
John Locke, a 6-foot-4, 241-pound tight end from Helotes, Texas, has announced his transfer from Louisiana Tech to the University of Oklahoma (OU). Locke, who has two years of eligibility remaining, made his commitment public via social media on January 9, 2025, expressing his enthusiasm with the message “Home ❤️ Psalm 23:4” and tagging OU’s coaching staff.
During his tenure at Louisiana Tech, Locke’s on-field contributions were modest. After redshirting in 2022, he participated in 23 games over the next two seasons, recording a total of three receptions for six yards and one touchdown. Despite limited statistical output, Locke was a consistent presence on special teams, showcasing his versatility and commitment to the team’s overall success.
Locke’s football journey began at Sandra Day O’Connor High School in Helotes, Texas, where he distinguished himself as a wide receiver. His high school career was marked by impressive achievements, including 153 receptions for 1,957 yards and 18 touchdowns. His outstanding performance earned him first-team all-district and first-team all-city honors. Notably, Locke was a three-star recruit and had initially chosen Louisiana Tech over a strong late push from Oklahoma.
At Oklahoma, Locke joins a tight end group that has been actively reinforced through the transfer portal. The Sooners have recently added Carson Kent from Kennesaw State and Will Huggins from Pittsburg State, aiming to bolster a position that has faced challenges in consistency over the past two seasons. Under the guidance of new offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle, known for utilizing multiple tight ends in his schemes, Locke’s arrival is timely. Arbuckle’s offensive strategies at Washington State incorporated various tight end sets, suggesting that Locke could find opportunities to contribute in OU’s evolving offense.
Locke’s commitment to Oklahoma is believed to be as a preferred walk-on, indicating his willingness to earn his place and make an impact through dedication and performance. His decision to transfer aligns with Oklahoma’s efforts to revitalize its roster following a challenging season in the Southeastern Conference (SEC), where the team finished with a 6-7 overall record and a 2-6 mark in conference play. Head coach Brent Venables has been proactive in addressing roster needs, with the addition of Locke bringing the total number of transfer portal acquisitions to 15, following the departure of 26 players.
Locke’s journey reflects a full-circle moment, considering Oklahoma’s initial recruitment efforts during his high school years. His return to the Sooners, now as a more experienced player, presents an opportunity for both personal development and contribution to a program seeking to regain its competitive edge in the SEC. As Locke integrates into the team, his background as a high-performing high school receiver and his collegiate experience at Louisiana Tech may provide the versatility and depth that Oklahoma’s offense requires.
In summary, John Locke’s transfer to the University of Oklahoma signifies a strategic move for both the player and the program. For Locke, it offers a platform to leverage his skills at a higher level of competition, while for Oklahoma, his addition addresses a critical position need as the team aims to rebound in the upcoming season.