OU transfer portal intel: Spring Game shaping into pivotal weekend

OU is set to host several big names from the transfer portal this weekend for its Spring Game. And if Oklahoma can land a couple of them, it could change its trajectory in 2024.

The Sooners will host defensive linemen Damonic Williams (TCU), Jermayne Lole (Louisville), Philip Blidi (Indiana) and offensive lineman Branson Hickman (SMU). All four could be a huge boost for OU, which is looking to beef up in the trenches this spring. And it’s clear Oklahoma isn’t messing around with some of these recruitments, being the first ones to host Williams and Lole, and the last ones to host Blidi and Hickman.

Here’s what SoonerScoop is hearing about all four.

Damonic Williams, TCU

There is no doubt Williams is at the top of Oklahoma’s list right now. At 6-foot-2, 320 pounds, he fits exactly what OU is looking for, totaling 60 tackles and 4.5 sacks in two seasons at TCU.

Williams is someone many thought might enter the portal during the winter period and OU was prepared to get involved if he did. Now that he’s officially in, the Sooners are considered one of the frontrunners to land the former Freshman All-American. Some might even say the Sooners are the favorites to land him right now.

But there will be many schools after Williams, including Lincoln Riley and USC, as Williams is from Torrance, Calif. LSU, Texas and Auburn are also expected to get involved, and it wouldn’t be a surprise if other schools did too. This is a recruitment that will likely come down to NIL and OU seems prepared to play that game with Williams. We’ll see if they can pull it off, but right now, they are in as good shape as anyone.

Jermayne Lole, Louisville

Right behind Williams on the pecking order for the Sooners on the defensive line is Lole, who is 6-foot-2 and 310 pounds. He’s totaled 25 tackles for loss and 12.5 sacks in five seasons played. He’s the most experienced of the bunch but has battled several injuries at Arizona State and Louisville, missing the 2021 and 2022 seasons.

Still, Lole is high on Oklahoma’s board. He was one of the first players the Sooners reached out to when the portal opened on April 16, immediately lining up a visit. He will also visit Washington (April 22), Texas A&M (April 24) and USC (April 26). We’ll see if he actually makes all those visits, but right now, OU feels good about their chances.

And for those wondering if the Sooners would only take one defensive lineman, that doesn’t appear to be the case. If Williams and Lole both jump in the boat, they won’t say no. Having both on campus this weekend could work in their favor.

Philip Blidi, Indiana

Blidi was once thought of as Oklahoma’s top defensive tackle target. But with others entering the portal in recent days, that doesn’t appear to be the case anymore. That’s not to say they wouldn’t still take Blidi. And he still intends to visit this weekend as of Wednesday afternoon. At 6-foot-3, 295 pounds he also fits the mold of a big defensive tackle with valuable experience, totaling 48 tackles and two sacks the last two seasons at Indiana.

Blidi has already visited LSU, Auburn and Washington. And it looks like Colorado and Missouri are also looking to get involved. Blidi said he will decide in early May, but if OU can move quickly on others, there may not be a spot for him come May.

It does seem right now that the pecking order for the defensive linemen is 1. Williams, 2. Lole and 3. Blidi. And it would be a huge win if the Sooners can land two of those three.

Branson Hickman, SMU

While there have been some quality defensive linemen entering the portal, the same can’t be said for the offensive line. But among the o-linemen in the portal, few are more sought after than Hickman. Starting 33 games for SMU, Hickman has the experience OU is looking for at center with Troy Everett out. Hickman isn’t the biggest guy at 6-foot-3, 294 pounds, but what he lacks in physical ability he gains in experience. He’s someone who makes few mental mistakes and could be an easy plug-and-play player for the Sooners.

Heading into the weekend, Arkansas feels like the team to beat. He’s also visited Ole Miss, TCU and UCF. It does feel like though that if the Sooners impress this weekend, he could end up a Sooner. The opportunity to start for OU is an intriguing opportunity for Hickman. Being from McKinney, Texas, should also help the Sooners too with his recruitment.

OU will be his final visit and he plans to make a decision soon after.

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