Six practices into his tenure in Norman, Michigan transfer LB Cole Sullivan is already transforming from a new face on the roster into a focal point of the Oklahoma defense. The 6-foot-4, 230-pound linebacker has arrived with a physical profile that commands attention, but it is his tenacity that is quickly winning over the locker room.
Brought in to bolster a unit led by returning star Kip Lewis, Sullivan has integrated seamlessly into the complex defensive schemes orchestrated by head coach Brent Venables. While his size makes him an straightforward target to spot towering over the line of scrimmage, teammates say his impact is felt long before the ball is snapped.
The transition has been a study in contrasts. To some, Sullivan is a calming presence; to others, he is a relentless force. Linebacker Kip Lewis describes him as a gentle soul who remains open-hearted and open-minded in his pursuit of growth. However, when the whistle blows, that demeanor shifts into what teammates call a “dog” mentality.
“He’s a dog. He’s legit. Considerable, physical guy,” linebacker Taylor Heim said. “Heavy hands, just puts hands on guys and works.”
A Proven Pedigree from Ann Arbor
Sullivan does not arrive in Oklahoma as a project. His time with the Michigan Wolverines provided him with a high-level blueprint for success in a demanding program, which has accelerated his ability to digest Venables’ sizeable playbook. This prior experience has mitigated the typical “transfer shock” often seen with newcomers during spring ball.
After a quiet freshman campaign in 2024, where he appeared in 12 games and recorded four tackles, Sullivan exploded as a sophomore. During the 2025 season, he became a disruptive force in the backfield, totaling 44 tackles, five tackles for loss, and two sacks. His versatility was further evidenced by three interceptions and both a forced and recovered fumble.
Sullivan is also no stranger to the atmosphere of Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. In a 2025 non-conference matchup between Michigan and the Sooners, Sullivan recorded three tackles, a tackle for loss, and a fumble recovery. That experience gave him a firsthand look at the environment he now calls home.
| Season | Games | Total Tackles | TFL | Sacks | INTs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 (Freshman) | 12 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2025 (Sophomore) | — | 44 | 5 | 2 | 3 |
Solving the Linebacker Depth Puzzle
The urgency surrounding Sullivan’s development is driven by significant churn within the Oklahoma linebacker corps. The program is facing a transitional period heading into 2026, with both Kobie McKinzie and Sammy Omosigho entering the NCAA transfer portal. Omosigho’s departure followed shortly after Oklahoma secured Sullivan’s commitment.
Further complicating the depth chart is the status of Owen Heinecke. While Heinecke has the potential to return for the 2026 season, his availability depends on the outcome of a legal challenge against the NCAA. Venables and inside linebackers coach Nate Dreiling are operating under the assumption that the unit will be without Heinecke, placing a premium on the rapid ascent of players like Sullivan.
Defensive end Taylor Wein noted that Sullivan’s competitive nature is exactly what the room requires during this period of instability. “He has high standards — you could inform all winter — and he’s really competitive,” Wein said. “That’s something we necessitate in our defense, especially in that linebacker room.”
The Psychology of the Switch
Despite his physical readiness, the mental transition of a transfer can be jarring. Sullivan admitted that the initial process of breaking down game film at Oklahoma was “weird.” The experience required him to analyze the very tape he appeared in as an opponent for the Wolverines, effectively studying his own mistakes and tendencies from the opposite sideline.
However, that willingness to be self-critical has helped him ingratiate himself with the squad. Linebacker James Nesta described him simply as an “awesome guy,” suggesting that Sullivan’s personality is as much an asset as his 6-foot-4 frame.
Wein described Sullivan as a “freak athlete” whose length will be a significant addition to the Sooners’ ability to disrupt passing lanes and shut down running gaps. According to Wein, Sullivan’s combination of youth and high-level experience makes him a rare addition to the Oklahoma football program.
As the Sooners approach the midpoint of spring practice, the early returns on the Michigan transfer are overwhelmingly positive. While there is still a full slate of summer workouts and a rigorous fall camp before he makes his official debut in the crimson and cream, the foundation has been laid.
Brent Venables remains measured but optimistic about the trajectory of his new linebacker. “Cole has done a nice job and will continue to get better,” Venables said.
The next major checkpoint for the defense will be the conclusion of spring practices, followed by the official roster updates as the program determines its final depth chart for the 2026 campaign.
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