Norman, OK — Oklahoma head coach Jeff Lebby is wasting no time fine-tuning his offensive arsenal heading into the 2025 season, and his latest move could pay massive dividends. In a strategic addition that has Sooners fans buzzing, OU has landed a commitment from former Indiana Hoosiers tight end Sam West via the transfer portal—a versatile and athletic weapon expected to make an immediate impact in Norman.
West, a 6’5”, 245-pound hybrid tight end out of Greensburg, Indiana, brings a unique skill set that perfectly complements Lebby’s high-octane spread system. Known for his soft hands, crisp route running, and ability to line up anywhere from the slot to the H-back position, West racked up 34 receptions for 462 yards and five touchdowns in a breakout sophomore season with the Hoosiers. His transfer comes at a crucial time for the Sooners, who are looking to reestablish their dominance in the SEC trenches after a transitional 2024 campaign.
“Sam gives us flexibility—he can stretch the field, block like a lineman, and provide a big target in the red zone,” said Lebby in a statement Tuesday afternoon. “He’s the kind of competitor who fits our culture and elevates everyone around him.”
Insiders report that West was drawn to Oklahoma’s offensive vision and the chance to play under one of the most creative offensive minds in college football. With a returning quarterback in Dillon Gabriel’s heir apparent, sophomore sensation Zane Petty, the Sooners’ aerial attack is expected to be fast, vertical, and explosive—and West is poised to be a key piece of the puzzle.
“I wanted a place that felt like home, but also a place where I’d be challenged to grow,” West told reporters after announcing his commitment. “Coach Lebby’s offense is electric, and the opportunity to be part of that at a place like Oklahoma—it’s something I couldn’t pass up.”
The Sooners are expected to deploy West in a variety of roles—traditional inline sets, flex packages, and motion concepts that will create mismatches against linebackers and safeties. His addition also frees up returning tight end Kaden Helms to play more dynamically, possibly in two-tight end formations that could stress even the best SEC defenses.
Strength coach Kurt Schmidt praised West’s work ethic and leadership already evident during spring workouts: “Sam’s a grinder. He showed up and immediately set a tone. He’ll be one of those guys our younger players rally around.”
With the 2025 schedule featuring road games against Georgia and Alabama, the Sooners will need every ounce of grit and innovation they can muster. But with Sam West now in crimson and cream, Oklahoma just added a powerful new tool to its offensive toolkit—and maybe even a secret weapon for a deep postseason run.
