Pair of Oklahoma Sooners Forwards Enter the Transfer Portal

As the college basketball offseason gets underway, the Oklahoma Sooners find themselves facing a significant roster shakeup. Two of their frontcourt contributors, sophomore forward Kaden Cooper and junior forward Sam Godwin, have officially entered the NCAA transfer portal, signaling a potential shift in head coach Porter Moser’s plans for the 2025-26 campaign.

The news broke early Monday morning, as multiple reports confirmed that both Cooper and Godwin submitted their names to the portal just days after Oklahoma’s season-ending loss in the NCAA Tournament’s second round. While the departures don’t necessarily come as a surprise given the fluid nature of modern college basketball, they will have a notable impact on the Sooners’ depth and development plans moving forward.

Understanding the Departures

Kaden Cooper, a former four-star recruit out of The Skill Factory in Georgia, arrived in Norman with high expectations. Known for his explosive athleticism, rebounding prowess, and defensive versatility, Cooper was touted as a potential breakout player in the Sooners’ system. While his freshman season was largely developmental, he flashed potential in limited minutes—especially as a perimeter defender and transition threat.

Cooper’s sophomore year saw an increase in minutes and production, averaging 6.1 points and 4.3 rebounds per game. His ability to guard multiple positions and bring energy off the bench made him a valuable piece in Oklahoma’s rotation. However, with the Sooners bringing in a strong 2025 recruiting class and several returning contributors, it appears Cooper is seeking a fresh opportunity to earn a larger role.

Godwin, meanwhile, was one of the Sooners’ more consistent frontcourt players this past season. After transferring from Wofford in 2023, he quickly earned a spot in the rotation thanks to his physical presence in the paint and relentless motor. At 6-foot-10, Godwin gave Oklahoma a reliable post defender and rebounder, often taking on tough matchups against some of the SEC’s best big men.

In 2024-25, he started in 19 games and averaged 7.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks per game. His decision to enter the portal likely stems from a desire to find a system better suited to his playing style and to perhaps take on a more offensive role.

Porter Moser Reacts

Head coach Porter Moser addressed the transfer news during a Monday media availability, offering praise and support for both players while acknowledging the challenges of roster management in the transfer era.

“Kaden and Sam are both great young men who gave a lot to our program,” Moser said. “In this new era of college basketball, movement is part of the process. We support their decisions and wish them nothing but success wherever they go.”

Moser also emphasized that the departures will open opportunities for younger players to step up, and he hinted that the Sooners would be active in the transfer portal themselves.

“It’s all about fit, timing, and development,” he said. “We’re going to continue building a roster that fits our style and culture. The portal works both ways.”

The Transfer Portal Effect

The loss of Cooper and Godwin is another reminder of how fluid rosters have become in the NIL and transfer portal era. Players now have more freedom and agency to seek better fits, and programs must be nimble in their recruiting and development strategies.

For Oklahoma, this means recalibrating their frontcourt depth. With the departures, the Sooners will lean more heavily on rising sophomore forward Brandon Garrison, a 6-foot-9 post player who showed promise as a rim protector and inside scorer during his freshman campaign. Additionally, redshirt freshman C.J. Noland—who spent last season rehabbing from injury—could see increased minutes.

Incoming Talent and Recruiting Impact

Despite the departures, the Sooners have a strong 2025 recruiting class incoming. Leading the class is five-star power forward Marcus Easley from Dallas, Texas, a physical force with an evolving offensive game. Easley is expected to contribute immediately and could slot into one of the starting frontcourt positions.

Alongside Easley is four-star forward Landon Ricks, a stretch-four prospect who brings shooting and mobility to the table. Both freshmen could see immediate playing time due to the roster turnover.

Moreover, Oklahoma is expected to pursue multiple players in the portal, with early reports linking them to several mid-major standouts and a couple of former top-100 recruits looking for a change of scenery. With several scholarships now open, Moser and his staff will have the flexibility to address immediate needs.

Potential Landing Spots for Cooper and Godwin

While it’s still early in the transfer process, both Cooper and Godwin are expected to draw significant interest from programs around the country.

Cooper, with his elite athleticism and defensive upside, is a prime candidate for programs emphasizing pace and perimeter defense. Programs like UCF, Arkansas, and Virginia Tech have already been mentioned as possible destinations.

Godwin, meanwhile, brings veteran experience and size—two valuable commodities in any conference. He’s reportedly been contacted by schools in the Big Ten and ACC, including Minnesota and NC State. His decision could hinge on finding a team that offers more post touches and offensive responsibility.

Fan Reactions and Program Outlook

Reactions among Sooner fans have been mixed. Some see the departures as part of the natural turnover that comes with modern roster construction, while others worry about continuity and leadership, particularly in the frontcourt.

“Sad to see them go, especially Godwin,” one fan tweeted. “But it’s part of the game now. Excited to see what Moser does next.”

Others took a more optimistic view, expressing excitement about the incoming freshman class and the potential portal additions.

“We’re just getting started,” another fan wrote. “Moser’s got a plan, and Easley is a beast. Future’s still bright in Norman.”

The Bigger Picture

As college basketball continues to evolve, stories like this one become increasingly common. Programs like Oklahoma must strike a delicate balance between player development, retention, and recruiting. The losses of Cooper and Godwin, while significant, are far from insurmountable—and may even open the door to a more modern, versatile roster that better suits Moser’s vision.

With a strong nucleus returning, a top-tier recruiting class, and room to maneuver in the portal, the Sooners are well-positioned to remain competitive in the SEC. Still, how Moser manages this transition period will be a key storyline to watch over the summer.

For now, Cooper and Godwin will look for new homes where they can continue their basketball journeys. Wherever they land, their time at Oklahoma helped lay a foundation—not just for themselves, but for the program they leave behind.

And in today’s college basketball world, that’s what program-building often looks like.

Stay tuned, Sooner Nation. The offseason is just heating up.