Former Sooners QB predicted to reunite with former offensive coordinator

On3 predicts former Oklahoma quarterback Jackson Arnold to land with Mississippi State and former OC Jeff Lebby.

Former Oklahoma Sooners quarterback [autotag]Jackson Arnold[/autotag] may reunite with a familiar face via the [autotag]transfer portal[/autotag]. On3’s Pete Nakos issued a prediction for Arnold to land with Mississippi State and former offensive coordinator Jeff Lebby.

Lebby recruited Arnold to Oklahoma, and shortly after his arrival in Norman, the former five-star quarterback committed to the Sooners. As a true freshman under Lebby, Arnold completed 75% of his passes for 202 yards and two touchdowns. He also ran for 78 yards and a touchdown.

The Mississippi State Bulldogs went winless in SEC play in Lebby’s first year at the helm. The offense averaged 25.3 points per game, which was good for 14th in the SEC, one spot ahead of Oklahoma. The Bulldogs averaged 377.2 yards per game, which was 12th in the SEC.

For much of the year, Mississippi State was led by Michael Van Buren, who showed a great deal of promise in his first season in Starkville.

Reuniting with Lebby could be what the doctor ordered for Arnold. He struggled to throw the ball in the Sooners’ offense while working with a banged-up wide receiver corps and behind an inconsistent offensive line.

Arnold flashed his toughness in the win over Alabama and made several big throws, but like much of the offense, he couldn’t find a consistent rhythm throughout the season. With an opportunity for a fresh start, can Arnold find the talent that made him one of the best quarterbacks in the [autotag]2023 recruiting class[/autotag]?

https://www.instagram.com/p/DDXcxf_uJev/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

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 John on X @john9williams.

Sooners wide receiver expected to enter the transfer portal

According to reports, former top-100 wide receiver Jaquaize Pettaway is expected to enter the transfer portal.

The official opening of the transfer portal window is still a week away, but movement is already happening across the college football landscape. According to reports on Sunday evening, Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver [autotag]Jaquaize Pettaway[/autotag] is expected to enter the portal when it officially opens on Dec. 9.

Pettaway has been with the Sooners for two seasons, signing as a four-star prospect in the [autotag]2023 recruiting class[/autotag]. He was a top-100 prospect, ranking as the No. 56 overall player according to 247Sports.

He hasn’t seen the field much since arriving on campus, but when he did get playing time, he was productive. However, given all of Oklahoma’s injuries at wide receiver this season, it was odd that he didn’t play more.

Pettaway had a strong performance against Tennessee, taking over after Deion Burks was injured. Against the Volunteers, Pettaway caught three passes for 79 yards. He only had two other receptions for the remainder of the season. In 2024, Pettaway logged 91 snaps on offense, including a season-high 28 in the win over Auburn. He played 16 snaps against Texas and made his last appearance against Maine, playing just two snaps in the win.

The Oklahoma Sooners and the rest of college football will be dealing with the crunch after the NCAA reduced the roster limit to 105 players. The SEC will limit the number of scholarships to 85 for 2025.

With the offensive coordinator turnover, the limits to the roster being placed on programs across the country, and the wide receivers expected to return, it isn’t a surprise to see the Sooners dealing with wide receiver defections on the recruiting trail and in the [autotag]transfer portal[/autotag].

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 John on X @john9williams.

A bulked up Adepoju Adebawore could be a nightmare for SEC offenses

The former five-star prospect is much heavier than he was when he walked on campus and ready to terrorize QBs in the SEC.

Day 2 of [autotag]SEC media days[/autotag] featured [autotag]Brent Venables[/autotag] and the Oklahoma Sooners.

Venables, quarterback [autotag]Jackson Arnold[/autotag], linebacker [autotag]Danny Stutsman [/autotag], and safety [autotag]Billy Bowman[/autotag] had plenty to say about this year’s team while on the mic. However, one note from the head coach before OU’s time at the podium was eye-opening.

Venables shared with the media in attendance that true sophomore defensive end [autotag]Adepoju Adebawore[/autotag] is over 260 pounds entering fall camp. The former five-star prospect in the [autotag]2023 recruiting class[/autotag] weighed 240 pounds exiting high school, according to Rivals. That means that the speedy pass-rusher has gained over twenty pounds since arriving in Norman. He was one of three five-star prospects in that historic class, along with Arnold and safety [autotag]Peyton Bowen[/autotag].

Adebawore played in all 13 games last season after enrolling at OU in January 2023. He was a consensus five-star and top-25 national recruit, ranked as the No. 4 player in the country by On3, No. 9 by 247Sports, No. 20 by ESPN, and No. 21 by Rivals. He was regarded as the nation’s second-best edge prospect by 247Sports, On3 and ESPN, and No. 3 by Rivals. Adebawore ranked as the No. 1 recruit in the state of Missouri by all four services and was a 2022 Under Armour All-American. He chose Oklahoma over Arkansas, Missouri, and Northwestern, among others.

Adebawore had a limited role in his true freshman season, but still made his presence felt at times during the year. He could be in line for more playing time at defensive end in 2024, and his upside is nearly limitless.

The Sooners lost plenty of depth and experience on the defensive line this offseason, but return [autotag]Ethan Downs[/autotag] to lead the way. However, Adebawore provides the talent in a pass-rushing role that Oklahoma needs in the [autotag]SEC[/autotag].

Oklahoma is entering a trenches conference, where the lines of scrimmage win and lose football games. An elite pass rusher like Adebawore, who has the potential to develop, would go a long way towards winning in 2024 and beyond.

He might not be on everyone in the SEC’s radar yet, but now that he’s spent some time under the tutelage of Jerry Schmidt and bulked up this offseason, he may be wreaking havoc in a backfield near you soon.

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.

Former five-star recruit Emma Risch arrives at Notre Dame

The Irish are excited about this one.

Even with [autotag]Emma Risch[/autotag] having put pen to paper, [autotag]Niele Ivey[/autotag] and her staff surely still couldn’t believe it had happened. One of the country’s top recruits, Risch officially signed with Notre Dame in November. However, they can put all their disbelief away now. Risch is all moved into her home for the next few years, and the Irish’s Twitter account took full advantage in making a fuss about it:

Risch averaged 23.3 points, 6.4 rebounds and 4.9 assists over 24 games in her final season at the high school level. When her signing was announced, Ivey said the following:

“Emma is one of the best shooters I’ve seen in a very long time. She has an incredible IQ, deep shooting range and elite vision. Her size and ability to score in all three levels separates her and will translate to college basketball immediately. I’m looking forward to the positive impact she will make on our team on and off the court. We can’t wait to welcome her to South Bend!”

Well, the welcome has happened, and it will be exciting to watch what she can do.

Former four-star CB Jasiah Wagoner set to enter the portal

Oklahoma Sooners cornerback Jasiah Wagoner entering the transfer portal, according to a report on Thursday.

Spring practice is over for the Oklahoma Sooners and they’re one of the teams in college football feeling the roster crunch. Programs and players are making tough decisions about their future.

In the spring portal window, the Oklahoma Sooners lost projected rotational cheetah Justin Harrington. Now, another key defensive back piece in the 2023 recruiting class is heading to the portal.

According to Collin Kennedy of Sooners Illustrated and 247Sports, former four-star prospect Jasiah Wagoner is entering the transfer portal.

Wagoner played eight games and 76 snaps as a true freshman, according to Pro Football Focus. Wagoner had a terrific summer leading up to the season and was routinely discussed as someone who could push for snaps immediately as the Sooners searched for consistency at cornerback.

He missed the first half of the season due to injury before becoming a consistent part of the rotation in the back half of the year. He totaled three tackles and two pass breakups in 2023.

Oklahoma earned Wagoner’s commitment over Arizona State, Notre Dame, Washington, and Texas.

Wagoner’s departure is probably not the last for Oklahoma as players on the fringe or lower on the depth chart than they’d like to be will seek to enter the transfer portal ahead of the May 1 deadline.

Recent rule changes have clarified that all transfers, graduate or not, must be in the portal by May 1st to seek a new school. Previously, grad transfers were allowed to enter the portal after the deadline, but with the new rules, all players are treated the same when entering the NCAA transfer portal.

Wagoner will have three more years of eligibility remaining.

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 Bryant on X @thatmanbryant.

Notre Dame’s Carey Booth enters transfer portal but could return

Hopefully, he comes back.

When a player enters the transfer portal, they generally don’t go back to where they came from. Not so fast in the case of Notre Dame forward [autotag]Carey Booth[/autotag]. In an Instagram story and in speaking to On3’s Joe Tipton, Booth announced his that he’s entering the transfer portal. However, he has not ruled out coming back to the Irish as indicated in the following statement:

“I’m beyond thankful for getting to wear the blue and gold this year. I’m especially thankful to Coach Shrewsberry and his staff for believing in me and bringing me to South Bend. With that being said, I’ve decided to enter the transfer portal to keep all of my options open – including a return to Notre Dame.”

IT’S BRACKET MADNESS: Enter USA TODAY’s NCAA tournament bracket contest for a chance at $1 million prize.

Booth, the highest-rated player in Notre Dame’s 2023 recruiting class on 247Sports, played all 33 games for the Irish this past season, starting 19 of them. In his first collegiate season, he averaged 6.4 points, 4.3 rebounds and 0.6 blocks a game.

At 6-foot-10, Booth was tied with [autotag]Kebba Njie[/autotag] for the tallest player on the team, and it’s possible he felt he couldn’t compete with Njie for a starting spot going forward. Whatever the case, hopefully, he isn’t gone for good.

Contact/Follow us @IrishWireND on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Notre Dame news, notes, and opinions.

Follow Geoffrey on Twitter: @gfclark89

Texas A&M track and field inks multiple athletes from 2024 recruiting class

Texas A&M loads up on talent as they sign high-end Track & Field athletes

Texas A&M Track & Field/Cross Country has one of the elite coaching staffs in the country with legendary Track & Field coach Pat Henry and recent Coach of the Year Wendel McRaven. That alone makes the University an attractive place to come and develop their talent, but there is also a brand-new Indoor Track Stadium.

This past month, Coach Henry has signed several talented athletes to the roster throughout November and now December. Below, you can see who signed and the official announcement via the Texas A&M Track & Field/Cross Country social media page.

Yierra Flemings – Cameron, TX – Heptathlon

Khybah Dawson – British Virgin Islands – Long Jump

Nico Signorelli – The Woodlands, TX – Pole Vault

Milena Chevallier – Farmington Hills, MI – High Jump

Tyler Lowe – Johns Creek, GA – 400M / 200M

Penny Gracy – The Woodlands, TX – 3200M

Gilbert Rono – Kericho, Rift Valley, Kenya – 1500M / 800M

Debora Cherono – Kericho, Rift Valley, Kenya – 1500M / 6K

Madison Peters – League City, TX – 1600M / 3200M

Congratulations to all of the signees, and we can’t wait to see them in the Maroon & White next season.

Steve Sarkisian praises the freshmen class and how talented they are

Texas has a group of freshmen that will make immediate impacts.

This past recruiting cycle for Texas is one that can help shape the program for years to come. Continue reading “Steve Sarkisian praises the freshmen class and how talented they are”

Anthony Hill named to On3’s preseason true freshman All-American team

Anthony Hill is a star in the making

Of all of the talented freshmen that Texas brought in from the 2023 class, only one of them was named a preseason true freshman All-American by On3.

Former five-star linebacker Anthony Hill, who they ranked as the No. 4 player in the country, is the sole Longhorn named to the team. When talking about what he brings to the table, On3’s Charles Power raved about his aggressiveness and physicality.

“Aggressive, physical, downhill linebacker with versatility to also be a situational pass rusher. I think that skill set, his level of development, coming from a top HS program … has him set up to really make an impact early on as a freshman for Texas.

Hill has reportedly been emerging as a young star during fall camp, and has even been moved to a couple different spots. He was an elite athlete at the high school level, racking up 303 tackles, 13 sacks, and nine forced fumbles.

Oklahoma freshman Peyton Bowen poised for a strong 2023 season

Peyton Bowen starting to settle in just a few weeks before the season starts.

The Oklahoma Sooners struck gold in the [autotag]2023 recruiting class[/autotag], landing three five-star players. Two of those players were in key positions on the defensive side of the ball.

[autotag]Peyton Bowen[/autotag], one of those aforementioned key defensive players, is on track to play a big role in the 2023 season.

After Tuesday’s practice, Bowen told reporters he’s thankful he decided to come to Norman early and get spring practice under his belt. But he believes this isn’t an easy position to play at Oklahoma.

“All of the movement,” Bowen said. “That’s the hardest part. I feel like I know the plays really well; it’s just how your alignment and disguising. I think that’s just the main thing, and that gets to me. Obviously, I’m getting better at it now from the spring, but it’s coming along.”

In addition to learning traditional safety, Bowen mentioned after practice that he’s played several spots in the Sooners’ secondary.

“I have moved around a lot,” Bowen shared with OUInsider’s Jesse Crittendon. “I’ve played five different positions in fall camp. It’s been a challenge, but I’m doing great at it. I feel like every day, I’m getting better at it. Obviously, it’s not perfect because I’m still learning five different positions and I get put in at five different places. So every time we’re learning a new install, I’m learning it at that position they put me in that day.”

The Denton, Texas, native is joining a room that has one returning starter, [autotag]Billy Bowman[/autotag]; one player who has played a lot at Oklahoma, [autotag]Key Lawrence[/autotag]; and a starter for another Power Five school, [autotag]Reggie Pearson[/autotag]. All are guys Bowen said he’s leaned on for help.

“The old guys have been great on if you ask them a question about the defense, they’ll easily teach you it and show you and take you under their wing,” Bowen said. “Even the young guys that came in too, the freshmen, they’re all trying to help each other out because you’re only as strong as your weakest link.”

While there is immense pressure on a five-star at any program, there’s even more when you are a five-star at Oklahoma and on defense. But if the spring game was any indication, Bowen is poised to live up to the hype and put forth a great freshman season.

[lawrence-auto-related count=5 category=1366]

Contact/Follow us @SoonersWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oklahoma news, notes, and opinions. You can also follow Jaron on Twitter @JaronSpor.