Official: Oklahoma DB Enters the Transfer Portal

Sooners defensive back Jayden Rowe announced last week he would be entering the portal, which became official on Monday.

Oklahoma defensive back Jayden Rowe / John E. Hoover / Sooners On SI

Oklahoma defensive back Jayden Rowe, a redshirt sophomore, is headed to the transfer portal.

After originally posting his intentions last Friday on X (formerly Twitter) that he plans to enter the transfer portal and leave OU, on Monday he made the move official.

Enter the transfer portal with 2-3 years of eligibility. pic.twitter.com/HbQdX2bZtq

— J Ro (@TheJaydenRowe) December 6, 2024

“First, thank you, God, for allowing me to play the game I love," Rowe said in his post. "Also, thank you to my parents for helping me through this process. I couldn't be here without them.

"After much thought and prayer, I have decided to enter the transfer portal with two to three years of eligibility remaining."

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A native of Tulsa and graduate of Union High School, Rowe’s playing time for the Sooners was limited.

Officially in the transfer portal, with 2-3 years of eligibility left. pic.twitter.com/CpdstlAQT0

— J Ro (@TheJaydenRowe) December 9, 2024

Rowe didn’t play in the 2024 season despite dressing out for most games. He played in the Sooners’ season opener against Arkansas State in 2023 but suffered a season-ending injury (dislocated knee cap) in that game. Rowe played sparingly in 2022 as a true freshman, appearing in three games.

Despite playing in four games over three seasons for the crimson and cream, Rowe did not record any stats other than participation.

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Still, Rowe expressed his gratitude for his time in Norman in his post on X.

"I want to thank Coach (Brent) Venables for allowing me to play for the University of Oklahoma, pusing me to my limit to be tremendous and continuing my academic and athletic career," Rowe said. "I appreciate all of my teammates, Sooner Nation and the entire staff for making me feel accepted."

At 6-foot-2 and 223 pounds, Rowe has a frame that is larger than most defensive backs. He also ran track in high school, logging a 10.46-second 100-meter dash time and a time of 21.05 in the 200-meter dash.

Even with his lack of experience playing at the collegiate level, Rowe will likely be a commodity for other programs looking to bolster their secondaries, as he has a strong combination of speed and size.

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Rowe said in his post that he will have two or three years left of eligibility at the college level.

Out of high school, Rowe was graded as a 4-star prospect and the No. 205 overall recruit in the class of 2022 by 247 Sports. Rowe chose the Sooners over offers from Arkansas, Baylor, Kansas and Iowa State.

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Rowe is the sixth Sooner to be reportedly headed to the transfer portal. The defensive back joins wide receiver Jaquaize Pettaway, quarterback Jackson Arnold, wide receiver Nic Anderson and running back Kaleb Hicks and Emeka Megwa, all of whom were announced to be reportedly entering the portal earlier in the week.

The transfer portal's winter window officially opens on Dec. 9, and it closes on Dec. 28. Players are eligible to return to their original school even after entering the transfer portal.