When Troy Everett arrived at Oklahoma in 2023 as a transfer from Appalachian State, few expected the 6-foot-3, 285-pound center to become a cornerstone of the Sooners’ offensive line. A lightly regarded recruit out of Lord Botetourt High School in Virginia, Everett had earned second-team Freshman All-American honors in 2022 with the Mountaineers, starting six games at center and playing in 10 of 12. Yet, his move to Norman came with modest expectations, overshadowed by Oklahoma’s high-profile recruits and a patchwork offensive line struggling in the Red-White spring game. Now, as a redshirt senior in 2025, Everett has transformed into a pivotal leader, earning the Bob Kalsu Award for his grit and stabilizing a unit that cycled through eight different starting lineups in the first nine games of 2024.[](https://www.si.com/college/oklahoma/football/how-oklahoma-s-troy-everett-went-from-lightly-regarded-transfer-to-pivotal-senior-01k2548qpkrc)[](https://247sports.com/college/oklahoma/article/the-essential-11-no-9-oklahoma-sooners-football-ol-troy-everett-251336613/)
Everett’s journey to prominence was anything but smooth. A knee injury sidelined him for the first five games of the 2024 season, exacerbating Oklahoma’s offensive woes, with the team averaging just 129 rushing yards per game and 3.6 yards per carry. His return against Texas marked a turning point, boosting the Sooners to 172 yards per game and 4.0 yards per carry over the final eight games. Pro Football Focus data highlights his impact: Everett led the offensive line with a 68.2 overall blocking grade, including a team-best 75.5 in pass protection, allowing only four sacks on 298 pass-blocking plays. His physical transformation, adding 30 pounds to reach 315, and his first full spring practice in 2025 have positioned him as a reliable anchor under offensive line coach Bill Bedenbaugh.[](https://www.si.com/college/oklahoma/football/how-oklahoma-s-troy-everett-went-from-lightly-regarded-transfer-to-pivotal-senior-01k2548qpkrc)[](https://www.si.com/college/oklahoma/football/oklahoma-center-troy-everett-looking-to-install-leadership-continuity-in-o-line-01jxgevs9hte)
Beyond his on-field contributions, Everett’s leadership has been a game-changer for a rebuilding Oklahoma squad. Named one of two team representatives at the Armed Forces Bowl, he’s become the offensive line’s voice, answering tough questions during a challenging 6-7 season in the SEC. His mentorship of younger players, like five-star freshman Michael Fasusi, and his ability to foster chemistry in a revamped line—including transfers like Stanford’s Jake Maikkula and Luke Baklenko—have drawn praise. Teammate Fasusi credits Everett’s veteran presence, noting his three pages of notes from meetings on footwork and physicality. Everett’s leadership, honed by observing older players at Appalachian State, earned him the Bob Kalsu Award, symbolizing his role as a motivator and role model.[](https://247sports.com/college/oklahoma/article/the-essential-11-no-9-oklahoma-sooners-football-ol-troy-everett-251336613/)[](https://www.si.com/college/oklahoma/football/oklahoma-center-troy-everett-looking-to-install-leadership-continuity-in-o-line-01jxgevs9hte)
As Oklahoma gears up for their August 30, 2025, opener against Illinois State, Everett faces competition from Maikkula for the starting center role but remains the favorite due to his experience and command of the unit. With a revamped offense led by new coordinator Ben Arbuckle and quarterback John Mateer, Everett’s continuity is vital for a line that added five freshmen and three transfers. His ability to steer the group, as noted by 247Sports, makes him one of the Sooners’ 11 most essential players for a bounce-back season. From an under-the-radar transfer to a captain-like figure, Everett’s grit and growth embody Oklahoma’s hopes for a resurgent 2025, proving that hard work and leadership can turn a “lightly regarded” prospect into a pivotal senior.[](https://247sports.com/college/oklahoma/article/the-essential-11-no-9-oklahoma-sooners-football-ol-troy-everett-251336613/)[](https://www.si.com/college/oklahoma/football/oklahoma-center-troy-everett-looking-to-install-leadership-continuity-in-o-line-01jxgevs9hte)
