Portal Prep: Where OSU’s Defense Stands Entering the Upcoming Transfer Portal Window

The market is about to open, and college football teams all around the country are about to overhaul their rosters.

A busy few weeks are on the horizon, as the early signing period opens Wednesday before the transfer portal opens on Monday. It’s expected to be a busy portal for all teams, including in Stillwater, as all of this is happening under the shadow under a settlement that looks like it will cut Division-I roster limits down to 105, getting rid of traditional walk-ons in the process.

Before the chaos begins, we thought it’d be a good idea to look at OSU’s roster and see who can’t return, who can and what that means for how OSU will probably use the portal.

This is the defense’s post. We also have a offense post live here.

A few things to note before we get rolling:

Just because someone is the “Eligible to Return” category doesn’t mean that he will return. It just means that they have eligibility remaining. Even that’s tough to keep up with COVID years, redshirts, etc.

With the early signing period opening Wednesday, some movement could still take place. It’s been a busy close to high school recruiting with recruits all over the country seemingly playing a game of musical chairs as Wednesday draws near.

Alright, let’s dive in.

Defensive Line

Out of Eligibility: Obi Eziegbo, Xavier Ross, Kody Walterscheid, Collin Clay

Likely Gone: Collin Oliver (NFL)

Eligible to Return: Iman Oates, Justin Kirkland, DeSean Brown, Jaleel Johnson, Aden Kelley, Landon Dean, Armstrong Nnodim, Luke Webb, Patrick Ojo (walk-on), Austin Young (walk-on), Jaelan Tucker (walk-on), AJ Ridener (walk-on)

Incoming Commits: Chandavian Bradley, Rashod Bradley, Michael Riles

Thoughts: OSU has some shoring up to do on a defensive front that was part of a defense that gave up 215 rushing yards a game at 5.4 yards a carry. That’s already started to an extent with OSU getting a pair of junior college defensive linemen committed. Oates, Kirkland, Brown and Johnson all got quite a bit of run this past season. There was a lot of hype surrounding Nnodim in fall camp before an injury derailed his freshman season.

Linebackers

Out of Eligibility: Justin Wright

???: Nick Martin

Eligible to Return: Kendal Daniels, Jeff Roberson, Gabe Brown, Poasa Utu, Chris Robinson, Ike Esonwune, Jonathan Agumadu, Temerrick Johnson, Gunnar Wilson, Yamil Talib (walk-on), Chance Clements (walk-on), Andrew McCall (walk-on), Grant Mirabal (walk-on), Justin Crutchmer (walk-on), Charles Christopher III (walk-on)

Incoming Commits: Carl’Veon Young

Thoughts: Starting with the star, Nick Martin does still have a year of eligibility, but ahead of OSU’s home finale against Texas Tech, Gundy said he “would think” Martin is headed to the NFL. No announcement has been made yet, but Martin did go through Senior Day festivities. Linebacker depth was an issue for the Cowboys this season with Gundy saying after the Arizona State game they didn’t have enough bodies to go back to Bryan Nardo’s more comfortable 3-3-5 scheme. So, especially if Martin doesn’t come back, I’d expect OSU to be active in the portal at linebacker.

Corners

Out of Eligibility: Korie Black

Eligible to Return: Cam Smith, Kale Smith, Kenneth Harris, De’kelvion Beamon, Raymond Gay II, RJ Lester, Jacobi Oliphant Jr., LaDainian Fields, DeSean Buckner (walk-on), Evan Smith (walk-on), Bismillah Muhammad (walk-on)

Incoming Commits: Kobi Foreman, Draden Fullbright

Thoughts: The Cowboys were still relatively young at the cornerback position this year, as Black is the only of the room who is out of eligibility. Cam and Kale Smith (not related) played quite a bit this season. Harris, an Arkansas State transfer, also played quite a few defensive snaps this season after redshirting last season. Without knowing who could potentially leave in the portal, I wouldn’t be surprised if OSU brings in at least one experienced corner to the 2025 roster.

Safeties

Out of Eligibility: Trey Rucker, Kobe Hylton

Eligible to Return: Lyrik Rawls, Cameron Epps, Dylan Smith, Parker Robertson (walk-on), Ty Williams, Kam Franklin, David Kabongo, Landyn Cleveland, Tywon Wray Jr., Garrick Martin (walk-on), Cooper Lai (walk-on), Kade Welcher (walk-on), Gabriel Rodriguez (walk-on), Reed DeQuasie (walk-on), Christian Hurd (walk-on), Talon Kendrick (walk-on)

Incoming Commit: Ayden Webb

Thoughts: There are snaps to replace in OSU’s safety room, but there are also some younger players, like Smith and Epps, there who have accumulated quite a bit of playing time over the past few seasons. Kabongo and Cleveland each got some run as a true freshmen this past season. It wouldn’t be surprising to see OSU grab some experience out of the portal, but, depending on who (if anyone) goes out, I think there is some potential there — it’s just young.