Transfer LB Cole Sullivan is Earning a Reputation as a 'Dog' Early in Oklahoma Career

NORMAN — Six practices into his Oklahoma career, Michigan transfer Cole Sullivan is already earning the respect of his teammates.

The 6-foot-4, 230-pound linebacker was brought in to play alongside returning star Kip Lewis, and he’s taken to Brent Venables’ defense nicely.

“I love Cole. He's a gentle soul,” Lewis said. “He's open-hearted, open-minded, he's definitely always trying to learn and get better so I love that about him.

"Coming from Michigan, he's already been prepped up very well so it hasn't been too much for him."

Sullivan’s frame is easy to spot on the practice field, as he towers over the line of scrimmage.

And he has tenacity to match his size.

"He's a dog. He's legit. Big, physical guy,” linebacker Taylor Heim said. “… Heavy hands, just puts hands on guys and works."

Oklahoma’s linebacking corps will look a bit different in 2026.

Both Kobie McKinzie and Sammy Omosigho hit the transfer portal, with Omosigho entering after the Sooners earned the commitment of Sullivan.

Retaining Lewis was one of the top goals for the front office, and while Owen Heinecke can still return for 2026 if he is successful in court, the Sooners are preparing this offseason as if they’ll be without Heinecke.

That means Venables and inside linebackers coach Nate Dreiling have to develop depth quickly.

Digesting Venables’ sizeable playbook in one offseason is a tall task, but Sullivan brings quality experience to the table.

He totaled four tackles and played in 12 games for Michigan as a freshman in 2024 before earning a much larger role last year.

As a sophomore, he tallied 44 total tackles, including five tackles for loss and two sacks. Sullivan also hauled in three interceptions, forced a fumble and recovered a fumble as he constantly found himself around the football for the Wolverines.

He knows what to expect in Norman, too.

Sullivan added three of his tackles, one tackle for loss and the fumble recovery at Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Michigan’s non-conference loss to the Sooners in 2025.

“He’s got good experience, he’s played a lot of ball, and he’s actually pretty young too, which is kind of surprising,” OU defensive end Taylor Wein said. “He’s a freak athlete — you see him, he’s so long. He’s going to be a big addition to our defense and help us win.”

Sullivan was ready to help push his teammates from Day 1, too.

“He has high standards — you could tell all winter — and he’s really competitive,” Wein said. “That’s something we need in our defense, especially in that linebacker room.”

Though Sullivan admitted breaking down film at OU was “weird” at first, especially since he appeared on tape for the Wolverines, he’s quickly ingratiated himself with the team.

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“I love Cole. He’s an awesome guy,” linebacker James Nesta said.

The Sooners are only just now approaching the midpoint of spring, and there’s still the entirety of summer workouts and fall camp to go before he makes his debut in the crimson and cream.

Still, the early returns on the big offseason addition are positive.

“Cole has done a nice job and will continue to get better,” Venables said.