In a stunning turn of events that has sent shockwaves through the college football world, Oklahoma has managed to steal defensive standout Kendal Daniels away from in-state rival Oklahoma State. The highly regarded safety, who has been a key player for the Cowboys, will now join the Sooners’ defense, significantly boosting their prospects for the upcoming season.
Daniels, a dynamic and versatile safety, was one of the most coveted players in the transfer portal, and his decision to leave Oklahoma State for their archrivals is a game-changer for the Sooners. The 6’3″, 210-pound defensive back was an integral part of the Cowboys’ defense, earning praise for his ability to read the game, his physicality, and his leadership on the field. His departure marks a major blow to Oklahoma State’s defensive unit, while simultaneously strengthening Oklahoma’s already impressive defense.
“This is a huge addition for us,” said Oklahoma Head Coach Brent Venables in a statement. “Kendal is a special talent, and we’re excited to welcome him to the Sooner family. He’s a playmaker, a leader, and exactly the kind of player we want in our program. His experience, skillset, and football IQ will make an immediate impact on our defense, and we’re looking forward to watching him compete at the highest level.”
For Daniels, the decision to leave Oklahoma State was not an easy one, but ultimately, he felt the opportunity to play for a program with championship aspirations was too good to pass up. “This was a big decision for me, but I believe Oklahoma gives me the best chance to reach my full potential,” Daniels said in a statement. “I’m excited for the future and can’t wait to help contribute to the success of this team.”
Daniels is widely regarded as one of the top defensive backs in the country, and his addition to the Sooners’ secondary makes their already-talented defense even more formidable. In 2024, Daniels was a key contributor for the Cowboys, recording multiple interceptions and showcasing his ability to both cover ground and tackle in the open field. His size, athleticism, and knack for making plays on the ball will provide Oklahoma with an instant impact player who can contribute immediately.
The move has raised eyebrows in the state of Oklahoma, as it marks a rare instance of one of the most talented players leaving one program for its biggest rival. Oklahoma State fans, who had hoped to see Daniels continue to develop as one of the best defensive backs in the Big 12, are left reeling from the loss. Meanwhile, the Sooners’ fanbase is celebrating the addition of a player who is expected to make a significant difference on the field.
“This is a huge win for Oklahoma, and it’s going to make for some very interesting matchups in the future,” said analyst and former coach Barry Switzer. “Daniels is a game-changer, and his presence in the secondary gives the Sooners a huge boost. The Sooners just got a lot tougher to beat.”
The arrival of Daniels also signals a shift in recruiting dynamics in the state, as Oklahoma continues to assert itself as a powerhouse program capable of attracting top-tier talent. For Coach Venables, this move further solidifies his commitment to building a championship-caliber defense, one that can compete at the highest level in college football.
As the Sooners prepare for the 2025 season, the addition of Kendal Daniels will no doubt be a key storyline to watch. With his skill set and leadership abilities, Oklahoma now has one of the best safeties in the country on their side, and their defensive unit just became one of the most fearsome in the Big 12. For Oklahoma State, losing a talent like Daniels will be a tough pill to swallow, but they will now need to regroup and find ways to move forward without their defensive leader.
In the rivalry between these two Oklahoma programs, the stakes just got higher. The Sooners have added a major weapon to their arsenal, and the Cowboys will be left looking for answers.
