Written by James Carter
Michigan LB Cole Sullivan is transferring to Oklahoma. Former Michigan linebacker Cole Sullivan has officially committed to the Oklahoma Sooners out of the NCAA transfer portal, finalizing one of the more notable linebacker moves of the 2026 window. Multiple reports confirmed the decision after Sullivan took a visit to Norman, and he is expected to arrive with two seasons of eligibility remaining.
Sullivan entered the portal earlier this month with the possibility of returning to Ann Arbor, and there was optimism around Michigan that a return could happen. But Oklahoma kept pushing under head coach Brent Venables, and Sullivan ultimately chose the Sooners. Sooners Illustrated noted he checks in as the No. 151 overall player in the 247Sports transfer portal rankings and is considered a top-10 linebacker available in this cycle. You can read more portal context and rankings background at 247Sports’ transfer portal tracker.
A former three-star recruit from the 2024 class, Sullivan came to Michigan from Pittsburgh Central Catholic and carved out a role early, making his mark on special teams as a true freshman. In 2024, he appeared in 12 games (mostly special teams and one at linebacker) and was named Michigan’s Special Teams Rookie of the Year.
His role expanded in 2025, when he appeared in 11 games and earned Defensive Player of the Week honors three times. He finished the season with 44 tackles (28 solo), five tackles for loss, two sacks, three interceptions, four pass breakups, plus one forced fumble and one fumble recovery. Sooners Illustrated also cited Pro Football Focus usage notes that had Sullivan playing primarily as a true linebacker while mixing in some snaps in the slot, giving Oklahoma a defender with flexibility and real special-teams value.
Oklahoma fans may already remember Sullivan from the Sooners’ matchup against Michigan, where he recovered a muffed punt and recorded a sack while contributing on both defense and special teams. Now, there’s an immediate storyline built into the 2026 schedule: Sullivan is expected to return to Ann Arbor in a different uniform when Oklahoma plays at Michigan in Week 2.
For Oklahoma, the commitment is a timely boost as the Sooners work to reload the linebacker room amid offseason turnover, and Sullivan’s combination of production, versatility, and two years remaining makes him a strong fit for Venables’ defense. For Michigan, the departure stings, but the Wolverines still have depth options at linebacker going forward, including Jimmy Rolder, Troy Bowles, Nathaniel Owusu-Boateng, Chase Taylor, and Jaydon Hood.
