**Oklahoma Sooners Add SEC Veteran TE Hayden Hansen Amid Transfer Flux**
Key Takeaways:
- Oklahoma Sooners gain former Florida Gator tight end Hayden Hansen via transfer portal
- The 6’8″, 269-pound Hansen brings four years of SEC experience to a depleted TE room
- The commitment comes as OU rebuilds its roster following 22 transfer departures
Norman, OK — “Rocky Beers” is trending due to recent buzz around Oklahoma Sooners football, triggered by the team’s first addition in the 2026 NCAA transfer portal cycle. The Sooners have landed former Florida Gators tight end Hayden Hansen, a veteran player entering as a redshirt senior with one year of eligibility remaining.
Hansen Brings Height and Experience to OU Tight End Room
Hayden Hansen, a 6-foot-8, 269-pound tight end from Weatherford, Texas, started every game for the Florida Gators over the past two seasons. Known more for his blocking prowess than flashy stats, Hansen has 57 career receptions, 611 yards, and five touchdowns. Despite not currently having a tight ends coach after Joe Jon Finley’s recent dismissal, the Sooners secured Hansen’s commitment on Sunday, just days after he entered the portal.
OU Responds to Transfer Exodus With Strategic Additions
The move comes during a period of major roster churn at OU. So far, 22 players from the Sooners’ 2025 roster have entered the portal, prompting head coach Brent Venables to accelerate acquisition efforts. The tight end position is especially thin after the graduation of Jaren Kanak and Will Huggins, and the transfer exits of Kaden Helms and Carson Kent. Hansen joins a reshuffled tight end room that includes Kade McIntyre, John Locke Jr., Trynae Washington, Ryder Mix, and Tyler Ruxer.
Key Addition Ahead of 2026 SEC Competition
Hansen’s arrival is critically timed, as Oklahoma is preparing to compete in the SEC with a large number of roster questions. His size, experience, and familiarity with SEC competition could offer immediate impact in both blocking schemes and short-yardage passing situations. OU’s success in rebuilding its tight end group will likely hinge on further portal activity in the coming weeks, especially with the tight end coach role still vacant.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why is “rocky beers” trending?
A: The unusual search term is likely a misfire or misinterpretation of searches related to the recent Oklahoma Sooners football news and player nickname confusion linked to Hayden Hansen’s transfer.
Q: What happens next?
A: OU is expected to add more players through the transfer portal and may announce a new tight ends coach in the coming weeks.
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