After a frustrating first year in the SEC, the Oklahoma Sooners football team entered the offseason with one clear mission: change. The program took a hard look inward and made key adjustments, refining strategies, strengthening the roster and reigniting the competitive fire. Now, OU is aiming not just to contend in the SEC, but to return to the national championship conversation.
Change is everywhere for the Sooners. A brand-new offense took shape under a new offensive coordinator and quarterback, supported by a rebuilt receiver room and an All-American-caliber running back. On defense, a familiar face steps in as coordinator, joined by two new assistants and a new athletic trainer. Behind the scenes, the front office was also restructured — now led by the new Chair of Football Randall Stephenson and General Manager Jim Nagy, who has overhauled the program’s scouting and recruiting operations.
The Storylines
Can the offense turn it around in year one under Ben Arbuckle?
Ben Arbuckle enters as the Sooners’ new offensive coordinator, implementing his offense with John Mateer as quarterback, which has made for a smooth transition.
The Arbuckle and Mateer-led Washington State offense ranked sixth in points scored per game in 2024 (36.6) and 17th in total yards per game (442.8). Mateer finished eighth in the nation in passing yards per attempt (9.0) and 13th in total passing touchdowns.
Now, Arbuckle and Mateer work to shift the momentum of Oklahoma’s offense, which was ranked 203rd nationally in total yards per game (331.0) last season. Having Mateer on board has helped not only bring a talented playmaker with experience to the quarterback position, but also someone familiar with what Arbuckle needs from his offense.
“The biggest part of football IQ is learning the offense,” Arbuckle said. “John’s been in it now for two and a half years … He knows what I’m thinking; he knows what I want on plays, and he understands whenever we may be in a bad situation on a play call. And he’s able to ultimately put us in a better situation.”
To help the offense find another level of explosiveness, the wide receiver room has been completely rebuilt. After injuries imploded the position in 2024, Oklahoma brought in five receivers from the portal and added two freshmen. Add in the return of Deion Burks and Oklahoma has completely retooled and restocked the position.
OU brought in redshirt junior wide receiver Isaiah Sategna from Arkansas and redshirt junior wide receiver Javonnie Gibson from Arkansas-Pine Bluff. Gibson (6-foot-3, 205 pounds) looked like the best of the bunch with the most progress in the spring but suffered a broken leg near the end of spring practices. His recovery appears to be ahead of schedule, and he brings a ton of production from the FCS level, catching 70 passes for 1,215 yards and nine TDs last year.
Sategna is already familiar with SEC play, having spent three years at Arkansas, where he caught 54 passes for 632 yards and three touchdowns in his career. Last season, he became the Razorbacks’ No. 2 option.
“They’re hungry for it … It wasn’t successful last year, and they don’t like that,” Mateer said. “Nobody likes that… There is a little culture shift that’s happened, and that’s going to keep happening.”
The spring portal added another true receiver threat in Jer’Michael Carter from McNeese State, where he caught 37 passes last season. But the biggest spring portal add was the addition of Jaydn Ott, the running back from California.
Ott, one of the top overall playmakers returning to college football, has produced 3,460 all-purpose yards over the past three seasons, the third most among all returning FBS running backs. Battling a high ankle sprain last season, Ott decided to return to school. After jumping in the portal, the Sooners pounced.
“At the Senior Bowl, he was at the top of the board last year for us with Omarion Hampton and Ashton Jeanty,” Nagy said. “For all you NFL draft people, you know those names. They all got drafted high.
“Jaydn had a high ankle issue last year and just never really got right or he’d be in the league right now. What we saw was a dynamic playmaker that can score from anywhere on the field and can create plays in the run game, in the pass game.”
With a new offense, a new quarterback, an entirely revamped receiving corps and a potential NFL-caliber running back, Oklahoma is poised to be far more explosive in 2025 than at any point during the 2024 season.
Is the Offensive Line better?
The biggest question to ensure improvement offensively is the overall upgrade of the offensive line. One of the biggest issues for Oklahoma in 2024 was the offensive line’s inability to open holes in the run game and protect the quarterback. OU had to replace their entire 2023 offensive line and dealt with a rash of injuries, which contributed to the lack of success.
Oklahoma lost a ton of offensive line snaps last season due to injuries. OU was forced to go deep into the roster. They had some good moments, like in the Alabama game, where they dominated the Crimson Tide defensive front to run for over 200 yards in a 24-3 win. But that came after a rough stretch of games against Texas, South Carolina and Ole Miss, where they struggled in pass protection.
With an influx of new talent and a renewed commitment to physicality, the group looks poised to take a significant step forward. Veteran leadership from returning linemen combined with the energy and promise brought by freshmen standouts suggests a line that will be both deeper and more resilient.
Improved health, better depth and a more unified approach all point to an offensive line that should open more running lanes and provide stronger protection in passing situations.
“With Coach Bedenbaugh leading the charge in that room, I think there’s zero doubt that they’re gonna be exactly where we want them to be,” Arbuckle said. “They show up, and they work the right way every single day. They hold themselves to a standard of creating gaps in the run game, giving the quarterback just enough time to find that window.”
Most of the excitement centers around true freshmen Michael Fasusi and Ryan Fodje, who have reportedly looked the part this spring. They may not start right off the bat, but they are the building blocks of the future offensive line. Transfers like Derek Simmons and Jake Maikkula have provided depth. Simmons has been projected as the starter at right tackle. Is this the most talented Sooners’ defense in several years?
As Brent Venables resumes defensive play-calling, one key question is how he’ll balance duties as both head coach and defensive coordinator. Fortunately, he inherits a veteran unit that’s ready to take the next step. Oklahoma returns a nucleus that Pro Football Focus recently ranked as the No. 9 defensive line unit in the country for 2025. All-SEC performer R. Mason Thomas returns as one of the most explosive edge rushers in the country, leading the team in sacks (9.0), tackles for loss (12.5), and QB pressures. Jaydn Jackson, still only a sophomore, looked the part during his freshman season and Gracen Halton, whose pressure rate leads all returning FBS defensive tackles, continues to be a disruptive force. Even more encouraging is the combination of continuity and potential. The Sooners return four defensive linemen who logged over 300 snaps last season. That experience, combined with the infusion of talent like Marvin Jones Jr. from the portal and the expected emergence of five-star David Stone, gives Oklahoma a rare mix of proven production and high-upside promise. The linebackers are loaded with experience and add
Kendall Daniels into the mix. The Oklahoma State transfer made 240 tackles over the last three seasons, with 11 tackles for loss last year. He’ll fit right in, but he needs a spot with Kendel Dolby likely back on the outside. He was great in 2023, after missing all of last year.
The secondary could be very good with a lot of the players getting a good number of snaps last year, now ready for enhanced roles. Robert Spears Jennings has the potential to have a special season after registering 66 tackles, 4 FF and 1 INT, showing he can do a little bit of everything for the team.
With a roster full of blue-chip recruits, experienced leaders and impact transfers, this could be Oklahoma’s deepest, most dynamic defense in over a decade. The real test, of course, will be navigating the grind of SEC play. If Venables and his staff can channel this mix of talent and experience, the Sooners are primed to make a statement in their new conference home.
Who will replace Danny, Billy and Ethan?
The departures of Danny Stutsman and Billy Bowman, two of Oklahoma’s most influential defensive leaders, inevitably leave a void that extends beyond on-field production. Add in the leadership and production of Ethan Downs, and the Sooners are losing three of their best leaders and most consistent performers.
It’s clear from the current roster that Oklahoma is not lacking in talent or experience. The Sooners’ rare blend of maturity and vigor is an environment where new leaders can, and must, emerge.
Replacing the leadership of Stutsman, Bowman and Downs won’t fall to one individual. Instead, it will be a shared responsibility, carried by a group of battle-tested veterans—Kip Lewis, Robert Spears-Jennings, Gracen Halton, R. Mason Thomas and others—alongside fresh faces eager to make their mark. Through their collective voice and Venables’ guidance, the Sooners’ defense is poised to reforge its identity.
While there is no doubt that the trio will be missed, Stutsman has done his part to make sure that the next generation is ready, staying in touch with players like Sammy Omosigho to make sure he’s ready for the season.
“Me and Danny talk… all the time,” Omosigho said. “And I’ve been asking a bunch of questions, trying to soak up all the information I can from him. He’s been an amazing help. He’s been there every step.”
How quickly will OU’s new front office pay off?
While the answer to that question may not be immediately measurable, the arrival of Jim Nagy as general manager marks a significant shift in organizational philosophy for the Sooners. Nagy, renowned for his analytical approach and player evaluation expertise honed through years of directing the Senior Bowl and NFL scouting, brings a forward-thinking structure to Oklahoma’s front office.
His influence is already being felt in the processes surrounding roster construction, transfer portal strategy and talent development.
“The goal for me was to come in and let my own eyes do the work first and not be biased. Not just what you see on the tape, but what you don’t see on the tape,” Nagy said of his first impression of the Sooner roster. “Where is your room right now in terms of the leadership and all the things that are really, really important. That’s been key to learning this football team.”
Nagy’s presence encourages closer collaboration between coaching staff, scouts and analysts, ensuring that a comprehensive, data-informed perspective guides recruiting and player retention.
Some will view the impact that Jaydn Ott makes on the Sooner offense in his first season or Jake Maikkula on offensive line as a gauge to determine how much a difference Nagy will truly make. Ultimately, the full impact of Nagy’s tenure will reveal itself over time, especially as the Sooners navigate the rigors of SEC play.
Yet, the heightened sense of professionalism and accountability already permeating the program hints at a lasting transformation, one that could bridge the gap between Oklahoma’s proud legacy and its ambitions on the national stage.
Players To Watch
John Mateer, Quarterback
In one of the most obvious choices, the new Sooner quarterback is going to be the ultimate key to the Sooners’ success in 2025.
In his first season as the starting quarterback at Washington State, Mateer was electric. He threw for 3,139 yards and 29 touchdowns, while only tossing seven interceptions. He also added 826 yards and 15 scores on the ground. His 44 total touchdowns led the country.
Entering his third year immersed in the Ben Arbuckle playbook, Mateer has developed a command that allows him to execute plays decisively and help elevate those around him. His familiarity with the scheme translates to faster reads, confident decision-making and a calming presence for younger teammates adjusting to the fast pace of the SEC.
Mateer’s leadership qualities—honed through his experience and preparation—are already surfacing, positioning him as the stabilizing force Oklahoma will rely on in high-pressure moments. He has become a fan favorite before ever taking a snap in a Sooner uniform.
“It’s been really fun,” Mateer said. “Already knowing (the system) has helped because I’m getting to my third year in it… helping everybody out because I know how it should look. I’m excited to see what it’s going to become.”
If he can capitalize on his timing with receivers and maintain consistency against top-tier competition, Mateer has the potential to keep the Sooners competitive through the toughest stretches of the season.
Kobie McKinzie, Linebacker
After impressing coaches and teammates with his physical tools and commitment to improvement, Kobie McKinzie stands poised for a solid campaign. The redshirt junior middle linebacker from Lubbock, TX is slated to start at linebacker alongside Kip Lewis. In 2024, McKinzie played in all 13 games, logging 30 total tackles, 1.5 sacks, three tackles for loss and a pass deflection. His blend of size, speed and instinct positions him as a crucial cog in Oklahoma’s defensive engine.
“Kobie to me, he’s one of the smartest people I know on the football field,” fellow linebacker Sammy Omosigho said. “I can ask him any type of question, and he would probably have the answer to it. So, he’s taking that next role, taking that next step to be a leader.
He’s doing a good job.”
What sets McKinzie apart is his relentless work ethic. He’s shown a knack for shedding blocks and making tackles in the open field, while his improved coverage skills hint at a more complete defender ready to take on increased responsibilities.
If McKinzie can sustain his offseason momentum and translate flashes of promise into consistent production, there’s every reason to believe he could anchor Oklahoma’s defense, elevate those around him and become one of the unit’s most reliable playmakers.
Jaydn Ott, Running Back
Jaydn Ott is already a familiar name across the college football landscape. Having emerged as an explosive playmaker during his first two seasons at Cal, injuries wrecked his junior season. Instead of jumping to the NFL, he decided to return to college and transferred to Oklahoma after the end of spring football.
A legitimate star at Cal in 2022 and 2023, Ott rushed for 897 yards as a freshman and 1,315 as a sophomore. He averaged 5.3 yards per carry with 71 pass receptions and 25 total touchdowns. He had 637 snaps in 2023 — 250 more than any OU running back did last season.
Ott couples vision and burst with rare versatility, possessing a patient running style that allows blocks to develop before accelerating through seams with explosive quickness. He has the agility to elude wouldbe tacklers in the open field and enough power to finish runs with authority.
Perhaps most impressively, Ott is a genuine threat as a receiver—his reliable hands and sharp route-running transform routine screens into big gains, making him a matchup nightmare for linebackers. Even after facing adversity with injury, his drive to return to top form speaks to his resilience and determination, qualities that promise to elevate the Sooners’ run game if he’s back at full strength.
Breakout Player David Stone – Defensive Tackle
David Stone seems poised for a breakout season. After recording six tackles and a sack last season, he put on 15-20 pounds while working closely with strength and conditioning coach Jerry Schmidt. Stone said he was “killing it” this spring and the extra weight helped him hold onto blocks better.
But as soon as the spring season concluded, Stone shocked the Sooner Nation by entering his name into the transfer portal. Just a few days after entering the portal, Stone decided to stay at Oklahoma, a huge get for the Sooners because of the solid spring he put together.
“I feel like, for myself, I had a big issue with being able to let my life outside of football affect my football,” Stone said during spring practice. “As a player, I had to learn how to compartmentalize those things, separate the two and handle the pressure of outside life with football. I feel like this year I made the jump as a player, being able to dominate this space, whether it’s in life or football.” way. While Stone patiently waited for his opportunity, the development was obvious. His confidence continued to grow. After refocusing his effort and recommitting to Oklahoma, Stone has a chance to be a difference maker for the Sooners this season.
The Outlook
The Oklahoma football team appears primed for a season marked by promise and potential. With impact players like John Mateer and Jaydn Ott driving a potentially potent offense and emerging stars such as David Stone, Jayden Jackson and R. Mason Thomas anchoring a deep, refocused defensive front, the Sooners have the essential pieces to contend on a national level.
Of course, success will hinge on more than just star power. The growth of supporting players, continued buy-in to the coaching staff’s vision and the ability to handle the pressures of high expectations will all shape the Sooners’ destiny.
Should key contributors stay healthy, and the team sustain its off-field focus, Oklahoma could very well emerge as a true playoff contender. The stage is set for a campaign that could not only meet but redefine what is possible in Norman. – BSM
By Chris Plank
