The transfer portal has become a dominant force in college football, offering players the opportunity to find new teams when their current programs no longer fit. For former Oklahoma Sooners, this path seemed like the ideal solution to freshen up their careers. However, a year later, many of these players have found themselves facing harsh realities on their new rosters, with their performances failing to live up to expectations.
For many, the promise of starting anew at a different program offered hope of a successful career resurgence. Yet, the transition from one powerhouse program like Oklahoma to another often comes with challenges that are easy to overlook. The adjustments to a new system, different coaching styles, and the shift in competition levels have proven to be a tough pill to swallow for some ex-Sooners.
Take, for example, the case of former Oklahoma quarterback Caleb Williams, who left the Sooners for USC after the 2021 season. Initially, his move seemed to spark excitement, as Williams was touted as a future star. However, his transition didn’t come without struggles. While he showcased flashes of brilliance, he was often inconsistent, unable to reach the heights that made him such a highly rated recruit in the first place. His performance under pressure left much to be desired, making fans wonder if his decision to leave Oklahoma was more about impatience than readiness for a new challenge.
Similarly, several ex-Sooners who moved to different programs in search of starting roles and bigger opportunities have found themselves buried on depth charts. Players like running back Kennedy Brooks and defensive lineman Isaiah Thomas hoped to make immediate impacts at their new destinations, only to find themselves battling for limited playing time. The expectations placed on them did not match the reality of competing in new environments where they weren’t the established stars anymore.
For these players, the reality of transferring has been far less glamorous than anticipated. Many have faced increased scrutiny and doubts about whether they made the right decision. Some have even returned to their old schools, disillusioned by their lack of success in unfamiliar settings. The truth is, the transfer portal can promise quick fixes, but it doesn’t guarantee instant stardom.
The fallout from these moves illustrates a crucial lesson for both players and fans alike: not every transfer is a success story. While some players thrive in new settings, others struggle to adapt, and their decisions end up feeling more like regrets than opportunities. The transfer portal may have been a hope for a fresh start, but for many ex-Sooners, it’s turning out to be more of a dead-end road.
