The Sooners’ newest wide receiver, Keontez Lewis, has had an intriguing journey through college football, showcasing his talent and resilience along the way. After short stints at UCLA and Wisconsin, Lewis made a significant impact last year at Southern Illinois, playing at the FCS level.
His impressive playmaking ability has already generated excitement among Oklahoma fans, both for his skills on the field and his personality off it.
Lewis is one of four wide receivers joining the Sooners’ roster in 2025 via the transfer portal this offseason. Standing at 6-foot-2 and weighing 185 pounds, he brings size, speed, and explosiveness to the team, making him a dynamic threat with the ball in his hands. But beyond his athletic abilities, Lewis is also known for his engaging and likable demeanor.
Luke Martin, the director of broadcasting at Southern Illinois University and the voice of the Salukis, described Lewis as someone who always brought a positive energy to practice. “He’s a very engaging personality. He always had a smile at practice,” Martin said. One of those guys who would always joke around, whether it was with the athletic trainer or anyone nearby—but when it came time for football, he was completely locked in.
Lewis, a native of East St. Louis, Illinois, was a highly regarded prospect coming out of East Saint Louis High School. He was rated as a 3-star recruit by 247 Sports, ESPN, and Rivals, while On3 considered him a 4-star talent.
His college career began in 2021 at UCLA, where he appeared in 11 games as a freshman but didn’t record any offensive stats. He then transferred to Wisconsin in 2022, where he made 20 receptions for 313 yards and three touchdowns.
However, after a coaching change from Paul Chryst to Luke Fickell in 2023, Lewis saw limited playing time, catching just one pass for 12 yards in a single game. He entered the transfer portal that September.
Lewis found a new home in Southern Illinois the following winter, where he had a breakout season. He caught 49 passes for 813 yards and scored five touchdowns, solidifying himself as a key playmaker for the Salukis. Now, as he prepares to join Oklahoma, Lewis brings not only his on-field talent but also his infectious personality, making him a player the Sooner Nation is sure to embrace.
