- Oklahoma Sooners Bolster Special Teams with New Transfer Kicker Tate Sandell
NORMAN, August 20, 2025 — In a move aimed at shoring up their special teams unit for the upcoming season, the Oklahoma Sooners have added former UTSA standout kicker Tate Sandell to their roster.
Sandell, a graduate of Port Neches-Groves High School, brings a reliable leg and collegiate success to Norman. During his time at UTSA, he served as the primary field goal kicker in 2024 and posted an impressive stat line—making 19 of 23 field goal attempts and converting 35 of 36 extra point tries. Highlighting his skill was a career-long 54-yard field goal against Memphis .
A top-15 nationally ranked kicker in high school, Sandell’s trajectory has been one of steady progression. His addition follows the Sooners’ recent special teams reshuffle, which saw UTSA transfer Sandell join a group that already includes Austin Welch—another kicker brought in from Kennesaw State—and redshirt freshman Liam Evans .
With the Sooners trying to rebound from a lackluster 6–7 finish in their debut SEC season, special teams improvement is a high-priority area. Sandell’s track record suggests he could provide the consistency and confidence needed to flip the special teams script in 2025 and beyond.
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Sandell Brings Experience, Accuracy, and Leg Strength
For a program in transition under the leadership of head coach Brent Venables, Sandell’s profile is a valuable asset. His 2024 performance at UTSA not only showed accuracy under pressure—hitting over 82% of his field goals and nearly 97% of extra points—but also hinted at an ability to deliver in clutch situations, given his 54-yard field goal .
Those long-range capabilities could be particularly game-changing, expanding the Sooners’ playbook and giving the offense breathing room in tight spots.
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Special Teams Strategy: Depth and Competition
Oklahoma’s approach this offseason appears deliberate: establish internal competition to push performance across the board. Sandell now joins the mix with Austin Welch and freshman Liam Evans. This depth signals that the coaching staff intends to engage in a rigorous evaluation process during fall camp and preseason, ensuring the most reliable leg wins the kicking duties .
Depth at kicker is often a quietly critical component of success, particularly in tight SEC contests where special teams errors can swing momentum—and outcomes.
Looking Ahead: What This Means for the Sooners
Sandell’s arrival comes at a pivotal moment as the Sooners look to improve on their debut SEC campaign. His consistent accuracy and long-distance capability give the offense strategic flexibility. Meanwhile, setting up a competitive environment among Sandell, Welch, and Evans can spur continuous improvement.
With Venables aiming for a rebound, a reliable kicking game could be an underrated yet vital piece of the puzzle.
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Insight: What Fans Should Watch
1. Fall Camp Battles
Expect spirited competition at the kicker position. Sandell’s experience gives him an edge, but college football has seen true freshmen (like Evans) rise during camp.
2. Game-Day Performance
Mid-season games in the SEC often come down to field position and late-game field goals. How the Sooners’ kicking game performs under pressure will be a significant storyline.
3. Long-Range Potential
If Sandell can consistently replicate his long-range touch from UTSA, he could become a weapon—expanding play-calling options, especially in red-zone or fourth-down situations.
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Bottom Line: Tate Sandell’s transfer to the Oklahoma Sooners provides a timely boost to special teams as the team strives to rebound. His accuracy, experience, and powerful leg make him an exciting addition. As competition for the starting role heats up, fans should be watching closely through fall camp—this b
attle may well shape the trajectory of Oklahoma’s 2025 season.
