After four seasons bouncing between Division I FCS and Division II football, offensive lineman Derek Simmons took a courageous step by entering the transfer portal last November. Coming off a successful stint at Western Carolina, Simmons put up impressive numbers, but he had his reservations about how his experience at smaller programs would be perceived by larger schools.
To his surprise, the response was overwhelmingly positive.
Simmons revealed that he garnered 15 offers on just the first day in the portal, catching the attention of programs like Michigan State, Duke, and North Carolina State. Not to be outdone, Florida State, Northwestern, and Fresno State later joined the mix. But it was Oklahoma that really piqued his interest, and following a compelling pitch from offensive line coach Bill Bedenbaugh, Simmons knew he had found his fit.
“I was bought in right away,” Simmons said, expressing his excitement to his parents soon after. “I’m stoked.”
Simmons’ journey began at Tusculum, a Division II school, before moving to Abilene Christian for a year. He ultimately made his way to Western Carolina, where he became a force on the offensive line in the Southern Conference, logging an impressive 1,579 snaps over two years. His Pro Football Focus grades reflect his prowess: an 82.3 in pass blocking and a 74.4 in run blocking. In nearly 950 pass-blocking opportunities, he allowed just one sack and two quarterback hits, showcasing his reliability.
Rated as a 4-star transfer by Rivals, Simmons also ranks as the No. 29 prospect in the 2024 postseason transfer portal class. After navigating three teams in four seasons, he feels ready to contribute significantly to the Sooners.
“Having the experience with different offenses has prepared me to step in and perform,” Simmons shared confidently.
As he prepares to face a heightened level of competition in the SEC, Simmons sees it as an opportunity to elevate his game. Not only is he eager for the challenge, but he believes it will ultimately make him a better offensive lineman.
“It’s going to make me a better offensive lineman, and I’m really looking forward to it,” he said.
Senior lineman Troy Everett has already seen Simmons elevate his performance during spring practices, labeling him as a versatile asset for the Sooners in the upcoming 2025 season. “Derek brings a lot of good stuff to the table. He’s aggressive, and very agile; he can really move around,” Everett noted.
Last season, Oklahoma’s offensive line struggled with consistency, using eight different starting lineups during the first nine games. The Sooners faced losses, with four offensive linemen—former starters Joshua Bates and Geirean Hatchett—departing via the portal.
In light of these transitions, Simmons isn’t alone in his quest to strengthen the offensive line unit. He’s joined by fellow transfers Luke Baklenko and Jake Maikkula from Stanford, along with newcomers Michael Fasusi, Ryan Fodje, Darius Afalava, Sean Hutton, and Owen Hollenbeck, who were brought in as part of the 2025 recruiting class.
With a blend of fresh talent and experienced holdovers like Everett, Jacob Sexton, Jake Taylor, Logan Howland, and Heath Ozaeta, competition for spots along the offensive line has intensified during spring ball.
Simmons sees this competition as a vital part of building a more cohesive unit moving forward. “We love competition. The battles we’re having are really fun. It’s a necessity for both the offensive and defensive lines. This competition fosters better communication and strengthens our group as a whole,” he stated.
As Oklahoma prepares for the challenges ahead, Simmons’ journey reflects a blend of resilience and ambition, set to make a significant impact as he dons the crimson and cream.
