Oklahoma RB Will Enter the Transfer Portal

McKown will be the seventh overall player so far to enter the transfer portal, and the third running back, joining Kalib Hicks and fellow walk-on Emeka Megwa. Five of those are scholarship players.

McKown was an outstanding all-purpose back in high school as a running back, receiver and return man. But he battled injuries in the 2023 season and couldn’t break into the on-field rotation in 2024.

“I would like to thank my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for allowing me to play the game I love at the University of Oklahoma,” he wrote. I am thankful for a family that has supported me through and through. I wouldn’t be here without them.

“I want to thank Coach Venables and the entire Oklahoma staff for believing in me and taking a chance on a hometown kid while they pushed me to be the best player and person I could be.

“To my teammates, I love y’all and I am going to miss each and every one of you. Thank you for supporting me and sticking with me through all the ups and downs.

“After a lot of prayer and communication with my family, I have decided to enter the transfer portal with 3-4 years of eligibility remaining.”

He told Sooners On SI in 2023 that despite growing up in Norman, playing at OU wasn’t always high on his to-do list.

“I grew up an Oklahoma State fan,” McKown said when he committed. “I wasn’t really big-time on the Sooners. I never would’ve pictured myself playing here. But Coach (Brent) Venables got the job in December and he called me — and I’ve been a fan ever since.”

The 5-foot-5, 171-pound McKown became an invaluable member of OU’s scout team offense, working against the Sooner defense in practice to give them a look at the upcoming opponent. His versatility and elusiveness drew frequent praise from his teammates.

As a junior at North, McKown rushed for 1,304 yards and added 156 yards receiving. He averaged 7.9 yards per rush and 22.2 yards per reception. He also ran 10.65 in the 100 meters in track. 

“I’m grateful to have this opportunity,” he said in 2023.