In a move that’s sure to shake up the college football landscape, Oklahoma has landed a major recruiting win with the commitment of Tennessee transfer tight end Jack Van Dorselaer. But here’s where it gets interesting: this isn’t just any transfer—Van Dorselaer is a highly touted freshman who’s already making waves in the sport. According to On3’s Hayes Fawcett, the young athlete, ranked as the No. 442 player (and No. 25 tight end) in the Transfer Portal Industry Rating, is set to join the Sooners after a promising debut season at Tennessee, where he snagged five receptions for 23 yards and a touchdown. But is this the start of a trend, or a one-off move?
Before his stint at Tennessee, Van Dorselaer was a four-star recruit, ranked No. 384 overall in the 2025 class by the Rivals Industry Rating. Hailing from Southlake Carroll in Texas, he was the No. 23 tight end in his class and the No. 52 player in the state. His decision to transfer to Oklahoma marks a significant shift, but it’s one that aligns with the Sooners’ recent recruiting strategy—a strategy that’s now being led by none other than NFL legend Jason Witten, Oklahoma’s newly hired tight ends coach. Could Witten’s presence be the game-changer Oklahoma needs to dominate the tight end position?
Witten, widely regarded as one of the greatest tight ends in NFL history, expressed his excitement about the opportunity. In a press release, he stated, ‘I love football and I love teaching the game, and Oklahoma is as prestigious a college football program as there is in the country. I’m thankful to Coach (Brent) Venables for the opportunity to work together.’ Witten’s admiration for Venables’ leadership and competitive drive is palpable, and he’s eager to contribute to a program known for its high standards both on and off the field. But can Witten’s NFL pedigree truly translate to success in the college game?
Van Dorselaer’s addition to the Sooners’ roster is the 14th transfer portal acquisition for Oklahoma, joining the likes of veteran tight end Rocky Beers from Colorado State. Beers, who hauled in 31 receptions for 388 yards and seven touchdowns last season, adds depth and experience to the position. With such a stacked roster, is Oklahoma poised to become a tight end powerhouse?
Here’s the part most people miss: Van Dorselaer’s move isn’t just about football—it’s about the culture and values of the program. Witten emphasized the importance of positively impacting young players, both as athletes and as individuals. ‘You can take on the responsibility to lead men but also be highly competitive in your craft,’ he said. This dual focus on excellence and character development is a hallmark of Coach Venables’ leadership, and it’s a philosophy that resonates deeply with Witten. But in a sport where winning often takes precedence, can this approach truly thrive?
As Oklahoma continues to bolster its roster through the transfer portal, the question remains: Are the Sooners building a championship-caliber team, or is this just another offseason of hype? Only time will tell. But one thing’s for sure—with players like Van Dorselaer and coaches like Witten, Oklahoma is a program to watch. What do you think? Is this the beginning of a new era for the Sooners, or just another chapter in college football’s ever-evolving story? Let us know in the comments!
