🏀 Full Roster Shake‑Up Ahead: Predicting Oklahoma Men’s Basketball Starting Lineup for the 2025–26 Season as Coach Porter Moser Banks on Transfers and Rising Stars to Lead New Era in Norman…

As Porter Moser enters his fifth year at the helm in Norman, Oklahoma, he is orchestrating one of the most dramatic roster overhauls in recent program history. With key departures—including NBA-bound freshman phenom Jeremiah Fears and several veteran starters—the Sooners will open the 2025–26 season with a predominantly new face on the court. Headlined by four top‑60 transfers and bolstered by a promising freshman class, this new-look team seeks to cement its identity in the SEC. Here’s a deep dive into the projected starting five and what lies behind the shake‑up.

1. Point Guard – Xzayvier Brown (St. Joseph’s transfer)

Moser’s primary offseason priority was to fill the point guard vacancy left by Fears. Enter Xzayvier Brown, who averaged a stellar 17.6 ppg, 5.2 rpg, and 4.3 apg at St. Joseph’s last season. Brown arrives battle‑tested, with two years of collegiate experience and a dynamic dual-threat capability. His stepfather, Justin Scott, is reportedly transitioning with him as an assistant, hinting at a seamless transition both on and off the court (stormininnorman.com).
His leadership and playmaking offer an essential foundation for a team seeking stability and direction. Expect him to wear the “primary ball‑handler” mantle early.

2. Shooting Guard – Nijel Pack (Miami transfer)

To complement Brown, Oklahoma secured Miami guard Nijel Pack. A proven 3‑point specialist (40.3% career shooting) with strong secondary playmaking skills (13.9 ppg, 4.3 apg last season) (stormininnorman.com), Pack brings deadly perimeter shooting and veteran savvy. His presence offers spacing to encourage Brown’s drives and sets a credible threat against SEC defenses. Expect Pack to step into the role of offensive creator and clutch shooter.

3. Small Forward – Derrion Reid (Alabama transfer)

Moser’s third portal pick, Derrion Reid, a former five-star recruit, contributes fresh depth to the wing. His freshman season at Alabama saw 6.0 ppg and 2.8 rpg over 24 games. Though his minutes were limited, Reid provides size (6’7″) and athleticism—and likely a breakout role awaits in Norman’s system (sportskeeda.com). With perimeter shooting poles vacant, he can match up physically and offer defensive versatility.

4. Power Forward – Tae Davis (Notre Dame transfer)

At forward, the Sooners welcomed Tae Davis from Notre Dame, who impressed last season with 15.1 ppg and 5.3 rpg, shooting a reliable 47.6% from the floor (soonersports.com). His two-way capability, range, and comfort as the secondary inside presence address last year’s rebounding deficiencies . Davis is poised to anchor the frontcourt and occupy the immediate scoring void left in the paint.

5. Center / Big – (Domestic or Freshman Option)

Oklahoma didn’t land a traditional big through the portal. Instead, the onus falls on returning forwards like Dayton Forsythe, plus incoming freshmen such as Kai Rogers, Alec Blair, and Andreas Holst (sportskeeda.com). Forsythe has SEC experience and may start alongside Davis, or a freshman could step into a stretch big role. Depth here will be crucial to rebounding and securing frontcourt balance.

🔑 Starting 5 Projection – 2025–26 Season

Building the Core: Why It Matters

According to ESPN, Oklahoma’s incoming transfer haul—Brown, Pack, Reid, and Davis—ranks among the top 10 nationally and #8 in the SEC (espn.com, en.wikipedia.org, sportskeeda.com). Each player brings experience, and all are expected to start Day 1. Moser has explicitly targeted rebounding, 3‑point shooting, and improved ball movement—three areas flagged as weaknesses in 2024–25 (stormininnorman.com).

This rotation maximizes versatility: dual point guards to limit turnovers, a wing who can defend and stretch the floor, and a seasoned forward to stabilize the interior. The absence of a traditional center may be offset by athleticism, spacing, and frontcourt tandem usage.

Bench Depth & Freshmen Impact

Supporting the starting five are key returnees like Jadon Jones, Kuol Atak, Jeff Nwankwo, and Dayton Forsythe. Additionally, the 2025 recruiting class—Kai Rogers, Alec Blair, Andreas Holst, and Jake Hansen—brings size, athleticism, and future upside (sportskeeda.com). These young pieces are poised for rotation roles and playmaking relief.

Outlook in the SEC

Last season, Oklahoma reached the NCAA Tournament with a 20–14 overall record (6–12 SEC), shattering a four‑year absence. In 2025–26, with revamped scoring, improved spacing, and veteran leadership, Moser’s squad has the potential to compete in mid-SEC and secure a tournament berth again—especially if the frontcourt jells and freshmen contribute.

Final Thoughts

Coach Moser has hit reset, leaning heavily into the portal and smart recruiting to craft a starting lineup built on experience, shooting, and playmaking. The predicted starting five—Brown, Pack, Reid, Davis, and Forsythe or a freshman center—embodies a new chapter in Norman. If the chemistry develops and the system takes shape early, this Sooners squad could surprise in its third SEC campaign. Expect statement games, stingy defense, and flashes of the high-octane basketball Moser is assembling—zonked firmly on the transfer-rich ultimate rebuild turning into a sustainable competitive resurgence.

This new-look Oklahoma team marks a pivotal inflection point—a full roster shake-up grounded in bold choices and high expectations. Norman may just live up to the hype this season.