Oklahoma Sooners Land Talented Wide Receiver Javonnie Gibson
In a significant boost to their offense, the Oklahoma Sooners have secured the commitment of wide receiver Javonnie Gibson, who joins the team via the NCAA Transfer Portal. Gibson, a 6-foot-3, 205-pound receiver from Louisiana, spent the 2024 season at Arkansas-Pine Bluff, where he had a breakout year.
Despite being unranked by recruiting platforms out of high school, Gibson proved himself to be a standout player at Arkansas-Pine Bluff. He finished the 2024 season with 70 receptions for 1,215 yards and nine touchdowns, setting the second-highest single-season records for receptions and yards in UAPB’s history.
Gibson’s impressive performance earned him recognition from opposing coaches, who often made him a focal point of their defensive strategies. According to Tanner Spearman, a sports reporter for the Pine Bluff Commercial, defenses frequently double-teamed Gibson, but he still managed to make significant plays.
Cameo Stokes, UAPB’s Associate Director of Athletics for Strategic Communications, attributed Gibson’s success to his versatility, citing his ability to gain yards after the catch, block effectively, and showcase breakaway speed.
The Oklahoma Sooners, who finished 121st in passing yards per game in 2024, desperately need wide receiver reinforcements. Gibson’s arrival is expected to provide a significant boost to the team’s offense. As Stokes noted, “Javonnie will undoubtedly fit into the rotation of Oklahoma’s wide receiver unit.”
While playing in the SWAC (Southwestern Athletic Conference) is different from competing in the SEC, Gibson’s performance in 2024 suggests that he has the potential to excel at the higher level. As Spearman observed, “It’ll certainly be tough to replicate these numbers against better secondaries, but I think he can be a solid option.”
Gibson’s stats are impressive, with 15 of his 70 catches targeted 20 yards downfield or more. He averaged a target depth of 31.4 yards and graded out at 96.0 on deep balls and 96.1 on intermediate routes, according to Pro Football Focus.
With Gibson’s commitment, the Oklahoma Sooners have added a talented wide receiver to their roster. His ability to make plays downfield and after the catch should provide a significant boost to the team’s offense in 2025.
