Junior linebacker Cole Sullivan is no stranger to performing well inside Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial stadium.

Sullivan recorded three tackles, one sack and a fumble recovery the last time he played a game in Norman, while he was a linebacker for Michigan in 2025. He contributed to one of Michigan’s two forced turnovers in a 24-13 loss against OU.

Sullivan was impressed with OU’s environment then and looks forward to playing in it as a Sooner, though he prioritizes focus.

“it’s a great atmosphere to be here; I love it here,” Sullivan said. “But … for me, it’s all about zoning in and locking into.”

His performance against the Sooners last season helped him finish with 44 tackles, two sacks and one fumble recovery on the year. He also recorded one pass deflection and three interceptions in 2025.

While Sullivan looks to carry his success to Norman, he has appreciated how head coach Brent Venables, linebackers coach Nate Dreiling and his teammates have helped him make the transition.

“It’s going to be a learning curve,” Sullivan said, “and just taking it step by step, getting better every day. But these guys — my teammates (and) my coaches — have been really helpful (with) doing everything they can to help me along the way as well.”

Sullivan added that he has been eager to learn from Venables and Dreiling and try to match their high expectations. The two coaches led the Sooners to the No. 6 defense in the nation in 2025. Venables also helped Clemson  lead the nation in scoring defense in 2018 while he was the Tigers’ defensive coordinator in 2012-21.

“They’re going to hold me to a high standard,” Sullivan said. “And obviously, their knowledge of the game is incredible. (I’m) … just trying to absorb that and be a sponge every day.” 

Sullivan has bonded with linebacker Owen Heinecke as well, who has been helping at practice while in an eligibility battle with the NCAA.

Linebacker Owen Heinecke helped at the Sooners’ practice ahead of an April 16 court hearing in his pursuit of another year of eligibility.


The NCAA is counting three games of lacrosse Heinecke played his freshman year against him after being listed as a redshirt junior in 2025. He filed a preliminary injunction against the NCAA after his initial petition for eligibility was denied on Jan. 29 and his appeal as well on Feb. 24. His hearing is set for 8:30 a.m. April 16 in Cleveland County District Court.

“It’s been great having him around,” Sullivan said. “Obviously, know he’s somebody that does know the defense really well, has a lot of trust from coaching staff and all the guys here. So it’s great seeing his perspective on things.”

Regardless of personnel, the standard for OU linebackers involves excelling as leaders and performers, according to Venables, and Sullivan’s excited to contribute. 

“The expectation here is for the linebackers to run the show, …” Sullivan said. “Coach Venables emphasizes that (and) stresses that to us, so that’s definitely important for us to be able to command the defense.”

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