Football A few quick portal notes while I'm between phone calls... (FRIDAY UPDATE)

[Jsums81]

— I'll go ahead and predict that the Sooners' first portal addition is Washington State CB Ethan O'Connor. He visits this weekend and sources have indicated the visit is little more than a formality.

— Close behind him should be the No. 1 OL in the transfer portal, Ethan Onianwa of Rice. I reported last Friday that the Sooners were the early and heavy favorite in his recruitment, and that hasn't changed. They think the world of Onianwa and feel he will be a true cornerstone on their 2025 offensive line.

— Oklahoma has two top-tier tight end transfers, Ball State's Tanner Koziol and Louisville's Jamari Johnson, squarely in the crosshairs. When I get details on their respective visits, I'll pass them along. What I will say for now is that the Sooners have far more money earmarked for each player than I ever imagined they would spend for one TE, let alone two. And then there is Luke McGary, who visits next Tuesday and seems to be Oklahoma's insurance policy. They will pay for McGary if they need to take him, but Koziol and Johnson are the two dudes the Sooners would love to have.

— Vibes are good in the early stages with Cal WR Nyziah Hunter. He will visit next week. Keep expectations modest, though, because the two other schools heavily in the mix (Nebraska and Texas Tech) have demonstrated a willingness to spend big in the portal. We'll know more on him before long.

— The more I dig into the whole Donaven McCulley situation (i.e., the deal where it looked like he'd be a Sooner and then things fell apart just as quickly), the more I sense that Oklahoma dodged a bullet here. Brandon's earlier comments about the less-than-straightforward conduct of his camp, at least as far as negotiations with Oklahoma, holds up. Got a really eye-opening text from a source on the Indiana side that simply read, "IU wanted that dude GONE." So although McCulley would have been a nice addition from a talent and optics standpoint, the juice might not have been worth the squeeze in the end, and that's certainly the conclusion at which Oklahoma arrived.

— The departure of Brenen Thompson was a surprise to the OU staff, I'm told. They did not expect nor explicitly want him to hit the road, but they feel his production is highly replaceable (fact check: true), and they'll thus begin the process of searching for yet another receiver. Fortunately, although Deion Burks has waffled in recent weeks about his intentions moving forward, there is continued momentum in the direction of his return in 2025.

Apologies that updates have been so piecemeal throughout the week, but such is the nature of the portal cycle. I've hardly gone more than 15 minutes without a phone call since Monday. We will keep the information flowing.

Awesome work Parker. Finally quite a bit of good news for the good guys. I’m sure this time of the year is probably your least favorite but we appreciate all the work you and Brandon and the OUI staff puts in

 

[Kevin_B]

Tweet doesn’t equal smoke

It’s almost like people forgot his style just this time last year.

 

[JeffSaintPatrick]

Ngl, now I get how you BB eaters feel when people pile on him because blaming EJ and acting mad about some WR’s that gave us zero irreplaceable production in 2024 is crazy to say the least.

 

[usafmaddog]

— I'll go ahead and predict that the Sooners' first portal addition is Washington State CB Ethan O'Connor. He visits this weekend and sources have indicated the visit is little more than a formality.

— Close behind him should be the No. 1 OL in the transfer portal, Ethan Onianwa of Rice. I reported last Friday that the Sooners were the early and heavy favorite in his recruitment, and that hasn't changed. They think the world of Onianwa and feel he will be a true cornerstone on their 2025 offensive line.

— Oklahoma has two top-tier tight end transfers, Ball State's Tanner Koziol and Louisville's Jamari Johnson, squarely in the crosshairs. When I get details on their respective visits, I'll pass them along. What I will say for now is that the Sooners have far more money earmarked for each player than I ever imagined they would spend for one TE, let alone two. And then there is Luke McGary, who visits next Tuesday and seems to be Oklahoma's insurance policy. They will pay for McGary if they need to take him, but Koziol and Johnson are the two dudes the Sooners would love to have.

— Vibes are good in the early stages with Cal WR Nyziah Hunter. He will visit next week. Keep expectations modest, though, because the two other schools heavily in the mix (Nebraska and Texas Tech) have demonstrated a willingness to spend big in the portal. We'll know more on him before long.

— The more I dig into the whole Donaven McCulley situation (i.e., the deal where it looked like he'd be a Sooner and then things fell apart just as quickly), the more I sense that Oklahoma dodged a bullet here. Brandon's earlier comments about the less-than-straightforward conduct of his camp, at least as far as negotiations with Oklahoma, holds up. Got a really eye-opening text from a source on the Indiana side that simply read, "IU wanted that dude GONE." So although McCulley would have been a nice addition from a talent and optics standpoint, the juice might not have been worth the squeeze in the end, and that's certainly the conclusion at which Oklahoma arrived.

— The departure of Brenen Thompson was a surprise to the OU staff, I'm told. They did not expect nor explicitly want him to hit the road, but they feel his production is highly replaceable (fact check: true), and they'll thus begin the process of searching for yet another receiver. Fortunately, although Deion Burks has waffled in recent weeks about his intentions moving forward, there is continued momentum in the direction of his return in 2025.

Apologies that updates have been so piecemeal throughout the week, but such is the nature of the portal cycle. I've hardly gone more than 15 minutes without a phone call since Monday. We will keep the information flowing.

Thanks for the recon , we always expect a great Christmas , but aware there are also those Bah Humbug days .

 

[Rufnex1]

Shocked that whatever joker is in charge of negations and running this portal garb for OU couldn’t read between the lines before wasting any time on the McCulley kid. What are they doing in Norman

 

[shadowcruzer25]

Thanks for the write up. I’d way rather have the piecemeal info than nothing at all!

Also are we sure Jamari Johnson is a top tier TE

I guess we can hope because it sounds like they are more than likely taking him if he agrees

 

[Texjef84]

Great work Parker!!

Great work Parker.
All future podcasts let’s remove everything in front of Drumm except a piece of paper, list of topics and player names. Becoming comical his lack of focus

 

[DavidHusnian]

@Parker Thune, I love how you smith words! And thanks for the update, nice to hear positive progress.

I think though when you said "What I will say for now is that the Sooners have far more money earmarked for each player than I ever imagined they would spend for one TE, let alone two." I think (or hope) you meant "What I will say for now is that the Sooners have far more money earmarked for each player than I ever imagined they would spend for TWO TE, let alone ONE."

Gave me a smile and chuckle.

 

[shadowcruzer25]

Who will be the receivers in our bowl game?

Honestly though, if Brennen Thompson WASN'T told to hit the road don't you think he would want to play in an offense that is optimal to receivers?

I think there was a little more to it I will say after listening to other groups.

 

[bkhoudna]

— I'll go ahead and predict that the Sooners' first portal addition is Washington State CB Ethan O'Connor. He visits this weekend and sources have indicated the visit is little more than a formality.

— Close behind him should be the No. 1 OL in the transfer portal, Ethan Onianwa of Rice. I reported last Friday that the Sooners were the early and heavy favorite in his recruitment, and that hasn't changed. They think the world of Onianwa and feel he will be a true cornerstone on their 2025 offensive line.

— Oklahoma has two top-tier tight end transfers, Ball State's Tanner Koziol and Louisville's Jamari Johnson, squarely in the crosshairs. When I get details on their respective visits, I'll pass them along. What I will say for now is that the Sooners have far more money earmarked for each player than I ever imagined they would spend for one TE, let alone two. And then there is Luke McGary, who visits next Tuesday and seems to be Oklahoma's insurance policy. They will pay for McGary if they need to take him, but Koziol and Johnson are the two dudes the Sooners would love to have.

— Vibes are good in the early stages with Cal WR Nyziah Hunter. He will visit next week. Keep expectations modest, though, because the two other schools heavily in the mix (Nebraska and Texas Tech) have demonstrated a willingness to spend big in the portal. We'll know more on him before long.

— The more I dig into the whole Donaven McCulley situation (i.e., the deal where it looked like he'd be a Sooner and then things fell apart just as quickly), the more I sense that Oklahoma dodged a bullet here. Brandon's earlier comments about the less-than-straightforward conduct of his camp, at least as far as negotiations with Oklahoma, holds up. Got a really eye-opening text from a source on the Indiana side that simply read, "IU wanted that dude GONE." So although McCulley would have been a nice addition from a talent and optics standpoint, the juice might not have been worth the squeeze in the end, and that's certainly the conclusion at which Oklahoma arrived.

— The departure of Brenen Thompson was a surprise to the OU staff, I'm told. They did not expect nor explicitly want him to hit the road, but they feel his production is highly replaceable (fact check: true), and they'll thus begin the process of searching for yet another receiver. Fortunately, although Deion Burks has waffled in recent weeks about his intentions moving forward, there is continued momentum in the direction of his return in 2025.

Apologies that updates have been so piecemeal throughout the week, but such is the nature of the portal cycle. I've hardly gone more than 15 minutes without a phone call since Monday. We will keep the information flowing.

Thanks Parker! I appreciate you letting us know when it is appropriate.

 

[MarkBoomerOU1]

Will another podcaster group gave a little more info on him. Not sure of the rules but can give this a try without saying too much. Let me say it appears both sides were giving it a try and something happened. I am sure Parker may give more info at some point.

I'm guessing the "something happened" is now to a point he won't come back? I really feel he was perfect for 8-12 snaps a game as a speed guy but was forced into every down use.

 

[HTown_Sooner]

It seems like Joe Jon has one foot out the door (correct me if I’m wrong). Does that at all affect our ability to recruit TE?

 

[Ivory32]

I would think losing Brennan’s speed would make Satenga a bit more of a priority. He would have been a poor man’s Hollywood in this offense.

Ragins

 

[Sooner Zeese]

— I'll go ahead and predict that the Sooners' first portal addition is Washington State CB Ethan O'Connor. He visits this weekend and sources have indicated the visit is little more than a formality.

— Close behind him should be the No. 1 OL in the transfer portal, Ethan Onianwa of Rice. I reported last Friday that the Sooners were the early and heavy favorite in his recruitment, and that hasn't changed. They think the world of Onianwa and feel he will be a true cornerstone on their 2025 offensive line.

— Oklahoma has two top-tier tight end transfers, Ball State's Tanner Koziol and Louisville's Jamari Johnson, squarely in the crosshairs. When I get details on their respective visits, I'll pass them along. What I will say for now is that the Sooners have far more money earmarked for each player than I ever imagined they would spend for one TE, let alone two. And then there is Luke McGary, who visits next Tuesday and seems to be Oklahoma's insurance policy. They will pay for McGary if they need to take him, but Koziol and Johnson are the two dudes the Sooners would love to have.

— Vibes are good in the early stages with Cal WR Nyziah Hunter. He will visit next week. Keep expectations modest, though, because the two other schools heavily in the mix (Nebraska and Texas Tech) have demonstrated a willingness to spend big in the portal. We'll know more on him before long.

— The more I dig into the whole Donaven McCulley situation (i.e., the deal where it looked like he'd be a Sooner and then things fell apart just as quickly), the more I sense that Oklahoma dodged a bullet here. Brandon's earlier comments about the less-than-straightforward conduct of his camp, at least as far as negotiations with Oklahoma, holds up. Got a really eye-opening text from a source on the Indiana side that simply read, "IU wanted that dude GONE." So although McCulley would have been a nice addition from a talent and optics standpoint, the juice might not have been worth the squeeze in the end, and that's certainly the conclusion at which Oklahoma arrived.

— The departure of Brenen Thompson was a surprise to the OU staff, I'm told. They did not expect nor explicitly want him to hit the road, but they feel his production is highly replaceable (fact check: true), and they'll thus begin the process of searching for yet another receiver. Fortunately, although Deion Burks has waffled in recent weeks about his intentions moving forward, there is continued momentum in the direction of his return in 2025.

Apologies that updates have been so piecemeal throughout the week, but such is the nature of the portal cycle. I've hardly gone more than 15 minutes without a phone call since Monday. We will keep the information flowing.

Great update. Receivers are not hard to find in the portal. I imagine most of our injured receivers asked for more $ than OU was willing to pay. I’m totally cool with OU paying for production from OU players on the roster because this isn’t amateur sports anymore. Drop those $ bags for tight ends & a QBs, but be patient with portal receivers cuz there will be plenty to choose from in the off season.

 

[TittiezBeerNSoonerFB]

Shocked that whatever joker is in charge of negations and running this portal garb for OU couldn’t read between the lines before wasting any time on the McCulley kid. What are they doing in Norman

He played 4 games and quit just like our guys last year. Do our advanced scouts have access to search engines and the internet ?

 

[shadowcruzer25]

I'm guessing the "something happened" is now to a point he won't come back? I really feel he was perfect for 8-12 snaps a game as a speed guy but was forced into every down use.

Well it wasn’t like OU did anything wrong let’s say. I think there was an agreement that fell through apparently the way it was told.

I am sure you could listen to the first of the Soonerscoop youtube video since I don’t think it is behind a paywall 🤔. It was in their notes but now on the first few minutes of the YouTube video. Easier to listen for yourself

 

[shadowcruzer25]

It seems like Joe Jon has one foot out the door (correct me if I’m wrong). Does that at all affect our ability to recruit TE?

Well someone said they don’t get the idea he is the one recruiting the TEs but that someone else is but was not sure and who knows. Is he bowl prepping I wonder or what? Everything seems to be so strange right now. Where is Arbuckle? Is he still here or went back to Washington since he has to do what needs to be done to move here I am sure.

 

[caldoc]

If Stone were to enter the portal, that would say the OU coaching staff is beyond help. Parker or Brandon, you seem to have good relations with Davide. Why not ask him if there is anything to what he is doing? If Stone were to leave, I believe it would tear the heart out of the team.

 

[BgreatM]

I would think losing Brennan’s speed would make Satenga a bit more of a priority. He would have been a poor man’s Hollywood in this offense.

What speed? I always hear about this great speed from him, but every time I see him running the go route down field the corner is running stride for stride with him.

 

[Gthrash4]

— I'll go ahead and predict that the Sooners' first portal addition is Washington State CB Ethan O'Connor. He visits this weekend and sources have indicated the visit is little more than a formality.

— Close behind him should be the No. 1 OL in the transfer portal, Ethan Onianwa of Rice. I reported last Friday that the Sooners were the early and heavy favorite in his recruitment, and that hasn't changed. They think the world of Onianwa and feel he will be a true cornerstone on their 2025 offensive line.

— Oklahoma has two top-tier tight end transfers, Ball State's Tanner Koziol and Louisville's Jamari Johnson, squarely in the crosshairs. When I get details on their respective visits, I'll pass them along. What I will say for now is that the Sooners have far more money earmarked for each player than I ever imagined they would spend for one TE, let alone two. And then there is Luke McGary, who visits next Tuesday and seems to be Oklahoma's insurance policy. They will pay for McGary if they need to take him, but Koziol and Johnson are the two dudes the Sooners would love to have.

— Vibes are good in the early stages with Cal WR Nyziah Hunter. He will visit next week. Keep expectations modest, though, because the two other schools heavily in the mix (Nebraska and Texas Tech) have demonstrated a willingness to spend big in the portal. We'll know more on him before long.

— The more I dig into the whole Donaven McCulley situation (i.e., the deal where it looked like he'd be a Sooner and then things fell apart just as quickly), the more I sense that Oklahoma dodged a bullet here. Brandon's earlier comments about the less-than-straightforward conduct of his camp, at least as far as negotiations with Oklahoma, holds up. Got a really eye-opening text from a source on the Indiana side that simply read, "IU wanted that dude GONE." So although McCulley would have been a nice addition from a talent and optics standpoint, the juice might not have been worth the squeeze in the end, and that's certainly the conclusion at which Oklahoma arrived.

— The departure of Brenen Thompson was a surprise to the OU staff, I'm told. They did not expect nor explicitly want him to hit the road, but they feel his production is highly replaceable (fact check: true), and they'll thus begin the process of searching for yet another receiver. Fortunately, although Deion Burks has waffled in recent weeks about his intentions moving forward, there is continued momentum in the direction of his return in 2025.

Apologies that updates have been so piecemeal throughout the week, but such is the nature of the portal cycle. I've hardly gone more than 15 minutes without a phone call since Monday. We will keep the information flowing.

Thanks for the Information Parker! This is why I joined the OUinsider. I’m new to OUinsider and thank you and Brandon for all the work you do. This helps with all the questions I’ve had. Even though we all stress about everyone hitting the portal. With the information you all give us helps so much. I know that when you find out what’s going on you let us know. So Thanks again!

 

[SoonerBorn_LionBred]

— I'll go ahead and predict that the Sooners' first portal addition is Washington State CB Ethan O'Connor. He visits this weekend and sources have indicated the visit is little more than a formality.

— Close behind him should be the No. 1 OL in the transfer portal, Ethan Onianwa of Rice. I reported last Friday that the Sooners were the early and heavy favorite in his recruitment, and that hasn't changed. They think the world of Onianwa and feel he will be a true cornerstone on their 2025 offensive line.

— Oklahoma has two top-tier tight end transfers, Ball State's Tanner Koziol and Louisville's Jamari Johnson, squarely in the crosshairs. When I get details on their respective visits, I'll pass them along. What I will say for now is that the Sooners have far more money earmarked for each player than I ever imagined they would spend for one TE, let alone two. And then there is Luke McGary, who visits next Tuesday and seems to be Oklahoma's insurance policy. They will pay for McGary if they need to take him, but Koziol and Johnson are the two dudes the Sooners would love to have.

— Vibes are good in the early stages with Cal WR Nyziah Hunter. He will visit next week. Keep expectations modest, though, because the two other schools heavily in the mix (Nebraska and Texas Tech) have demonstrated a willingness to spend big in the portal. We'll know more on him before long.

— The more I dig into the whole Donaven McCulley situation (i.e., the deal where it looked like he'd be a Sooner and then things fell apart just as quickly), the more I sense that Oklahoma dodged a bullet here. Brandon's earlier comments about the less-than-straightforward conduct of his camp, at least as far as negotiations with Oklahoma, holds up. Got a really eye-opening text from a source on the Indiana side that simply read, "IU wanted that dude GONE." So although McCulley would have been a nice addition from a talent and optics standpoint, the juice might not have been worth the squeeze in the end, and that's certainly the conclusion at which Oklahoma arrived.

— The departure of Brenen Thompson was a surprise to the OU staff, I'm told. They did not expect nor explicitly want him to hit the road, but they feel his production is highly replaceable (fact check: true), and they'll thus begin the process of searching for yet another receiver. Fortunately, although Deion Burks has waffled in recent weeks about his intentions moving forward, there is continued momentum in the direction of his return in 2025.

Apologies that updates have been so piecemeal throughout the week, but such is the nature of the portal cycle. I've hardly gone more than 15 minutes without a phone call since Monday. We will keep the information flowing.

Parker, what's on the 6'7 TE? is that the kid from Ball State

 

[richlife.tr]

— I'll go ahead and predict that the Sooners' first portal addition is Washington State CB Ethan O'Connor. He visits this weekend and sources have indicated the visit is little more than a formality.

— Close behind him should be the No. 1 OL in the transfer portal, Ethan Onianwa of Rice. I reported last Friday that the Sooners were the early and heavy favorite in his recruitment, and that hasn't changed. They think the world of Onianwa and feel he will be a true cornerstone on their 2025 offensive line.

— Oklahoma has two top-tier tight end transfers, Ball State's Tanner Koziol and Louisville's Jamari Johnson, squarely in the crosshairs. When I get details on their respective visits, I'll pass them along. What I will say for now is that the Sooners have far more money earmarked for each player than I ever imagined they would spend for one TE, let alone two. And then there is Luke McGary, who visits next Tuesday and seems to be Oklahoma's insurance policy. They will pay for McGary if they need to take him, but Koziol and Johnson are the two dudes the Sooners would love to have.

— Vibes are good in the early stages with Cal WR Nyziah Hunter. He will visit next week. Keep expectations modest, though, because the two other schools heavily in the mix (Nebraska and Texas Tech) have demonstrated a willingness to spend big in the portal. We'll know more on him before long.

— The more I dig into the whole Donaven McCulley situation (i.e., the deal where it looked like he'd be a Sooner and then things fell apart just as quickly), the more I sense that Oklahoma dodged a bullet here. Brandon's earlier comments about the less-than-straightforward conduct of his camp, at least as far as negotiations with Oklahoma, holds up. Got a really eye-opening text from a source on the Indiana side that simply read, "IU wanted that dude GONE." So although McCulley would have been a nice addition from a talent and optics standpoint, the juice might not have been worth the squeeze in the end, and that's certainly the conclusion at which Oklahoma arrived.

— The departure of Brenen Thompson was a surprise to the OU staff, I'm told. They did not expect nor explicitly want him to hit the road, but they feel his production is highly replaceable (fact check: true), and they'll thus begin the process of searching for yet another receiver. Fortunately, although Deion Burks has waffled in recent weeks about his intentions moving forward, there is continued momentum in the direction of his return in 2025.

Apologies that updates have been so piecemeal throughout the week, but such is the nature of the portal cycle. I've hardly gone more than 15 minutes without a phone call since Monday. We will keep the information flowing.

Thanks Parker! These nuggets are truly appreciated. I'm really glad that they are going after multiple TEs and WRs. I know that everyone has been crapping on the OL, however, if you look at the replays, they have been improving with each rep. I expect that those improvements will be seen during the bowl game. I expect Hawkins & the skill positions will do well as a result. After we bring in some upgrades and/or at least some 1As and 1Bs, we will have some elite level competitions, and that talent and competitive depth will guide us through next year's gauntlet and surprise the world. I won't be surprised, because I expect it. The foundation has been set for the defense already. Now, it's the offense's turn. #Boomer #RichLife

 

[richlife.tr]

Thanks Parker! These nuggets are truly appreciated. I'm really glad that they are going after multiple TEs and WRs. I know that everyone has been crapping on the OL, however, if you look at the replays, they have been improving with each rep. I expect that those improvements will be seen during the bowl game. I expect Hawkins & the skill positions will do well as a result. After we bring in some upgrades and/or at least some 1As and 1Bs, we will have some elite level competitions, and that talent and competitive depth will guide us through next year's gauntlet and surprise the world. I won't be surprised, because I expect it. The foundation has been set for the defense already. Now, it's the offense's turn. #Boomer #RichLife

@Parker Thune Duce Robinson WR 6'6 220lbs is a dude!!! I'd love OU to take him away from LR/USC. He's a 2 sport kinda guy also. Has OU at least reached out?

 

[Gearoid88]

Ole Miss just landed #2 ranked portal OL from Arkansas. Taking names already.

 

[bobbymack]

Thanks, when will we have Mateer? End of week? Heard some things that he could announce for us this weekend.

Not even entered in the portal.

 

[Slicktrick77]

— I'll go ahead and predict that the Sooners' first portal addition is Washington State CB Ethan O'Connor. He visits this weekend and sources have indicated the visit is little more than a formality.

— Close behind him should be the No. 1 OL in the transfer portal, Ethan Onianwa of Rice. I reported last Friday that the Sooners were the early and heavy favorite in his recruitment, and that hasn't changed. They think the world of Onianwa and feel he will be a true cornerstone on their 2025 offensive line.

— Oklahoma has two top-tier tight end transfers, Ball State's Tanner Koziol and Louisville's Jamari Johnson, squarely in the crosshairs. When I get details on their respective visits, I'll pass them along. What I will say for now is that the Sooners have far more money earmarked for each player than I ever imagined they would spend for one TE, let alone two. And then there is Luke McGary, who visits next Tuesday and seems to be Oklahoma's insurance policy. They will pay for McGary if they need to take him, but Koziol and Johnson are the two dudes the Sooners would love to have.

— Vibes are good in the early stages with Cal WR Nyziah Hunter. He will visit next week. Keep expectations modest, though, because the two other schools heavily in the mix (Nebraska and Texas Tech) have demonstrated a willingness to spend big in the portal. We'll know more on him before long.

— The more I dig into the whole Donaven McCulley situation (i.e., the deal where it looked like he'd be a Sooner and then things fell apart just as quickly), the more I sense that Oklahoma dodged a bullet here. Brandon's earlier comments about the less-than-straightforward conduct of his camp, at least as far as negotiations with Oklahoma, holds up. Got a really eye-opening text from a source on the Indiana side that simply read, "IU wanted that dude GONE." So although McCulley would have been a nice addition from a talent and optics standpoint, the juice might not have been worth the squeeze in the end, and that's certainly the conclusion at which Oklahoma arrived.

— The departure of Brenen Thompson was a surprise to the OU staff, I'm told. They did not expect nor explicitly want him to hit the road, but they feel his production is highly replaceable (fact check: true), and they'll thus begin the process of searching for yet another receiver. Fortunately, although Deion Burks has waffled in recent weeks about his intentions moving forward, there is continued momentum in the direction of his return in 2025.

Apologies that updates have been so piecemeal throughout the week, but such is the nature of the portal cycle. I've hardly gone more than 15 minutes without a phone call since Monday. We will keep the information flowing.

More posts like this one please.

 

[NigelGruff88]

— I'll go ahead and predict that the Sooners' first portal addition is Washington State CB Ethan O'Connor. He visits this weekend and sources have indicated the visit is little more than a formality.

Ugh.

 

[Ted The Dread]

Ugh.

At this point, Thune's predictions/forecasts are a bad omen haha

 

[BoomerSchooner7]

— I'll go ahead and predict that the Sooners' first portal addition is Washington State CB Ethan O'Connor. He visits this weekend and sources have indicated the visit is little more than a formality.

— Close behind him should be the No. 1 OL in the transfer portal, Ethan Onianwa of Rice. I reported last Friday that the Sooners were the early and heavy favorite in his recruitment, and that hasn't changed. They think the world of Onianwa and feel he will be a true cornerstone on their 2025 offensive line.

— Oklahoma has two top-tier tight end transfers, Ball State's Tanner Koziol and Louisville's Jamari Johnson, squarely in the crosshairs. When I get details on their respective visits, I'll pass them along. What I will say for now is that the Sooners have far more money earmarked for each player than I ever imagined they would spend for one TE, let alone two. And then there is Luke McGary, who visits next Tuesday and seems to be Oklahoma's insurance policy. They will pay for McGary if they need to take him, but Koziol and Johnson are the two dudes the Sooners would love to have.

— Vibes are good in the early stages with Cal WR Nyziah Hunter. He will visit next week. Keep expectations modest, though, because the two other schools heavily in the mix (Nebraska and Texas Tech) have demonstrated a willingness to spend big in the portal. We'll know more on him before long.

— The more I dig into the whole Donaven McCulley situation (i.e., the deal where it looked like he'd be a Sooner and then things fell apart just as quickly), the more I sense that Oklahoma dodged a bullet here. Brandon's earlier comments about the less-than-straightforward conduct of his camp, at least as far as negotiations with Oklahoma, holds up. Got a really eye-opening text from a source on the Indiana side that simply read, "IU wanted that dude GONE." So although McCulley would have been a nice addition from a talent and optics standpoint, the juice might not have been worth the squeeze in the end, and that's certainly the conclusion at which Oklahoma arrived.

— The departure of Brenen Thompson was a surprise to the OU staff, I'm told. They did not expect nor explicitly want him to hit the road, but they feel his production is highly replaceable (fact check: true), and they'll thus begin the process of searching for yet another receiver. Fortunately, although Deion Burks has waffled in recent weeks about his intentions moving forward, there is continued momentum in the direction of his return in 2025.

Apologies that updates have been so piecemeal throughout the week, but such is the nature of the portal cycle. I've hardly gone more than 15 minutes without a phone call since Monday. We will keep the information flowing.

O’Conner visit was more than a formality but left without a commitment..

 

[shadowcruzer25]

I'm guessing the "something happened" is now to a point he won't come back? I really feel he was perfect for 8-12 snaps a game as a speed guy but was forced into every down use.

And doesn’t matter now because I just read Brenan signed with Mississippi State. It it is worth watching that to know what happened

 

[Parker Thune]

OP update

 

[Creez32]

It just can't be easy

 

[SoonerRob14]

Oh yeah. It’s over.

 

[LD23]

OP update

OU will have to pay up to get every single one of these dudes. Spend money or we’ll suck. Simple

 

[Sooners_Illustrated]

OP update

If Oklahoma fumbles these two recruits, it’s clear they’re not backing up their words with action. If we keep losing out on players because other schools outbid us, then they might as well accept mediocrity in college football. The reluctance to “overpay” while others are willing to spend sends a strong message: they simply can’t compete financially. At some point, they need to understand it’s not about what they think is too much—it’s about what the recruits value themselves.

 

[BoomerSchooner7]

OP update

What does this even mean?

 

[Red Dawg 69]

— I'll go ahead and predict that the Sooners' first portal addition is Washington State CB Ethan O'Connor. He visits this weekend and sources have indicated the visit is little more than a formality.

— Close behind him should be the No. 1 OL in the transfer portal, Ethan Onianwa of Rice. I reported last Friday that the Sooners were the early and heavy favorite in his recruitment, and that hasn't changed. They think the world of Onianwa and feel he will be a true cornerstone on their 2025 offensive line.

— Oklahoma has two top-tier tight end transfers, Ball State's Tanner Koziol and Louisville's Jamari Johnson, squarely in the crosshairs. When I get details on their respective visits, I'll pass them along. What I will say for now is that the Sooners have far more money earmarked for each player than I ever imagined they would spend for one TE, let alone two. And then there is Luke McGary, who visits next Tuesday and seems to be Oklahoma's insurance policy. They will pay for McGary if they need to take him, but Koziol and Johnson are the two dudes the Sooners would love to have.

— Vibes are good in the early stages with Cal WR Nyziah Hunter. He will visit next week. Keep expectations modest, though, because the two other schools heavily in the mix (Nebraska and Texas Tech) have demonstrated a willingness to spend big in the portal. We'll know more on him before long.

— The more I dig into the whole Donaven McCulley situation (i.e., the deal where it looked like he'd be a Sooner and then things fell apart just as quickly), the more I sense that Oklahoma dodged a bullet here. Brandon's earlier comments about the less-than-straightforward conduct of his camp, at least as far as negotiations with Oklahoma, holds up. Got a really eye-opening text from a source on the Indiana side that simply read, "IU wanted that dude GONE." So although McCulley would have been a nice addition from a talent and optics standpoint, the juice might not have been worth the squeeze in the end, and that's certainly the conclusion at which Oklahoma arrived.

— The departure of Brenen Thompson was a surprise to the OU staff, I'm told. They did not expect nor explicitly want him to hit the road, but they feel his production is highly replaceable (fact check: true), and they'll thus begin the process of searching for yet another receiver. Fortunately, although Deion Burks has waffled in recent weeks about his intentions moving forward, there is continued momentum in the direction of his return in 2025.

Apologies that updates have been so piecemeal throughout the week, but such is the nature of the portal cycle. I've hardly gone more than 15 minutes without a phone call since Monday. We will keep the information flowing.

******

UPDATE Fri 11:20am: Following up. I was so scrambled yesterday that I mistakenly wrote O’Connor was visiting this weekend instead of visiting that day.

A Miami visit for O’Connor was not on my radar. The word I’d gotten for several days from the OU side was that they had him locked in, even before the visit took place. But such is life right now as we cover the portal. Surprises everywhere. Checked in with sources on the program side and they’re not worried about O’Connor’s visit to Miami, nor a potential subsequent trip to Iowa.

To that end, I’m also told Ohio State is making things interesting with Ethan Onianwa. That hasn’t changed the confidence level on the OU side, but is something certainly worth monitoring — and we will do so.

If nothing else, the Sooners should add a pledge from transfer punter Jacob Ulrich without much drama there.

I will start with, Great Work, and appreciation for this CRAZY portal madness. Now hearing our #1 OL target is getting friendly with Ohio State, this is simply a money grab for all of them. It makes my stomach turn. NIL is killing the game. Even the NFL has contracts, salary caps, and rules about infringement on other teams players and coaches.

I am going to have to wait until some of this clears up, then go back and read. Hope I can still love the game.

 

[shadowcruzer25]

If Oklahoma fumbles these two recruits, it’s clear they’re not backing up their words with action. If we keep losing out on players because other schools outbid us, then they might as well accept mediocrity in college football. The reluctance to “overpay” while others are willing to spend sends a strong message: they simply can’t compete financially. At some point, they need to understand it’s not about what they think is too much—it’s about what the recruits value themselves.

With what the donors are willing to donate to our team is a reality. We were told by insiders (think Gabe) there is an exact budget and all schools have one. It is up from this past season in what they are giving us but sadly not endless. We have to do what we can do so all dollars matter right now. Yes we get overshadowed by a few richer schools with deep pockets by donors etc but the way I understand it most schools are in our same boat. And revenue sharing does not start until July 1 apparently

And some schools have big fan based NILs you can donate to with huge support. I was looking at a thread on twitter where it mentioned donating monthly to 1Oklahoma the fan donated to NIL annd everyone was saying I am not donating to this crap show regarding NIL. Well there you go. If donors won’t empty their pockets any deeper and fans won’t donate to the fan based NIL, then this is where we are at.

 

[shadowcruzer25]

OU will have to pay up to get every single one of these dudes. Spend money or we’ll suck. Simple

Do people understand we only have what donors will give us. Gabe I think it was said it is up from this past season but not endless. It all comes down to each school’s donors and we have heard how some schools get these huge donations. But most schools are in our same boat it was said. Our donors don’t seem to have endless pockets or don’t want to empty them. This is the business end

 

[LogisticalLogic]