The transfer portal has officially opened up, and the Oklahoma Sooners have seen several key players enter the portal, like quarterback Jackson Arnold and wide receiver Nic Anderson. On Monday, On3’s Hayes Fawcett reported that center Joshua Bates was also entering the portal.
Bates was considered a four-star prospect by 247Sports in the 2023 recruiting class and was the No. 3 player in the state of Colorado. He made five appearances for the Sooners and two starts in 2024. But amid inconsistency along the offensive line in 2024, the Sooners opted for a more veteran presence in Troy Everett over the second half of the season. Everett will return as an incumbent starter for the Sooners offensive line.
Out of Durango, Colorado, Bates also held offers from Colorado, Colorado State, USC, Miami, Michigan State, Oregon, and USC.
Oklahoma Sooners’ center Joshua Bates has officially entered the NCAA transfer portal, adding to a significant wave of player movement within the program during the offseason. Bates, a promising offensive lineman, played a pivotal role in the team’s depth chart and his departure marks a notable loss for Oklahoma. The decision aligns with a broader trend, as the Sooners also saw key players like quarterback Jackson Arnold and wide receiver Nic Anderson enter the portal this cycle.
While Oklahoma has faced roster challenges, it has simultaneously landed commitments from three highly-rated transfer players, bolstering its 2025 squad. This mix of departures and arrivals highlights the dynamic nature of college football today, where programs must navigate the complexities of building and retaining competitive rosters amidst high player turnover. Brent Venables and his coaching staff remain focused on filling critical gaps to maintain the Sooners’ competitiveness in the Big 12 and beyond.
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