“Shocking Moves by Oklahoma in Transfer Portal Leave Fans and Critics Awestruck”

As someone who’s been around the block in the sports journalism scene and who’s watched countless athletes come and go via the transfer portal, the latest moves by the Oklahoma Sooners certainly catch the eye. That image of Jaydn Ott in action? It screams potential. It’s not just about the roster turnover for the Sooners, it’s about strategic acquisitions—even though they didn’t advertise it like some king-maker hiring in politics, they’ve bolstered their ranks significantly this spring.

Jaydn Ott, coming with a stellar record from Cal, is the talk of the town. The lad had a couple of hiccups last year, but boy, his stats are nothing short of impressive. And with a running back room already stocked with talent, Ott’s flare for those big-yardage plays could be the X-factor. He’s not just another cog in the wheel, he has the potential to drive this Sooners team towards an impressive season.

Now, let’s not overlooked the chess moves in the offensive line with Jake Maikkula coming in from Stanford. Sure, he might not grab the headlines like Ott, but in football, the quiet ones can make the most noise; their performance is crucial to the entire game plan. Meanwhile, the drama around David Stone’s transfer portal saga—now that’s something straight out of a roller-coaster. Keeping this local star was a masterstroke for Coach Brent Venables. There’s nothing quite like retaining homegrown talent to solidify the base, and that we’re looking at here.

However, the Sooners’ journey isn’t without its ‘challenges’. Winning isn’t just desired; it’s necessary for Venables, and the play-off contention is where they’ll aim. With this offseason’s strategic roster reshaping, they’re eyes are set on stakes that could define futures. And as we all know, in the world of college football, making the playoffs isn’t just a victory, it’s a statement.

In the grand scheme, the Sooners have played a game of risk and reward, and how this all unfolds come game time? Well, that’ll be one to watch.

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Ott’s addition is huge for the Sooners. Though they brought everyone back from the running back depth chart, they didn’t have a guy with the level of production that Ott brings to the table. He’ll lead the way in a running back room that also includes Jovantae Barnes, Gavin Sawchuk, Xavier Robinson, and Tory Blaylock.The Oklahoma Sooners have made a significant impact to the roster in the transfer portal. They’ve added impact players on both sides of the ball. John Mateer is the headliner from a strong winter portal class, but Jim Nagy, Brent Venables and the Sooners staff have made splashes in the spring portal window as well.The addition of Maikkula somewhat flew under the radar because of Ott, but he has a chance to start for the Sooners in 2025 if he can win the center job from Troy Everett. Even if he doesn’t, the Sooners added a player that could be their starting center in 2026.

New general manager Jim Nagy is off to a strong start in Norman. The Sooners addressed their concerns at running back by securing one of the best returning backs in the country in Cal’s Jaydn Ott. The Pac-12’s leading rusher in 2023 and No. 3 player in our spring transfer rankings was banged up for most of last season, but he looks poised for a big year alongside quarterback John Mateer. – Olson, ESPN

Oklahoma added running back Jaydn Ott who spent three seasons at Cal. He racked up 3,333 total yards and 30 total touchdowns but battled an injury in 2024. He brings big-play ability to Norman, along with his elite collegiate production.

The Sooners secured a potential starter at center in Stanford transfer Jake Maikkula, and they are hunting still for help at tight end and kicker. Coach Brent Venables and his staff also worked things out with David Stone, convincing the former five-star recruit to withdraw his name from the portal on Sunday and stay in Norman after he entered on Friday. While new pickups get more attention, talent retention and preventing unexpected departures is still the name of the game during this spring portal window. – Olson, ESPN

But the additions may not be as crucial as retaining David Stone. The homegrown product from the Oklahoma City area was a huge recruiting win for the Sooners. Losing him would have not only put a dent in your defensive tackle depth chart in 2025 but Oklahoma would have lost a guy that could start for them in 2026. Losing a five-star prospect never looks good, especially one from your state. Being able to get Stone back out of the portal was huge for Venables and the Sooners from a public perception stand point.

Contact/Follow us @SoonersWire on X, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oklahoma news, notes, and opinions. You can also follow John on X@john9williams.The Oklahoma Sooners are having a strong offseason ahead of a year that could make or break Brent Venables time in Norman. The Sooners have to win and have to be in playoff contention. With what they’ve done this offseason, they’ll be one of the teams vying for a playoff spot late in the season.

The addition of Ott and offensive lineman Jake Maikkula have the Sooners among the biggest risers from the spring portal window, according to ESPN college football expert Max Olson (ESPN+).