Redshirt senior linebacker Kendal Daniels, who transferred from Oklahoma State to the University of Oklahoma in January 2025, has embraced his new home in Norman, describing the transition as “way better than my expectations,” according to OU Daily on August 7, 2025. Initially apprehensive about how his Sooners teammates would receive a former Cowboy, given the storied Bedlam rivalry, the 6-foot-5, 242-pound defender has found a tight-knit locker room and a seamless fit. Daniels, speaking after practice on August 6, said, “Being with the guys, we’re all so tight. It feels like I’ve been here for a long time,” signaling his excitement for the 2025 season under head coach Brent Venables.[](https://www.oudaily.com/sports/oklahoma-sooners-sec-football-kendal-daniels/article_30456533-2fb0-480b-a8a0-dadbb458a236.html)
Daniels, a Beggs, Oklahoma, native and former four-star recruit, was a standout at OSU, amassing 240 tackles, 7.5 sacks, and five interceptions over three seasons, with a career-high 105 tackles in 2023. Named the 2022 Big 12 Defensive Freshman of the Year and a Freshman All-American, he switched from safety to linebacker in 2024, recording 64 tackles and 5.5 sacks despite struggling with the positional change. His move to OU, driven by Venables’ reputation as a national-championship-winning defensive coordinator, offers a chance to reclaim his early-career form. Daniels praised Venables, saying, “It’s crazy to see him talk,” and values the coach’s consistent approach since his transfer portal visit.[](https://www.on3.com/college/oklahoma-sooners/news/oklahoma-state-star-transfer-defender-kendal-daniels-commits-to-oklahoma/)[](https://www.si.com/college/oklahoma/football/fresh-faces-oklahoma-s-kendal-daniels-adjusting-to-cross-bedlam-transfer-01jwhh5x7ac1)
At Oklahoma, Daniels is embracing a versatile role, training at linebacker, cheetah, safety, and even cornerback during Fall Camp, as observed by The Oklahoman on August 6. This flexibility suits his high football IQ and athleticism, with Venables’ 3-3-5 scheme allowing him to roam and make plays, much like his high school days at Beggs, where he recorded 120 tackles and 56 receptions as a two-way star. Daniels noted the initial adjustment was fast-paced, but “everything calmed down so much,” reflecting his growing comfort. His physical presence bolsters an OU defense aiming to rebound from a 6-7 season, with Daniels joining a linebacker room featuring Danny Stutsman and Kip Lewis.[](https://www.oklahoman.com/story/sports/college/sooners/2025/08/04/ou-football-camp-observations-kendal-daniels-multiple-positions-sooners/85506196007/)
As Oklahoma prepares for their season opener against Temple on August 30, 2025, Daniels’ enthusiasm and adaptability are bright spots for a program integrating 15 transfers, including former Alabama running back Justice Haynes. Despite a heat advisory in Norman, with heat index values up to 110, Daniels’ work ethic stands out, with Venables leveraging his experience to mentor younger players. The Sooners’ defense, which struggled with consistency last season, could benefit from Daniels’ 10.5 tackles for loss and seven pass breakups from 2024. His move across the Bedlam divide, once emotionally challenging, now positions him as a key piece in OU’s quest for an SEC statement.[](https://www.oudaily.com/sports/oklahoma-sooners-sec-football-kendal-daniels/article_30456533-2fb0-480b-a8a0-dadbb458a236.html)[](https://okstate.com/sports/football/roster/kendal-daniels/9836)
