KNOXVILLE, TN - September 17, 2022 - Defensive lineman LaTrell Bumphus #11 of the Tennessee Volunteers during the game between the Akron Zips and the Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, TN. Photo By Emma Ramsey/Tennessee Athletics
On Monday afternoon, Jermayne Lole, previously associated with Louisville and Arizona State as a defensive lineman, revealed his decision to join Oklahoma after entering the transfer portal.
B⭕️⭕️MER
@CoachToddBates
@CoachVenables https://t.co/3hFFjXD1ez— Jermayne Tauinaola Lole🇦🇸 (@JermayneLole) April 23, 2024
In 2024, Jermayne Lole, a seasoned college football player entering his seventh year, made headlines by committing to Oklahoma from the transfer portal. His journey has been marked by challenges, including missing the entire 2021 season at Arizona State and participating in only two games in 2022 at Louisville due to an injury that ended his season prematurely.
From 2020 to 2022, Lole’s playing time was limited to just six games due to various injuries. However, he made a notable impact during the 2023 season with the Cardinals, appearing in 12 games and accumulating impressive stats including five tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, and two pass breakups. This performance earned him a respectable defensive grade of 69.1 from Pro Football Focus.
Lole’s collegiate career has seen peaks and valleys. After playing 10 games as a freshman in 2018, he had a breakout season in 2019 with Arizona State, registering 10 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks. His efforts earned him a solid defensive grade of 75.3 from PFF that year.
Oklahoma’s acquisition of Lole is significant, addressing a need for size and experience on the interior defensive line as they prepare for the challenges of competing in the SEC. Prior to Lole’s commitment, the Sooners lacked depth in this area, with only one defensive player weighing above 300 pounds on the roster.
With Lole joining the team, alongside Da’Jon Terry, the Sooners’ interior defense gains strength and depth, reducing the reliance on inexperienced players. While promising talents like Gracen Halton, David Stone, and Jayden Jackson will still contribute, they can now operate as rotational players rather than carrying the burden of being the primary figures on the defensive front.
Lole’s decision to commit to Oklahoma came shortly after his visit to Norman for the team’s spring game, indicating a swift and decisive move. He becomes the third player to commit to the Sooners since the Red/White Game, following Branson Hickman from SMU and highly sought-after edge rusher Zane Rowe for the class of 2027.
