Oklahoma OT Michael Tarquin joins the Carolina Panthers as an undrafted free agent after the 2025 NFL Draft.
The 2025 NFL Draft marked another milestone for Oklahoma Sooners, as they saw at least two players selected for the 30th consecutive year and the 55th time in the last 56 years. In addition to those draft picks, four former OU players signed undrafted free agent deals, including offensive lineman Michael Tarquin.
Tarquin was quick to sign a UDFA deal on Saturday night, becoming the first OU player to officially join a team after the seventh round. He is set to continue his football journey with the Carolina Panthers.
Oklahoma had been interested in Tarquin since his high school days, although it took some time for him to develop the same level of interest in the Sooners. Eventually, he found his way to Norman, where his time at OU helped him achieve his dream of reaching the NFL.
Tarquin began his collegiate career as a four-star recruit, initially choosing Florida over Oklahoma and other schools. He played in three games during his redshirt year in 2019, then appeared in every game of the shortened 2020 season. In 2021, he started two games and played in 12, spending time at both left and right tackle. His final year at Florida saw him start eight games at right tackle, earning an impressive 71.0 overall grade from Pro Football Focus, including a 76.4 pass-block grade. He did not allow a sack or hit in 164 pass protection snaps.
Tarquin later transferred to USC, where he started eight games at right tackle after spring practice saw him work at left tackle. Despite a setback where he lost his starting role mid-season, Tarquin returned to the starting lineup for the regular season finale, marking the end of his time at USC.
After transferring back into the portal as a graduate transfer, Oklahoma finally brought Tarquin on board. He played 10 games for the Sooners, making seven starts—four at right tackle and three at left tackle. His versatility as a swing tackle, along with his development under Bill Bedenbaugh, played a key role in his progress.
Despite the winding path, Tarquin now has the chance to prove himself at the professional level with the Panthers.
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