Sometimes, the Transfer Portal delivers a connection that just makes sense - and this might be one of those moments for Oklahoma.
As the Sooners look to bolster their offensive line depth heading into 2026, a familiar name is expected to hit the portal: Florida State’s Lucas Simmons. The towering lineman - whose father, Able Simmons, played for OU in the late '90s - is reportedly set to enter the portal when it officially opens Friday. He’ll bring two years of eligibility with him, and potentially, a fresh start.
Simmons arrived at Florida State with plenty of hype. A four-star recruit and the No. 9 offensive tackle in the 2023 class, he came stateside from Sweden and signed with the Seminoles out of Clearwater Academy International in Florida. At 6-foot-8, 311 pounds, he has the kind of frame that SEC programs covet - and the kind of upside that still intrigues coaches.
But his time in Tallahassee didn’t go quite as planned. Over three seasons, Simmons never cracked the starting lineup.
He appeared in 24 games, including 12 this past season, but logged just 81 offensive snaps in 2025 as a redshirt sophomore. Despite the early promise, the production simply didn’t follow.
It’s not just Simmons. Florida State’s offensive line room has seen some turbulence lately.
The Seminoles have gone 7-17 over the past two seasons, and Simmons is now the third offensive lineman expected to transfer this offseason. All three were originally recruited by former offensive coordinator and O-line coach Alex Atkins, who was let go after last season.
It’s clear the group struggled to develop under the previous regime, and now players are looking for new opportunities.
For Oklahoma, Simmons might be the right fit at the right time. The Sooners are set to return four of five starters up front in 2026, and the only losses so far have been depth pieces - none of whom played more than two games this year.
That means OU isn’t desperate for a plug-and-play starter. What they do need is experienced depth.
Simmons fits that mold.
And here’s where it gets interesting: pairing Simmons with offensive line coach Bill Bedenbaugh could be exactly what the former top recruit needs. Bedenbaugh has built a reputation for developing linemen, often turning under-the-radar players into NFL prospects. Simmons, with his size, pedigree, and untapped potential, could thrive in that environment.
Add in the family connection - his father wearing the crimson and cream from 1996 to 1998 - and there’s a natural link that could make Norman a comfortable landing spot.
For Oklahoma general manager Jim Nagy, this could be one of those low-risk, high-upside additions. Simmons hasn’t lived up to his recruiting ranking yet, but the tools are still there. With the right development and a fresh start, he might finally turn the corner - and the Sooners might just be the place where it happens.