Mykel Patterson-McDonald, a defensive back for the Oklahoma Sooners, has made the decision to withdraw from the NCAA transfer portal and return to the program for the 2025 season. Patterson-McDonald initially entered the transfer portal on January 3, 2025, but after a brief period of exploration, he will continue his career at OU.
Patterson-McDonald, a native of Moore, Oklahoma, was a freshman in the 2024 season but did not see any playing time on defense or special teams. Despite his lack of on-field experience so far, Patterson-McDonald’s den to stay with the Sooners is seen as a positive development for the team, as they face significant changes on their defensive roster.
Rated as a 4-star recruit by Rivals and a 3-star recruit by both 247 Sports and ESPN, Patterson-McDonald was highly regarded coming out of Westmoore High School. As a senior, he showcased his versatility by excelling on both sides of the ball. He recorded 62 solo tackles, 14 pass deflections, and an interception. His ability to play defensive back, wide receiver, and running back made him a dynamic player at the high school level, and OU hoped to tap into that talent when he committed to the program.
His commitment to Oklahoma was also significant as he is part of a football legacy. Patterson-McDonald’s father, Larry McDonald, was once a walk-on at Oklahoma, making his son’s decision to attend the university even more meaningful. Patterson-McDonald chose the Sooners over several other offers from schools like Iowa State, Houston, and Missouri.
The Sooners’ secondary is undergoing a period of transformation, as several defensive backs, including Jayden Rowe, Kani Walker, Erik McCarty, and Makari Vickers, entered the transfer portal as well. Rowe, Walker, and Vickers have found new schools, while McCarty remains uncommitted. Patterson-McDonald’s decision to remain at OU brings a sense of stability to a defensive backfield that has seen significant turnover.
Furthermore, the Sooners have been active in recruiting defensive talent, with notable additions from the transfer portal. Recently, they secured commitments from defensive end Marvin Jones Jr. (formerly of Florida State) and linebacker and defensive back Kendal Daniels (formerly of Oklahoma State). Additionally, the team signed five defensive backs to the Class of 2025, including 4-star recruits Trystan Haynes and Courtland Guillory.
Patterson-McDonald’s return is a positive sign for head coach Brent Venables as he continues to restructure the OU roster, especially in light of the upcoming transition to the SEC. While the Sooners still search for a new defensive coordinator following the departure of Zac Alley to West Virginia, Patterson-McDonald’s decision reflects both his personal commitment to the program and the program’s ongoing effort to build a strong and competitive defense.
