In a surprising move, Oklahoma Sooners defensive back Mykel Patterson-McDonald has entered the NCAA Transfer Portal, a decision that could have significant implications for the Sooners’ defense moving forward. The news was first reported by On3’s Pete Nakos on January 3, 2025.
Patterson-McDonald, a three-star recruit from Westmoore High School in Moore, Oklahoma, had been part of the Sooners’ defensive backfield since joining the program. As a high school prospect, he was ranked No. 757 overall in the 2024 recruiting cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average from all major recruiting outlets.
The 6-foot-1 cornerback had earned attention from several prominent programs during his recruitment, including UNLV, Michigan State, Missouri, and Iowa State. However, with his entry into the transfer portal, there’s potential for those programs to rekindle their interest or for new suitors to emerge. Patterson-McDonald’s decision leaves a question mark in Oklahoma’s secondary, as the Sooners will need to fill the void left by his departure.
While Patterson-McDonald did not make a massive impact during his time with the Sooners, the move still carries weight. Defensive coordinator Ted Roof will now need to explore options to bolster the depth in the cornerback position, especially with a season filled with high expectations ahead.
As of now, it’s unclear where Patterson-McDonald will land, but his decision to enter the portal adds to the ongoing roster shuffle that’s become a hallmark of college football’s transfer portal era. With a wide array of teams potentially eyeing him, Patterson-McDonald’s next chapter in his collegiate career could unfold in a number of ways.
In addition to Patterson-McDonald’s departure, Oklahoma’s transfer portal activity continues to evolve. Recently, the Sooners secured former California wide receiver Josiah Martin, who will look to add depth to Oklahoma’s receiving corps.
