Oklahoma co-defensive coordinator Zac Alley is leaving the Sooners to become the defensive coordinator under Rich Rodriguez at West Virginia. This move opens up a potential transfer portal connection between Oklahoma and the Mountaineers. It’s likely that some Oklahoma players familiar with Alley’s coaching style may follow him to Morgantown.
Currently, three Oklahoma defensive players are in the transfer portal without commitments to new programs. Two entered the portal before Alley’s departure was announced, while one entered afterward. Here is an overview of these players:
Lewis Carter, Linebacker
Carter is the only player to enter the portal after the news of Alley’s departure. Over two seasons with Oklahoma, he appeared in all 26 games, contributing as a backup linebacker and special teams player. In the 2024 season, he recorded 23 tackles, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery. Carter has two years of eligibility remaining.
Davon Sears, Defensive Tackle
Sears entered the portal the day before Alley’s move was announced, following Oklahoma’s bowl game loss to Navy. After starting his collegiate career at Texas State and spending a year at a community college, Sears joined Oklahoma for two seasons. He has one season of eligibility left, preserved through a redshirt and an additional COVID-year exception. Sears’ role on the defense expanded in 2024, during which he played in four games and recorded four tackles, two tackles for loss, and one sack.
Erik McCarty, Safety
McCarty entered the portal earlier on December 9th. During his two years with the Sooners, his game action was limited to special teams, appearing in only one game in the 2024 season.