Oklahoma Lands SMU Transfer OL Branson Hickman

The three-star recruit in the 2020 cycle and four-star transfer addresses a big need of the Sooners.

Hickman strengthens Oklahoma’s offensive line

In the portal, Hickman was the top-rated interior offensive lineman available, according to On3. The 6-foot-3, 294-pound center earned a 79.8 offensive grade for the Mustangs a season ago. The McKinney, TX, product has started 33 games over the past three seasons with SMU. He was recently a second-team All-AAC selection for his production a season ago.

Former Oklahoma center Andrew Rayms entered his name in the 2024 NFL Draft, meaning the Sooners’ center position room lacks experience. Fortunately, Hickman provides just that. Josh Bates is the only available scholarship center this fall as Troy Everett suffered a leg injury.

Bill Bedenbaugh is up for a big season, as winning in the trenches is a crucial aspect of finding success in the SEC. With the Sooners being a first-year team in the sport’s toughest league, finding success in the trenches and making their mark early could go a long way.

The Sooners now have three scholarship centers fighting for the starting spot at the position, which will only strengthen each player and will maximize the potential in the middle of the offensive line.

Offensive line was priority for Sooners in portal

If there was any direction for Oklahoma to go in the spring portal, adding talent on the offensive line was certainly the way to go. Outside of the offensive line, every position group has depth and the talent needed to compete at the highest level in college football.

With Hickman coming to Norman, it seems another move that could be made — but certainly isn’t necessary — is to add a veteran talent to the safeties room. They’ve got all the talent needed, but adding a seasoned player and depth in the case of an injury can’t hurt the team whatsoever.

Now, Oklahoma has addressed its main need and priority in the portal.