Post-Playoff Exodus: Jovantae Barnes, Jacob Sexton Headline Latest Portal Entries
NORMAN — The reshaping of the Oklahoma Sooners’ roster has accelerated rapidly following their playoff exit. In the days surrounding Christmas, two more significant names were added to the list of departures, signaling a major overhaul on both sides of the ball.
Key Departures
Jacob Sexton (OL)
Perhaps the most significant blow to the 2026 outlook is the departure of Jacob Sexton. The veteran lineman, who was a key piece of the offensive front, reportedly entered the portal on December 24. His exit leaves a massive hole on an offensive line that was already looking to rebuild depth for the SEC grind. Sexton’s experience and versatility made him a projected anchor for next season’s unit.
Jovantae Barnes (RB)
On December 23, running back Jovantae Barnes officially entered the portal. Barnes, who showed flashes of brilliance during his time in Norman, struggled to carve out a consistent lead role in a crowded backfield. His departure suggests the staff may be looking to revamp the running back room or that Barnes is seeking a guaranteed starting opportunity elsewhere.
A Roster in Flux
These moves follow the earlier announcement from linebacker Kobie McKinzie, painting a picture of a program in transition. Head Coach Brent Venables and Offensive Coordinator Ben Arbuckle now face the dual challenge of:
- Retention: Keeping remaining core pieces from looking elsewhere.
- Recruitment: Aggressively hitting the portal to find starting-caliber replacements for Sexton and McKinzie immediately.
With the winter portal window closing soon, the next few weeks will be critical for shaping the 2026 Sooners.
