NORMAN — The Oklahoma Sooners football team has recently made headlines with activity surrounding the transfer portal, securing former Oklahoma State linebacker Kendal Daniels. This marks the second defensive transfer within just two days, showcasing the team’s urgent need for talent amid significant coaching changes.
Kendal Daniels, who has been touted as the No. 4 linebacker available in the transfer portal according to 247Sports, announced his commitment to the Sooners on Monday, January 7. A standout player during his time at Oklahoma State, Daniels compiled impressive statistics over three seasons, including 240 tackles, 7.5 sacks, and 13 pass deflections. He was also recognized as the Big 12 Defensive Freshman of the Year and named to the Freshman All-American team.
Described by those close to him as the top recruit from Oklahoma, Daniels’ switch to linebacker this past offseason paid off, evidenced by his outstanding performance during the 2024 season, where he recorded 64 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, and 5.5 sacks. His initial commitment out of high school was to Texas A&M; he later signed with Oklahoma State after rescinding his national letter of intent due to changes within the Sooners’ coaching staff.
The other significant announcement on Monday came from R Mason Thomas, who revealed he would return to the Sooners for the 2025 season. Known for his powerful presence on the defensive line, Thomas led his team with nine sacks and had 23 total tackles during the 2024 season, earning recognition on the All-SEC Second Team. The excitement around Thomas’ announcement was palpable, with OU Football celebrating on social media: "@thomss_r is coming back to finish what he started‼️Congrats Mase, the Thomas family, and Sooner Nation‼️‼️We’ve been rockin since 2021, Big Cat. @OU_Football and the EDGEMEN get you for ONE MORE YEAR‼️‼️‼️BOOMER‼️‼️‼️‼️," expressed Coach Miguel Chavis via Instagram.
The Sooners are facing quite the overhaul as they search for their third defensive coordinator in just as many years. The recent departure of co-defensive coordinator Zac Alley, who accepted the defensive coordinator position at West Virginia, marks yet another shift for the program, especially following their narrow defeat to Navy (21-20) at the Armed Forces Bowl. This instability has heightened awareness of the need to secure key defensive assets, especially as the Sooners strive to bolster their roster.
These recent moves highlight not only the activity within the transfer portal but also the broader strategy of the Oklahoma Sooners to maintain competitive strength on their defense. With Daniels' arrival and Thomas’ return, there’s cautious optimism within Sooner Nation.
Looking forward, the inclusion of players like Kendal Daniels and the retention of talented individuals like R Mason Thomas may significantly influence Oklahoma's defensive strategy and overall team performance. While coaching changes present challenges, the Sooners are demonstrating their commitment to maintaining depth and performance on their roster as they prepare for the upcoming season.