Just days after Oklahoma’s season officially wrapped up, the Sooners are facing another roster shakeup. Defensive back Mykel Patterson-McDonald is on the move, opting to enter the transfer portal, according to reports from Collin Kennedy of 247 Sports.
Patterson-McDonald, hailing from Moore, OK, carried high expectations when he arrived in Norman. In his high school days at Westmoore, he showcased his versatility as a standout two-way player, shining in the defensive backfield while also contributing as a wide receiver and running back. During his senior year, he racked up an impressive 62 solo tackles, deflected 14 passes, and snagged one interception.
Rated as a 4-star prospect by Rivals and a 3-star by ESPN, On3, and 247 Sports, Patterson-McDonald was recognized as the No. 36 safety prospect in the Class of 2024 by Rivals. He chose Oklahoma over offers from other programs like Houston, Missouri, and Iowa State, following the trail blazed by his father, Larry McDonald, who was once a walk-on for the Sooners.
Despite his accolades, Patterson-McDonald’s freshman year saw him sidelined, not logging any snaps on defense or special teams. He was also expected to make an impact on the track and field team, with a promising high school record in the long jump and the 200-meter dash.
Patterson-McDonald isn’t alone in his decision to seek opportunities elsewhere. He’s part of a group of Sooners defensive backs entering the transfer portal, alongside Jayden Rowe, Kani Walker, Erik McCarty, and Makari Vickers. The turnover extends to include other defensive positions, with linebackers Dasan McCullough, Phil Picciotti, Lewis Carter, and defensive lineman Ashton Sanders also making their exits during this winter’s transfer window.
Looking ahead, the Sooners have already bolstered their defensive ranks by signing five defensive backs to the Class of 2025 during Early Signing Day in December. Among these newcomers, Trystan Haynes and Courtland Guillory are rated as 4-star prospects, while Omarion Robinson, Marcus Wimberly, and Maliek Hawkins bring their own set of skills to the program, each with a 3-star rating.
The current transfer window officially closed on December 28, although the Sooners had extended leeway to enter names because of their bowl game on December 27. The next chapter of player movement will open with the transfer portal’s spring window from April 16 to April 25, promising more shifts in college football landscapes.
