Oklahoma Sooners portal class underrated in ESPN's rankings

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The Oklahoma Sooners upgraded the offensive side of the ball in the transfer portal with several players who will make an immediate impact. But according to ESPN, OU's transfer portal class ranks No. 24 in the nation at this point. That's a little underrated.

The offense was the priority for Jim Nagy and Brent Venables this portal cycle, hoping to improve the No. 79 scoring offense in the nation at an average of 26.2 points per game. Oklahoma added difference-makers at several positions of need, helping Ben Arbuckle's unit take a big step.

The defense carried the Sooners last year, and they'll be really good again in 2026, but it's clear the Sooners believed they needed to be significantly better on offense to contend for a national championship.

Oklahoma's portal class is on the smaller side relative to other SEC peers, but it's clear the Sooners prioritized finding John Mateer some help. Their six highest-graded additions are all on offense. That includes doubling up at receiver, tight end and along the offensive line. – Haubert, ESPN

The Sooners added wide receivers Trell Harris and Parker Livingstone. They bring a combined 1,300 yards and 11 touchdowns with them from the 2025 season to add to the return of Oklahoma's leading receiver in 2025, Isaiah Sategna. Oklahoma also fortified the tight end position with the additions of Hayden Hansen (Florida), Rocky Beers (Colorado State), and Jack Van Dorselaer (Tennessee). The Sooners also added starting right tackle E'Marion Harris (Arkansas), who brings a lot of experience to the Sooners' offensive line and has been effective against SEC defenses in his two seasons as a starter.

One of the more underrated portal additions was Colorado State running back Lloyd Avant. He may not start with Xavier Robinson and Tory Blaylock returning and the addition of four-star running back Jonathan Hatton but he's a dynamic runner and can make plays as a pass catcher and return man as well.

The Sooners hit all the high notes in the transfer portal and made significant additions to the offense. The class may not be as large as some others, but that's only because Oklahoma's priority is recruit, develop, and retain. It's a formula that's worked out well for the defense, a unit that had portal players like Marvin Jones, Jr., Damonic Williams, and Kendal Daniels, but was primarily led by guys recruited and developed by Brent Venables and his defensive staff.

The Sooners want and need to find the same level of development and continuity on the offensive side of the ball to have more sustained success.

Oklahoma was able to overcome some offensive inconsistency last year with one of the most talented defenses in the nation, a unit that allowed an average of 15.5 points per game, which ranked No. 7 in college football.

The players that the Sooners did add will be impactful for Oklahoma in 2026. Not only because of what they bring to the table but for how they help John Mateer, returners along the offensive line, the running game, and ultimately help the defense with a greater ability to sustain drives and score points.

If the defense can stay in the top 15 in points per game allowed in 2026 and the offense is able to improve to 30 points per game, Oklahoma will be in the mix to contend for a College Football Playoff berth and a national title in 2026.

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This article originally appeared on Sooners Wire: Where does Oklahoma's transfer portal class rank according to ESPN?

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