Player who started for two years in Norman has exited through the transfer portal and is now back in his home state.
A familiar face is returning home as Reggie Grimes, a two-year starting defensive end at Oklahoma in 2021 and 2022, revealed on Twitter late Sunday night that he has committed to finish his career at the University of Memphis.
Grimes, who hails from the Nashville suburb of Antioch, TN, in the central part of Tennessee, made a name for himself at Ravenwood High School.
As a true freshman in 2020, Grimes, standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing 278 pounds, appeared in eight games before asserting himself as a sophomore. He started five of the Sooners’ 13 games that year, tallying 18 total tackles. In 2022, he solidified his role as a regular starter, making 10 starts in 13 games and contributing 18 tackles. However, Grimes faced setbacks in 2023, losing his starting position and playing in only four games due to injury. He opted for a redshirt season, leaving him with two years of eligibility remaining.
During his tenure at OU, the former 4-star recruit participated in 38 games, started 15, and recorded 43 tackles, including 11.5 tackles for loss and 7.5 quarterback sacks. Grimes garnered recognition as an Under Armour All-American and ESPN and Rivals rated him highly.
He also earned honors as a two-time All-Big 12 Academic Team selection.
Notably, Grimes’ move to Memphis marks the second consecutive year that an Oklahoma defensive lineman has transferred to the Tigers. Last year, defensive tackle Josh Ellison made the transition and went on to make 30 tackles for Memphis in the 2023 season.