Portal Chaos: Who's Leaving and Who's Coming to Oklahoma

Portal chaos is here. The season is over, but the most important two weeks of Oklahoma’s offseason are just beginning. In this episode of The Champion Standard Podcast, Brad and Rob: Break down all of OU’s current transfer portal entries (21 and counting), with a position-by-position look at who left and why some departures hurt more than others. ​ Pull up the updated depth chart and show how thin OU has become at offensive line, wide receiver, and in the defensive back room, even as the 2026 signing class starts to plug a few holes. ​ React live to OU’s first portal addition at tight end, Hayden Hansen from Florida, and explain why his size, experience, and fit in Arbuckle’s tight end-friendly scheme make him a priority get for 2026. ​ Lay out the “must get” list from the portal: 4 offensive linemen (including a center and at least one tackle) 2 wide receivers, including a potential alpha WR1 A pass-rushing defensive end to replace R Mason Thomas’ impact A defensive tackle with real interior rush juice Linebackers to protect against a possible Kip Lewis departure A hybrid Cheetah and a couple of veteran DBs. ​ Talk NIL strategy: why OU should prioritize proven P4 vets with high floors (Big Ten/SEC experience) at OL, EDGE, and Cheetah instead of rolling the dice on FCS or G5 flyers when the goal is a playoff run. ​ They also compare OU’s retention plan to programs like Indiana, discuss whether OU needs a portal QB after losing Michael Hawkins, and preview which names to watch as visits and commitments heat up before the window closes. ​ ⏱ Topics: 0:00 – Intro: Bud Wilkinson, the standard, and portal-season anxiety 1:45 – Who’s in the portal? OU’s 21 departures by position 15:00 – Offensive line exodus and why tackles “don’t grow on trees” 28:30 – DB room hits, Marcus Strong surprise, and what Indiana did right 44:00 – Live: OU lands TE Hayden Hansen, why it matters 58:00 – How many instant-impact transfers OU needs (and at which spots) 1:15:00 – Alpha WR, alpha pass rusher, and the Cheetah wishlist 1:30:00 – Linebacker and DT targets, plus portal timeline and next steps. ​ Hit subscribe, drop your portal questions in the comments, and let us know which positions you think OU must fix before this window closes.