It’s officially open season in the transfer portal, and the Oklahoma Sooners are smack dab in the middle of it. There are many names leaving this season, including TE Davon Mitchell, safeties Mykel Patterson-McDonald and Pete Schuh. There’s also RB Sam Franklin, CB Jocelyn Malaska, and OL Josh Aisosa leaving. But as some doors close, others open.
Offensive lineman Jake Maikkula and Cal transfer RB Jaydn Ott are joining the Sooners. With their roster at full capacity as of April 20, the Sooners seem to be nearing completion. But as long as the portal is open, the drama will continue. In fact, this week, Oklahoma will be hosting some big names.
Oklahoma Gets Key Targets on Offense and Defense
Now, the trenches need some talent. This week will see Siolaa Ricky Lolohea, a 6’3″, 305-pound defensive tackle. He was originally committed to Oklahoma State and spent the last season under Nate Dreiling at Utah State. The same Dreiling who’s now coaching the Sooners’ inside linebackers. That connection is no coincidence. And experts had a lot to say about this.
Jay Smith of the Locked On Sooners podcast, in the latest episode, went on to say, “I’d say he adds an additional depth component on the defensive line. More so, someone that’s really good — he’s got good size.” Lolohea logged 145 defensive snaps for Utah State, with six total pressures and a tackle for loss.
However, Smith also went on to add, “He’s definitely a project, someone that you need to get stronger, get the footwork together. But you kind of need another body to go down there with Trent Wilson.” Wilson, Jayden Jackson, and David Stone need some backup, and Lolohea could be that for the Sooners.
John Williams also added to the praise and said, “He projects as a nose tackle… he’s gonna come to Oklahoma already with the right mentality.”
Coming out of the toughness factory that is Euless Trinity, Lolohea fits Brent Venables’ blueprint. But it is not just about the defense.
The Sooners are getting a visit from an offensive end, too. Lance Mason, the Missouri State tight end, is OU’s top portal priority right now. His 590 receiving yards led all FCS tight ends last season, and his 425 yards after the catch put him third in the entire FBS.
The Sooners’ current tight end room is quite dubious. Will Huggins leads the way as a transfer from Pittsburg State, and linebacker-turned-tight-end Jaren Kanak has shown some upside. But Mason, if he joins the Sooners, will be the best receiving threat on the team by a mile.
Oklahoma’s goal this spring has been to put as much talent as possible around new quarterback John Mateer. They’ve already added Jaydn Ott to boost the run game. Now, a tight end like Lance Mason can make this a stronger team.
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And the Sooners aren’t done just yet.
As Jay reminded fans, “If you’re gonna continue to add guys, look for guys that are gonna have multiple years of eligibility.” Both Mason and Lolohea check that box. John Williams also added, “You’re gonna at least add competitive depth here if you’re able to get a Lance Mason.”
Now, the only question that remains unanswered is, can the Sooners land Lance Mason and Siolaa Ricky Lolohea? If they do, this is going to be one hell of a season for the Sooners.
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