The Transfer Portal has become a revolving door in college football-players come, players go, and fans have learned to roll with it. But even in this new era of constant roster turnover, some departures still hit different. For Oklahoma, a program that prides itself on depth and development, a few losses in this portal cycle might be felt more than others, even if the starting lineup for 2026 remains mostly intact.
When the dust settled and the portal officially closed on Friday, the Sooners had seen 29 players head for the exits. That number might sound alarming, but context matters: not a single entrenched starter from the 2025 squad left unless they were out of eligibility.
So for the most part, the fanbase didn’t panic. But that doesn’t mean every loss was insignificant.
In fact, a few names could come back to haunt Oklahoma next fall.
Luke Baklenko: The Quiet Loss That Could Echo Loudly
Let’s start with the name that flew under the radar: Luke Baklenko. The offensive lineman transferred in from Stanford and spent just one year in Norman, but he made an impact-just not the kind that shows up in headlines.
Baklenko wasn’t a starter, but he was a key depth piece who suited up for every game in 2025. That kind of reliability in the trenches is gold, especially in a sport where one injury can unravel a season.
The Sooners are returning four of their five starting offensive linemen, which is great news. But behind those starters?
Things get a little thin. Baklenko was the kind of player who could step in at multiple spots without the offense missing a beat.
Now, instead of anchoring the Sooners’ second unit, he’s likely to be starting at Arizona State. If injuries hit up front in 2026, Oklahoma might find itself wishing Baklenko was still around.
Kobie McKinzie: From Breakout Hope to Big Ten Anchor
Then there’s linebacker Kobie McKinzie, a name that raised some eyebrows when it popped up in the portal. McKinzie had been with the Sooners his entire career, backing up star linebacker Danny Stutsman and waiting patiently for his shot. That shot seemed to be coming-especially with Owen Heinecke potentially moving on unless granted another year by the NCAA.
But a brief injury setback in 2025 cost McKinzie his starting job, and even though the door appeared open for a return to the top of the depth chart in 2026, he opted to head north to Northwestern. It’s a tough blow for Oklahoma, not just because of McKinzie’s talent, but because of what he represented: a homegrown player who’d paid his dues and was ready to lead. Now, he’ll be the centerpiece of the Wildcats’ defense instead.
Sammy Omosigho: A Veteran Presence Walks Away
Finally, there’s Sammy Omosigho-a name that might sting the most for fans who value loyalty and leadership. Omosigho had become a fixture in Brent Venables’ defense, logging 36 games over three seasons and carving out a role as a steady, dependable linebacker. In a sport where players often bounce around after a year or two, Omosigho looked like a lifer.
But after the Sooners brought in Cole Sullivan from Michigan, Omosigho entered the portal. Some fans saw it as a player dodging competition, but the reality is more nuanced.
Omosigho had already proven himself at Oklahoma. His departure wasn’t just about playing time-it was a reminder of how quickly things change in today’s college football landscape.
What It All Means for 2026
On paper, Oklahoma’s roster is still in strong shape. The core of the starting lineup remains intact, and the coaching staff has brought in reinforcements through the portal. But depth wins championships, and that’s where these losses could loom large.
Baklenko, McKinzie, and Omosigho weren’t the flashiest names, but they were the kind of players who help teams weather storms over the course of a long season. Their exits don’t derail Oklahoma’s 2026 hopes-but they do add a few more question marks to a team that can’t afford many missteps in the always-competitive Big 12.
The portal taketh, and the portal giveth. The Sooners will move forward, but don’t be surprised if fans find themselves watching Arizona State, Northwestern, or wherever Omosigho lands-and wondering what might’ve been.