- Joined
- May 8, 2002
- Posts
- 459,840
- Reaction score
- 44
The 2025 college football season is crucial for several teams aiming to compete for conference and national titles.
The Oklahoma Sooners, in particular, are looking to bounce back after a disappointing 2024 season, during which they finished with a 6-7 record for the second time in three years under head coach Brent Venables. This past season also marked their first in the SEC, making the upcoming year even more critical as they strive to improve in their second year in the conference.
Oklahoma's challenging season led to the midseason firing of offensive coordinator Seth Littrell. Additionally, starting quarterback Jackson Arnold entered the transfer portal after the regular season concluded. Despite these setbacks, ESPN's Greg McElroy noted on "Always College Football" that he anticipates Oklahoma will be one of the most improved teams in the upcoming season.
John Mateer might lead OU into the playoffs, an analyst predicts.© NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
"I'm not sure there's been a team that's going to improve as much as I think Oklahoma has a chance to improve," McElroy said. "I think Oklahoma is poised for a significant jump in wins. I think Oklahoma is poised to have some breakthrough candidates in multiple different positions."
McElroy mentioned that Oklahoma's general manager, Jim Nagy, is off to a great start. He highlighted Oklahoma's need for a running back and noted that it acquired one of the best in college football, former California Golden Bears standout Jaydn Ott. In 2023, Ott rushed for 1,315 yards and scored 12 touchdowns. However, during his injury-plagued 2024 season, his performance dropped to 385 yards and four touchdowns.
Additionally, McElroy pointed out the significant addition of quarterback John Mateer, who transferred from Washington State, following his offensive coordinator, Ben Arbuckle, to the Sooners. Mateer had an impressive season, throwing for 3,139 yards, 29 touchdowns and seven interceptions, while also running for 826 yards and scoring 15 touchdowns.
Ultimately, McElroy believes the Sooners could be a sleeper team due to the 60% retention of their defensive production, which ranks No. 46 nationally, as well as their offseason additions of Ott, Mateer, and Stanford interior offensive lineman Jake Maikkula.
The Sooners will open their season against Illinois State on August 30.
Continue reading...
The Oklahoma Sooners, in particular, are looking to bounce back after a disappointing 2024 season, during which they finished with a 6-7 record for the second time in three years under head coach Brent Venables. This past season also marked their first in the SEC, making the upcoming year even more critical as they strive to improve in their second year in the conference.
Oklahoma's challenging season led to the midseason firing of offensive coordinator Seth Littrell. Additionally, starting quarterback Jackson Arnold entered the transfer portal after the regular season concluded. Despite these setbacks, ESPN's Greg McElroy noted on "Always College Football" that he anticipates Oklahoma will be one of the most improved teams in the upcoming season.
You must be registered for see images attach
John Mateer might lead OU into the playoffs, an analyst predicts.© NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
"I'm not sure there's been a team that's going to improve as much as I think Oklahoma has a chance to improve," McElroy said. "I think Oklahoma is poised for a significant jump in wins. I think Oklahoma is poised to have some breakthrough candidates in multiple different positions."
McElroy mentioned that Oklahoma's general manager, Jim Nagy, is off to a great start. He highlighted Oklahoma's need for a running back and noted that it acquired one of the best in college football, former California Golden Bears standout Jaydn Ott. In 2023, Ott rushed for 1,315 yards and scored 12 touchdowns. However, during his injury-plagued 2024 season, his performance dropped to 385 yards and four touchdowns.
Additionally, McElroy pointed out the significant addition of quarterback John Mateer, who transferred from Washington State, following his offensive coordinator, Ben Arbuckle, to the Sooners. Mateer had an impressive season, throwing for 3,139 yards, 29 touchdowns and seven interceptions, while also running for 826 yards and scoring 15 touchdowns.
Ultimately, McElroy believes the Sooners could be a sleeper team due to the 60% retention of their defensive production, which ranks No. 46 nationally, as well as their offseason additions of Ott, Mateer, and Stanford interior offensive lineman Jake Maikkula.
The Sooners will open their season against Illinois State on August 30.
Continue reading...
