The Oklahoma Sooners continue to strengthen their football roster, recently adding two talented quarterbacks through the transfer portal, signaling their commitment to improving depth and performance this season.
On Christmas morning, the Sooners announced the commitment of former Western Carolina quarterback Cole Gonzales, their ninth pledge from the portal this recruiting season. The addition addresses a pressing need for depth behind the sooners’ starting quarterbacks.
Gonzales, who stands at 6 feet tall and weighs 195 pounds, is entering his junior year at Oklahoma with two years of college eligibility remaining, including the option to redshirt and potentially extend his stay until 2026. He garnered attention for his accomplishments at Western Carolina where he showcased remarkable abilities on the field, amassing over 6,600 career passing yards during his tenure.
His impressive collegiate statistics, including 2,543 passing yards and 12 touchdowns against seven interceptions last season, reflect his capabilities as quarterback. His first-year performance included earning the starting position midway through the season, where he proceeded to lead the Catamounts effectively.
Before finalizing his commitment to Oklahoma, Gonzales had also received interest from other FBS programs, including Pittsburgh, Charlotte, and UTEP, highlighting his profile among the transfer market. He joins offensive tackle Derek Simmons as the second transfer from Western Carolina to Oklahoma this season.
Meanwhile, the Sooners made headlines earlier when they secured the top player from this year’s transfer portal, John Mateer, from Washington State. Mateer aims to be the starter and has the potential to significantly impact the Oklahoma offense. He had previously been well-regarded for his performance at Washington State, which not only solidifies Oklahoma's quarterback position but also generates optimism for the team's offensive prospects.
Gonzales is expected to serve as valuable support behind Mateer and redshirt freshman Michael Hawkins, alongside the incoming 2025 recruit Jett Niu. The significance of his experience cannot be understated as the Sooners look to maintain stability at the quarterback position through the upcoming season, especially if they encounter injury or other issues with their main starters.
Fans and analysts have noted Gonzales’s proficiency, particularly his ability to read opposing defenses and execute passes under pressure. His presence on the roster may ease the anxieties surrounding the quarterback depth chart, as he is capable of stepping up during emergencies.
The strategic focus of the Oklahoma coaching staff has been clear: bolster positions facing potential pitfalls by recruiting through the transfer portal. With four of their nine portal additions hailing from FCS programs, it's indicative of their approach to diversify talent and experience to make the Sooners competitive once again following recent challenges.
While Oklahoma's football program has endured ups and downs over the past few seasons, the infusion of talent via the portal reflects their commitment to reclaiming their status as national contenders. With both Gonzales and Mateer poised to enter the spotlight, fans eagerly await how both players will mesh within the team's framework. Their performance during spring practices and the coming season will be closely monitored, as they will play pivotal roles.
Gonzales has already made headlines for his performance track record, including being named the Southern Conference Player of the Year and achieving multiple All-Conference selections. His athleticism also showcases his capabilities beyond the air, as he averaged over 5 yards per carry on rushing attempts.
His history gives hope to the Sooners on how they will run their offense under the new personnel. If the current momentum continues, Oklahoma's future seasons may turn the team around significantly as they aim for top-tier standings and successful campaigns.
Given the high stakes and intense competition within the world of college football, the offseason activities of the Oklahoma Sooners will be closely observed by fans and critics alike. The decisions made during this recruitment and transfer window will undoubtedly have lasting impacts on the roster's structure and the team's overall success moving forward.
