up in multiple positions. Whether they are flexed out wide, lined up in the slot, or used in traditional inline roles, the Sooners need tight ends who can move seamlessly between different spots on the field. This makes it essential for the next crop of tight ends to be multi-dimensional players who can contribute in a variety of ways.

Coaching and Development: Ensuring Tight End Success

Under the guidance of tight ends coach Jay Norvell, the Sooners are in good hands when it comes to developing young talent. Norvell has a strong track record of developing tight ends who contribute in a variety of ways. The development process for each of the emerging players will be critical, especially in terms of refining their blocking technique and improving their route running.

Lebby’s offensive system is designed to get the most out of its players, and it will be no different for the tight ends. The team’s success in 2025 will largely depend on the development of these players and their ability to seamlessly fit into the offense. Whether it’s the run game, the short passing attack, or creating mismatches in the passing game, Oklahoma’s tight ends will need to be well-coached and ready to contribute from day one.

The Future of the Tight End Position at Oklahoma

Looking ahead, the tight end position at Oklahoma could evolve in the coming years. With players like Ethan McGuire bringing a new dimension to the position, there is the potential for the Sooners to shift toward a more pass-heavy approach. The ability to stretch defenses vertically with tight ends has become increasingly important in modern college football, and Oklahoma is well-positioned to take advantage of this trend.

Recruiting for the tight end position will also play a key role in the future of Oklahoma’s offense. As the Sooners continue to develop their program under Venables and Lebby, the team will likely continue to prioritize finding top-tier tight end prospects who can contribute immediately or develop into future stars.