**Injuries Open the Door for Underrated Transfer Portal Talent to Shine in Oklahoma Sooners’ Offens**
**Norman, OK – March 15, 2025**
The Oklahoma Sooners’ football program is no stranger to adversity, and as the team prepares for the upcoming season, injuries have once again reshaped the landscape of their offense. While setbacks are never ideal, they often create opportunities, and this year is no different. Several underrated players from the transfer portal now find themselves in a position to make a significant impact for the Sooners, filling key roles left vacant by injuries to projected starters.
### **Injury Woes Shake Up the Sooners’ Offense**
Spring practices have been challenging for the Sooners, with multiple offensive contributors sidelined due to injuries. Among the most significant losses are wide receiver **Jalil Farooq**, who is nursing a lower-body injury, and running back **Tawee Walker**, who suffered a setback that could keep him out for an extended period. Additionally, offensive lineman **Jacob Sexton** is still recovering from offseason surgery, leaving a crucial gap in protection for Oklahoma’s quarterbacks.
While head coach **Brent Venables** remains optimistic about their eventual returns, the immediate focus has shifted to depth players and new additions. Fortunately for Oklahoma, the transfer portal has provided reinforcements, and some of these lesser-known recruits are ready to make their mark.
### **Newcomers Stepping Up**
#### **WR Deion Burks (Purdue Transfer)**
One of the most intriguing additions to the Sooners’ offense is former Purdue wide receiver **Deion Burks**. A speedster with excellent route-running ability, Burks saw limited action at Purdue but flashed potential whenever he had the ball in his hands. With Farooq sidelined, Burks has taken on a larger role in practice, earning praise from offensive coordinator **Seth Littrell** for his ability to create separation and make contested catches.
“He’s been electric in practice,” Littrell said. “He’s hungry, he knows he has something to prove, and he’s taking full advantage of his reps.”
Burks’ emergence gives quarterback **Jackson Arnold** a new weapon in the passing game, and if his practice performances translate to live action, he could quickly become a go-to target in the Sooners’ offense.
#### **RB Dylan Sampson (Tennessee Transfer)**
Another transfer making waves is former Tennessee running back **Dylan Sampson**. With Walker sidelined, Sampson has been splitting first-team reps with returning back **Gavin Sawchuk**. Known for his burst and elusiveness, Sampson has impressed the coaching staff with his ability to break tackles and find open lanes.
“I came here for a bigger opportunity,” Sampson said in a recent interview. “I know what I’m capable of, and I’m ready to show the fans and coaches what I can do.”
Sampson’s quick adaptability to the Sooners’ offensive scheme suggests he could be a significant contributor even when Walker returns to full health.
#### **OL Spencer Holstege (Purdue Transfer)**
The offensive line has also seen an unexpected shakeup, with **Spencer Holstege**, another Purdue transfer, stepping into a key role following Sexton’s injury. Holstege, an experienced interior lineman, has been working at both guard and tackle, providing much-needed versatility to an Oklahoma line that has seen its share of struggles in recent years.
“He’s a veteran guy who brings stability,” offensive line coach **Bill Bedenbaugh** said. “You can see the experience he gained at Purdue paying off. He’s making an impact in the trenches.”
Holstege’s presence could be crucial in ensuring Arnold has the protection he needs as the Sooners aim to build an explosive offense in their first season in the SEC.
### **The Transfer Portal as a Lifeline**
Oklahoma has leaned heavily on the transfer portal in recent years, and this season is proving why it’s a critical tool in modern college football. While injuries are an unfortunate reality of the game, having depth—especially experienced players who have already competed at the collegiate level—can make all the difference.
Burks, Sampson, and Holstege are just a few of the names stepping into bigger roles, but other transfers, including tight end **Riley Leonard** (formerly of Duke) and wide receiver **CJ Dippre** (from Alabama), are also expected to contribute.
Venables and his staff have emphasized competition throughout the offseason, and these newcomers are proving that they belong in the mix. “Football is about seizing the moment,” Venables said. “We brought these guys in for a reason, and I have no doubt they’re going to make the most of their opportunities.”
### **Looking Ahead**
With spring practices underway and the season on the horizon, the Sooners’ offense remains a work in progress. However, the emergence of these transfer players provides optimism that Oklahoma can weather its injury challenges and still be a formidable force in the SEC.
As the team prepares for its annual spring game, all eyes will be on these underrated transfers who now have the chance to etch their names into Oklahoma football history. If they can translate their practice performances onto the field, the Sooners might just have a few new stars in the making.
