New Weapon in the Trenches: Jeff Lebby Bolsters Sooners’ 2025 Offense with Versatile Indiana TE Transfer Sam West
Norman, OK — The Oklahoma Sooners have added a dynamic new piece to their offensive puzzle with the acquisition of former Indiana tight end Sam West, a redshirt sophomore transfer whose size, athleticism, and untapped potential could play a pivotal role in shaping head coach Jeff Lebby’s evolving offensive identity heading into the 2025 season.
West, a 6-foot-4, 240-pound native of Greensburg, Indiana, officially announced his commitment to Oklahoma this week after entering the transfer portal in late spring. While he arrives with limited collegiate production at Indiana, he brings with him a unique blend of physical traits and positional flexibility that have already begun turning heads within the Sooners’ coaching staff.
✍️ A Quiet Commitment With Loud Potential
Though not a household name yet, West was a standout in Indiana high school football, rated a three-star prospect by major recruiting services. He also lettered in basketball and track, showcasing the kind of multisport explosiveness that often translates well to the college gridiron. At Indiana, West spent much of his time developing behind veteran players while contributing on special teams and in rotational snaps as an H-back and tight end.
Now, in Norman, he has a chance to flourish in an offense designed to maximize versatility.
“Sam is exactly the kind of player we want to develop in this program,” said Head Coach Jeff Lebby. “He’s a competitor, he’s coachable, and he fits the mold of the new Oklahoma — tough, fast, and smart.”
🔍 Why the Sooners Wanted Sam West
Oklahoma’s 2025 roster is undergoing a calculated rebuild under Lebby, who is entering his second season as the program’s leader. With the departure of veteran tight ends and the transition into a more dynamic, tempo-driven offensive system, the Sooners needed a tight end who could handle the dual responsibilities of blocking in the run game and acting as a receiver in space.
West’s film, while limited, shows crisp route-running, soft hands, and an ability to create separation against linebackers — all qualities that align with Lebby’s play-action-heavy passing game. His ability to line up in-line, in the slot, or as a motion H-back gives the offense additional flexibility, particularly in red zone and short-yardage packages.
“What stands out is his feel for spacing and his physicality,” said offensive coordinator [Insert OC’s Name]. “He’s got the frame and the footwork to be a problem for defenses, especially in mismatches.”
💪 Building Depth and Competition
Sam West joins a tight end group that includes returning players and underclassmen still developing into their roles. His arrival not only provides immediate depth but also heightens competition in a room that has lacked a true breakout performer since the departure of stars like Mark Andrews.
With strength and conditioning ramping up this summer, the Sooners believe West can add 5–10 pounds of muscle to further enhance his blocking abilities without sacrificing speed. Coaches have pointed to West’s commitment to learning the playbook and his strong work ethic as early indicators that he’ll be ready to contribute in meaningful ways by fall camp.
🎙️ Sam West on His New Chapter
“Transferring was one of the hardest decisions of my life,” West said in a statement. “But I’m grateful for everything I learned at Indiana, and I’m beyond excited for what’s next at Oklahoma. This program has a championship standard, and I’m ready to give it everything I’ve got.”
West also mentioned the opportunity to be developed by an offensive-minded coach like Lebby, whose track record with skill position players was a big factor in his decision.
🔮 Outlook for 2025 and Beyond
While West may not begin the season as the primary tight end, insiders believe he has a strong chance to work his way into a key role — particularly in two-tight-end sets and third-down packages. As the Sooners push forward in their quest to reestablish themselves as national contenders, depth, versatility, and scheme adaptability will be more important than ever.
And Sam West could be the perfect example of how under-the-radar talent, when matched with the right system, can blossom into something special.
From Big Ten backup to Big 12 breakout candidate, Sam West is ready to prove he belongs.
And Jeff Lebby just might have found a gem that will quietly — but powerfully — elevate Oklahoma’s 2025 offense.
