QB Nichol leaving Oklahoma after one season

NORMAN, Okla. -- Third-string quarterback Keith Nichol plans to transfer from Oklahoma after just one season.

"We had a good conversation with Keith and certainly understand his desire to seek an opportunity in another program," Sooners coach Bob Stoops said in a statement Friday. "He knows that we are supportive of him under any circumstance, whether it's here or at a different school. We want what's best for him."

Nichol initially committed to Michigan State, but then enrolled at Oklahoma last January to get an early jump on the quarterback competition. Sam Bradford eventually won the starting job and became the nation's top-rated passer last season.

Joey Halzle, a senior-to-be, was the Sooners' backup and replaced Bradford after he sustained a concussion in the first quarter of a loss at Texas Tech last season.

Nichol played in three games last season, completing two of seven passes for 15 yards. He still has three years of eligibility remaining and has not used his redshirt season. He said "it's wide open" where he will transfer.