Sooners Star DE announces departure today as he’s set to join rivals for…

Grimes, who served as a starting defensive end for Oklahoma in both 2021 and 2022, recently announced via Twitter his decision to conclude his collegiate football career at the University of Memphis. Originally from Antioch, TN, a suburb of Nashville, he attended Ravenwood High School. Standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing 278 pounds, Grimes began his college football journey as a true freshman in 2020, playing in eight games.

He then earned a spot in the starting lineup as a sophomore, starting five of the Sooners’ 13 games and recording a total of 18 tackles. In 2022, he solidified his position as a regular starter, starting 10 games out of 13 and contributing 18 tackles. Unfortunately, Grimes lost his starting position in 2023 due to injury, limiting him to just four games. He opted for a redshirt year, granting him two more seasons of eligibility.

During his tenure at OU, the former 4-star recruit participated in 38 games, secured 15 starts, and amassed 43 tackles, including 11.5 tackles for loss and 7.5 quarterback sacks.

Grimes earned recognition as an Under Armour All-American and garnered high ratings from ESPN, being ranked as the nation’s No. 3 outside linebacker, while Rivals positioned him as the No. 7 weak side defensive end nationally. Additionally, he was honored as a two-time selection for the All-Big 12 Academic Team.

Notably, Grimes’ move to Memphis marks the second consecutive year that an Oklahoma defensive lineman has transferred to the Tigers. In the previous year, defensive tackle Josh Ellison made the transition and went on to register 30 tackles during the 2023 season.