The transfer player from Oklahoma with the greatest amount of pressure to perform in 2024.
The transfer portal plays a significant role in college football’s offseason, and its first week has been filled with excitement. It offers schools the opportunity to bring in fresh talent and overhaul their rosters, but it also presents the risk of a mass departure, leaving teams with depleted lineups after a disappointing season. Oklahoma football has already felt the impact of the portal, losing star quarterback Dillon Gabriel, who has committed to Oregon. Now, the team faces the challenge of finding a suitable replacement.
Replacing Dillon Gabriel will undoubtedly be a daunting task for Oklahoma football. Gabriel played a crucial role in the team’s turnaround, helping them achieve a 10-2 record after a 6-6 season under head coach Brent Venables. His exceptional performance, completing 266 out of 384 passes for 3,660 yards, 30 touchdowns, and six interceptions, solidified his position as one of the country’s top quarterbacks and contributed significantly to Oklahoma’s success.
Before delving further into the implications of the transfer portal, it’s essential to reflect on Oklahoma football’s recent journey and their current standing as they prepare for a pivotal 2024 season, marking their entry into the SEC.
Brent Venables took over as head coach following Lincoln Riley’s departure for USC. However, Venables’ first season with the Sooners ended with a disappointing 6-6 record, highlighted by a humiliating 49-0 defeat to rival Texas. Nonetheless, the team showed improvement in the following season, 2023.
The 2023 season saw a remarkable turnaround for Oklahoma football. Starting ranked #20 nationally, they showcased promising performances, including a statement victory over third-ranked Texas in the Red River showdown. Despite setbacks later in the season, such as losses to Kansas and Oklahoma State, the team finished with a 10-2 record. However, their season concluded on a sour note with a defeat to Arizona in the Alamo Bowl.
Now, as Oklahoma football gears up for its inaugural SEC season, they must address the loss of key talent through the transfer portal. With the SEC’s competitive landscape, securing impactful transfers becomes imperative for sustained success. The acquisition of quarterback Casey Thompson from FAU underscores this necessity.
Thompson emerges as a transfer player with much to prove in the upcoming season. Despite his experience garnered from five seasons across Texas, Nebraska, and FAU, he faces the challenge of proving himself capable of leading Oklahoma’s offense at the highest level. With the departure of Gabriel, the quarterback position remains a focal point of uncertainty for the Sooners. Thompson’s performance will be closely monitored, particularly as he transitions from the FAU schedule to the rigorous demands of the SEC.
