Oklahoma set to add transfer LB to 2026 roster, per report
By Jacob Moss
Published:
The Oklahoma Sooners have already begun their 2026 campaign, and they are looking to make back-to-back College Football Playoff appearances for the first time since they made the tournament in 3 consecutive years from 2017-2019.
Head coach Brent Venables‘ elite defense is expected to be the driving force for any potential return to the CFP at season’s end, with many pundits around the country tabbing it as the top unit in the sport.
That elite Sooners’ D looks to be getting another boost, with CBS Sports insider Matt Zenitz reporting on Monday afternoon that Oklahoma is adding former Stephen F. Austin standout linebacker Jaydon Southard.
Like our coverage? Make SDS a preferred source in your searches!
A Texas native, Southard signed with the Lumberjacks as part of their 2022 recruiting class and played in parts of all 4 seasons at Stephen F. Austin. He started all 13 games as a senior in 2025, racking up 124 total tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss, and 2.5 sacks.
He wasn’t selected in May’s NFL Draft, but he did participate in rookie minicamp with both the Chiefs and the Bears. Southard didn’t receive an official offer from either squad, and Zenits reports that he is enrolled at Oklahoma and has already been taking classes.
Like other former NFL camp participants who have since returned to the college ranks, Southard’s eligibility will likely lead to some form of court battle and almost certainly stir controversy, as this topic remains at the forefront of the ongoing debate over the ever-growing changes to college football.
