Lewis Carter, a sophomore linebacker from Tampa, Florida, announced on Saturday that he will be transferring to Central Florida (UCF) to continue his college football career. The news was shared via a social media post.
Carter, standing at 6 feet and weighing 223 pounds, was a high school All-American who earned 4-star ratings from 247 Sports, Rivals, and ESPN. In his collegiate career, Carter appeared in all 25 games, primarily as a backup linebacker and a standout on special teams. This season, he recorded 21 tackles, including two tackles for loss, along with one forced fumble and one fumble recovery. His playing time included 374 snaps, with 126 on defense and 248 on special teams.
During his true freshman season in 2023, Carter made seven tackles, half a tackle for loss, and one quarterback hurry across 171 snaps—30 on defense and 141 on special teams, according to Pro Football Focus.
Before college, Carter excelled at Tampa Catholic, where he earned 3-star recognition and tallied over 300 career tackles, 10 tackles for loss, four interceptions, four forced fumbles, and three fumble recoveries. As an Under Armour All-American, he committed to Oklahoma over other prominent programs, including Auburn, Clemson, and North Carolina.
There was speculation that Carter might follow his former linebackers coach, Zac Alley, to West Virginia after Alley accepted the defensive coordinator position for the Mountaineers. However, Carter opted to join UCF, allowing him to remain closer to his Tampa roots. At UCF, he will reunite with former Oklahoma teammate Phil Picciotti, who also transferred and played his final high school years at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida. They will both play under head coach Scott Frost, who recently returned to lead the Knights, and Alex Grinch, the team’s new defensive coordinator.
Carter’s transfer comes as Oklahoma has experienced significant turnover, with 26 players entering the transfer portal, including three linebackers: Carter, Picciotti, and Dasan McCullough. Seven defensive players in total have left the Sooners’ program. In contrast, Oklahoma has brought in 12 players through the portal this offseason, with the majority (10) on offense, two on special teams, and none on defense.
The NCAA Transfer Portal will reopen in the spring from April 16-25. Additionally, players whose head coaches leave or graduate students are allowed to enter the portal at any time.