The 2026 NCAA transfer portal is officially on the horizon, and if there's one position where Oklahoma is expected to make a serious push, it's tight end. The Sooners aren’t just looking to bolster depth - they’re essentially rebuilding the room from the ground up.
Let’s be honest: tight end hasn’t exactly been a strength in Norman over the past few seasons. There have been flashes, but consistency and high-level production have been hard to come by. Now, with key departures, the position is wide open - and Oklahoma knows it has work to do.
Jaren Kanak, who made the switch from linebacker to tight end out of necessity, gave the Sooners a solid option in the passing game. He brought athleticism and versatility to the role, but with his graduation, that experiment is over. Kaden Helms, another player who logged meaningful snaps, has entered the portal, leaving the tight end room even thinner.
So what’s next?
Oklahoma is expected to be aggressive in the portal, and that’s not just speculation - it’s a necessity. The Sooners need multiple new contributors, and they need them fast. Whether it’s a veteran with Power Five experience or a younger player looking for a fresh start, the Sooners are casting a wide net.
There’s no shortage of talent entering the portal this cycle, and tight end is one of the more intriguing positions to watch. For Oklahoma, it's about finding the right fit - someone who can step in and contribute right away, but also grow within the system. With the Sooners transitioning into a new era and looking to reestablish themselves as a national contender, getting production from the tight end spot could be a sneaky-important piece of the puzzle.
Keep an eye on this one. Oklahoma’s tight end room is being rebuilt in real time, and the moves they make in the coming weeks could tell us a lot about where this offense is headed in 2026.