The Oklahoma Sooners added several pieces in the transfer portal in hopes of taking the team to the next level after a College Football Playoff berth in 2025. Oklahoma added 16 players in the portal this cycle.
One of the biggest wins was former Michigan Wolverines linebacker, Cole Sullivan. He had 44 tackles, five tackles for loss and two sacks last season. He also intercepted three passes. He elected to enter the portal after head coach Sherrone Moore was let go and eventually replaced by Kyle Whittingham. Sullivan chose the Sooners over a return to Ann Arbor.
Head coach Brent Venables told News 9's Toby Rowland what makes Sullivan stand out so far during the offseason.
"Great versatility, humility, tough, strong," Venables said via Oklahoma's
Own. "Can do a lot. He'll impact our team both on defense and special teams. He was a special teams player of the year at Michigan a year ago. Great leader. Tremendous future."
The Sooners already have one of the most experienced linebacker groups in the country, with Kip Lewis and Owen Heinecke returning. Adding Sullivan, who also can play Cheetah, gives Oklahoma another athletic and versatile piece who can potentially make an immediate impact.
For a defense that is expected to be among the best in college football, Sullivan could be an important addition. If he continues developing within Venables' system, Oklahoma could have one of the deepest linebacker rooms in the SEC.
Venables' comments also show that Sullivan's impact may extend beyond his statistics. His ability to contribute on defense and special teams, combined with his leadership and versatility, could make him one of the Sooners' most valuable transfer additions in 2026.
Contact/Follow us @SoonersWire on X (formerly known as Twitter), and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oklahoma news, notes, and opinions. You can also follow Jaron on X @jaronspor.
This article originally appeared on Sooners Wire: Sooners' Cole Sullivan brings 'great versatility' to Norman
