Former Sooners coach gives Oklahoma a case of Deja Vu with latest transfer portal move

The Oklahoma Sooners have added elite weapons around quarterback John Mateer for 2026, prompting some players to enter the transfer portal. Notably, wide receiver Zion Ragins is making headlines as he joins Mississippi State head coach Jeff Lebby, who originally recruited him out of high school. This move echoes a previous situation involving Brenen Thompson.

BREAKING: Oklahoma transfer WR Zion Ragins has signed with Mississippi State, @PeteNakos reports🐶https://t.co/kSYG7dZ8sRpic.twitter.com/8wB7fBVLKF

— Transfer Portal (@TransferPortal) January 11, 2026

Lebby previously recruited Thompson to Oklahoma, then brought him to MSU, where Thompson became a top and notably fast receiver. Ragins could follow a similar path. After limited opportunities at OU, Ragins transferred to MSU, seeking more playing time and the chance to showcase his abilities.Ragins is very similar to the player Thompson was at MSU. He’s super fast and has great ball-tracking skills down the field. However, he could never really see the field for one reason or another. Ragins is 5’8, 150 pounds, and has 10 total catches for 68 yards in two seasons. As a true freshman, he appeared in 13 games. As a sophomore, he appeared in only two. He felt like a change of scenery would be best, and the fit may be perfect. A to Z Sports College Football Analyst Adam Holt broke down why the fit is so good.

Ragins’ fit with Lebby and the Bulldogs makes sense

This fit makes plenty of sense when you consider the success that Brenen Thompson had for Jeff Lebby’s passing game last season. While Ragins is a bit smaller than Thompson, the speed is legit yet again, and plays to the idea that Lebby wants to take shots consistently with Kamario Taylor at quarterback. Taylor found Thompson on a downfield throw at least once in both of his starts to finish the season, and it will be a part of the weekly game plan.Lebby knows his wideouts, and he is willing to take risks on talented, physical threats like Thompson, as well as former Georgia WR Anthony Evans, who impressed this past season and figures to be one of the main passing targets for the Bulldogs’ offense in 2026. While I don’t expect Ragins to play quite as much of a volume role as Thompson, it is crystal clear that his addition gives the unit more speed immediately, and State’s staff values that at every level. We’ll see if he can prove the staff of the Bulldogs right with this move.

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