A Changing Landscape: Youth, Turnover, and Transfers Define Oklahoma’s 2025 Roster
For many years, it was uncommon for freshmen to see significant playing time at Oklahoma—or at most other elite college football programs. Only the most exceptional first-year athletes or unexpected depth chart issues would lead to early appearances. That’s no longer the case.
In today’s game, freshmen are making immediate impacts. More than half of Oklahoma’s 2024 105-man roster consisted of true freshmen (36) and redshirt freshmen (20), many of whom contributed on the field throughout the season.
Looking ahead to 2025, the trend continues. Sixty-six players from the 2024 squad are returning, and the Sooners have added 45 newcomers via high school recruiting and the Transfer Portal. Of those, 22 are true freshmen—making up 22% of the 111-man roster.
Youth Movement and Roster Makeup
Oklahoma’s 2025 roster features 32 redshirt freshmen or sophomores, meaning nearly half the team (49%, or 54 players) consists of underclassmen in terms of eligibility. The influx of young talent underscores how vital early development has become in today’s fast-paced college football environment.
Transfers also continue to play a significant role. Twenty-one new additions arrived via the portal, including key offensive pieces: quarterback John Mateer and running back Jaydn Ott—arguably the team’s top playmakers heading into the season. In total, transfers account for almost 20% of the 2025 roster. Notably, 15 of those 21 transfers are offensive players, including five wide receivers—highlighting the coaching staff’s clear offseason emphasis on upgrading that side of the ball.
Roster Turnover: The New Normal
Roster churn is nothing new for the Sooners. In 2023, Oklahoma brought in 42 newcomers (excluding walk-ons), followed by 44 in 2024. With 45 new faces in 2025, the pattern holds: roughly one-third of the roster is turning over each year. This level of change is no longer unusual—it’s the norm across college football programs nationwide.
Geographic Diversity
The Sooners also boast one of the more geographically diverse rosters in the country. The 2025 squad includes players from 27 states and the District of Columbia, along with two international athletes. Unsurprisingly, the largest contingent comes from Texas (32) and Oklahoma (27), combining to make up over half of the roster (59 out of 111 players).
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