On Monday afternoon, Jermayne Lole, a former defensive lineman for Louisville and Arizona State, 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
Lole, now heading into his seventh year in college football, encountered setbacks, including missing the entire 2021 season at Arizona State and participating in just two games in 2022 at Louisville before sustaining a season-ending injury. From 2020 to 2022, he was limited to six games due to various injuries.
However, during the 2023 season with the Cardinals, Lole demonstrated his resilience by playing in 12 games, logging 411 snaps, which marked the second-highest in his career. He made significant contributions, including five tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, and two pass breakups, earning a respectable 69.1 defensive grade from Pro Football Focus.
Throughout his career, Lole showcased his prowess on the field, appearing in at least 10 games for three separate seasons. His standout performance came in 2019, where he recorded impressive stats such as 10 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks while playing for the Sun Devils, earning a solid 75.3 defensive grade from PFF.
Lole’s decision to join Oklahoma is significant for the team, especially as they transition to the SEC, as they lacked size and experience on the interior. His addition, alongside Da’Jon Terry, addresses this need, providing depth and expertise in the middle of the defensive line. This allows promising young players like Gracen Halton, David Stone, and Jayden Jackson to develop without the pressure of being the primary contributors.
His commitment to Oklahoma follows his recent visit to Norman for the spring game, where he was joined by other transfer portal targets. Lole’s decision marks the third addition to the Sooners’ roster since the Red/White Game, joining former SMU center Branson Hickman and highly sought-after edge rusher Zane Rowe.
