Oklahoma Sooners offensive lineman [autotag]Branson Hickman[/autotag] has been named to the Outland Trophy watch list. The SMU transfer arrived in Norman in the spring [autotag]transfer portal[/autotag] window, but is already gaining some buzz in the hours before fall camp officially begins.
The Football Writers Association of America (FWAA) announced the preseason watch list, recognizing 75 returning standout interior linemen representing all 10 Division I FBS conferences and independents.
Hickman’s arrival bolsters a unit that has some fans and national analysts concerned about the Sooners in 2024. He looks to be a plug-and-play solution at the center position for offensive line coach [autotag]Bill Bedenbaugh[/autotag], as the offensive line coach tries to figure out the combination at the guard and tackle spots.
Branson Hickman » Outland Trophy Watch List
🏆 https://t.co/NSVRqvIeIo | #OUDNA pic.twitter.com/1yq7IYOqcF
— Oklahoma Football (@OU_Football) July 30, 2024
The offensive line will be crucial in OU’s move from the [autotag]Big 12[/autotag] to the [autotag]SEC[/autotag] in Year 3 of the [autotag]Brent Venables[/autotag] era. The SEC is a trenches conference, and protecting quarterback [autotag]Jackson Arnold[/autotag] will be pivotal this season, as will opening up running lanes for [autotag]Gavin Sawchuk[/autotag] and the rest of the running back room.
Hickman should provide some stability, after having an excellent career with the SMU Mustangs. He will likely be the offensive lineman that Bedenbaugh relies upon the most.
Hickman will look to become the sixth Sooner to win the award, and the first since [autotag]Jammal Brown[/autotag] won in 2004. Greg Roberts, [autotag]Lee Roy Selmon[/autotag], J.D. Roberts, and Jim Weatherall are Oklahoma’s other winners.
The recipient of the 2024 Outland Trophy will be announced on “The Home Depot College Football Awards”, live on ESPN on December 12th, 2024.
Contact/Follow us @SoonersWire on X, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oklahoma news, notes, and opinions. You can also follow Aaron on X @AaronGelvin.