O-Line Exit: Howland Plows His Path to Virginia Tech
After briefly manning the trenches for Oklahoma in 2025—logging 221 snaps before a season-ending injury—redshirt sophomore offensive lineman Logan Howland has opted to take his talents to Virginia Tech. Howland, who logged 502 snaps in 2024 with a solid 67.9 PFF grade and earned high marks in OU’s decisive win over Michigan, chose the Hokies over several Power Conference suitors. The move caps a week in the transfer portal that saw six Sooners offensive linemen depart, while OU has already added two new blockers from Arkansas and Western Kentucky. Howland arrives in Blacksburg as James Franklin is installed as head coach following a rocky run under Brent Pry.
In a world where offensive linemen are treated like NFL prospect piñatas, Howland’s switch to Virginia Tech feels about as shocking as a pancake flop in a waffle factory. Yes, he’s chasing the Hokie bird instead of the Sooners, because who wouldn’t trade Oklahoma’s sun-drenched comfort for Blacksburg’s charming frigid winds? Meanwhile, Oklahoma’s line room now resembles a revolving door at a world’s largest game of musical chairs—just don’t forget to bring your helmet next time. It’s comforting to know the Sooners have a master plan: if you can’t block, just portal out until someone else blocks for you.
Rebels Roll as Sooners’ Rally Falls Flat
Oklahoma’s women’s basketball team vaulted to a late lead against No. 18 Ole Miss but ultimately fell 74–69 at home, snapping a 13-game win streak. The Sooners dug themselves an early 7–0 hole and trailed by double digits before freshman Aaliyah Chavez scored 26 points to bring OU ahead with under seven minutes to play. However, the Rebels finished stronger, outscoring OU down the stretch. Redshirt senior Payton Verhulst endured a brutal 1-for-14 shooting night, while coach Jennie Baranczyk lamented her team’s lack of readiness. Oklahoma falls to 14–2 (2–1 SEC); Ole Miss improves to 15–3 (2–1 SEC). Next up: No. 6 Kentucky on Sunday.
If you’ve ever wondered what happens when you mix a freshman assassin, a coach out of coffee, and a veteran who forgot how to shoot, behold: the perfect storm. Baranczyk’s postgame self-flagellation (“I didn’t have us ready”) felt like a drunk uncle at Thanksgiving admitting he forgot to buy the turkey. Chavez turned up the heat, but apparently Ou’s game plan was to roast marshmallows instead of Ole Miss. And Verhulst? Let’s just say her shooting stats now rank among the world’s coldest nights. Tune in next game for more lessons on how not to peak too soon.
From Pro Bowls to Playbooks: Witten Joins OU Staff
Eleven-time Pro Bowler and two-time first-team All-Pro Jason Witten is swapping TV punditry and high school sidelines for the collegiate ranks as Oklahoma’s new tight ends coach. After five years leading Liberty Christian School, he replaces Joe Jon Finley. Witten’s 235 consecutive games started and 179 straight games played stand as tight end records. Oklahoma’s staff already includes former teammate DeMarco Murray as running backs coach, and the Sooners continue the trending parade of NFL icons transitioning into college roles instead of jumping straight to head coach positions.
Because nothing says “We value continuity” like recruiting another ex-cowboy onto the coaching carousel, the Sooners have arguably built a locker room filled with more Hall of Famers than a stamp collectors’ convention. Witten’s arrival promises to keep recruits dazzled by Pro Bowl anecdotes while the playbook quietly gathers dust. The message is clear: when in doubt, confuse future NFL talent by surrounding them with a gallery of retired stars who can’t quite remember if they’re calling zone runs or reminiscing about “the good old days.”
Portal Hopping: Kent Lands at Pitt for 2026
After one season at Oklahoma with three receptions for 26 yards and solid pass-blocking grades, tight end Carson Kent is leaving the Sooners for Pittsburgh. Kent, a 6-4, 247-pound transfer from Kennesaw State, joins an 8–5 Panthers squad coached by Pat Narduzzi. His best collegiate year came in 2024 with 217 yards and three scores. Kent follows two other OU tight ends out of Norman, while OU replenished its roster by adding Will Huggins, John Locke Jr., Hayden Hansen, and Rocky Beers. Jason Witten now rounds out the revamped tight ends staff.
In today’s edition of “How Many Tight Ends Can You Fit in a Transfer Portal,” Carson Kent graciously jumps ship to Pitt because clearly three catches in a 23–6 loss were just the warm-up act. Meanwhile, Oklahoma’s locker room resembles Grand Central Station at rush hour—tight ends arriving, departing, and complaining about layover delays. And just when you think they might start developing chemistry, along comes the next wave of inbound portal prospects. After all, why recruit high schoolers when you can boomerang generational tight ends every offseason?
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