Best photos from latest Oklahoma Sooners spring practice

Spring ball is heating up and here are the best photos from the Oklahoma Sooners latest spring practice.

Spring practice is in full throttle as the Oklahoma Sooners prepare for the 2024 college football season. There are a number of intriguing storylines to watch this spring with [autotag]Jackson Arnold[/autotag] taking over at quarterback and the turnover along the offensive line.

The newcomers are making a strong impression on the media in attendance. [autotag]Deion Burks[/autotag] and [autotag]Bauer Sharp[/autotag] have stood out in the passing game as Arnold gets acclimated to life as the starting quarterback.

Defensively, true freshmen [autotag]David Stone[/autotag], [autotag]Jayden Jackson[/autotag], and [autotag]Reggie Powers[/autotag] have mixed in with the first-team defense and looked good in the early going.

There are a number of players that the team is taking precautions with on the injury front, so it’s hard to know who exactly is leading the way in the most high-profile position battles.

What we do know is that this is a deeper team than what the Sooners took into the spring a year ago, especially at wide receiver, defensive back, and linebacker. The competitive depth across the board is better this spring than in any year of the [autotag]Brent Venable[/autotag]s era at Oklahoma, which should serve the team well as they try to work out their depth chart.

Here’s a look at the best photos from the Sooners most recent spring practice.

Jackson Arnold on what he learned from Alamo Bowl performance

After a year of sitting and watching as the backup, Jackson Arnold is ready to be the Sooners starter.

The [autotag]Jackson Arnold[/autotag] era is underway in Norman, Oklahoma. The Oklahoma Sooners got a sneak preview of what it could look like, both the good and the bad, during their Alamo Bowl loss in December.

But now Arnold is the Sooners starter heading into the Sooners debut season in the [autotag]SEC[/autotag].

Arnold shared with the media what he learned from this Alamo Bowl performance.

“Delete social media,” Arnold said. “No, seriously. I stayed off of it after that. I’m still off of social media. I try to stay away from it all. Really just trying to put it past me and use it as a learning opportunity. In my freshman year in high school, almost the same exact thing happened. I was thrown into my state championship game as a freshman in high school and wasn’t ready. I was ready for this game, but I didn’t play good at all. But that freshman year, from then I learned how to battle adversity and now looking at it, just putting it behind me and using it to learn from my mistakes.”

Arnold also admitted he learned not to hold the ball too long, which is something a lot of freshmen struggle with. But everyone can see the talent is there for Arnold. He has the talent to be one of the best that has graced Owen Field.

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‘We need to have a commissioner’: Bob Stoops calls for a college football commissioner

Former Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops says college football needs a commissioner.

One thing I think most college football fans can agree on is how poorly the NCAA is run. There is no consistency, and several teams have been rumored to be doing corrupt things without punishment.

You combine all of that with the NIL and transfer portal eras and it’s a recipe for chaos.

The transfer portal is probably the worst thing in college football right now. The immediate eligibility and unlimited ability to transfer has become an issue that plagues every team. Especially with it opening at the end of the regular season. A lot of players enter and leave instead of finishing bowl season with the team they are on.

Don’t get me wrong. It can also be a big help as it helps teams fill some of the holes in their rosters to make a run.

One person who is not a fan of how college football is being handled right now is legendary Oklahoma head coach, [autotag]Bob Stoops[/autotag].

“It’s not very good. I don’t think it’s very good for anybody,” Stoops said last week on 92.3 The Fan’s Afternoon Drive. “Is it sustainable? In my eyes, it’s not.”

Another person who has been outspoken about it is [autotag]Nick Saban[/autotag]. He’s even spoke about it being a reason he retired.

So, what is the answer? Stoops thinks it’s time to add a commissioner to oversee everything.

“It’s a pro model right now with college football,” Stoops said.”It’s a pro model. So, the NCAA isn’t governing it. We need to have a commissioner. We have to have salary caps on what you can spend. You have to have contracts, on and on. I don’t see how you cannot if it’s going to continue this way.”

I think Stoops is right on the money. It’s time for this stuff to be governed. NIL and the transfer portal don’t seem to be going anywhere and that’s fine. We can discuss if players should or should not be paid on a different day. But one thing is for certain: it’s out of control right now and should be managed.

I said when Saban retired he’d make a good commissioner for college football if he wanted to but another great choice for the job would be Stoops. In my opinion, it needs to be someone who either coached or played the sport. Preferably a former coach who coached during this era would be the best answer in my opinion because they know what’s going on and the difficulties it causes.

But for now, college football will continue to be the “Wild Wild West.”

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Oklahoma Sooners 2025 SEC opponents released

The Oklahoma Sooners found out who they would be playing during the 2025 season earlier on Wednesday.

The Oklahoma Sooners haven’t even started the 2024 football season but they already know who they will be playing in 2025. It won’t be any easier than what they will face in 2024.

In fact, the schedule will arguably be tougher in 2025 than it is in 2024. After rumors of Oklahoma and the Texas Longhorns flipping [autotag]SEC[/autotag] opponents in 2025, the Sooners will actually be playing the same conference teams but flipping the home field.

That means at home, Oklahoma will face Illinois State, the Michigan Wolverines, Kent State, [autotag]Missouri Tigers[/autotag], LSU Tigers, [autotag]Ole Miss Rebels[/autotag] and Auburn Tigers. On the road, they will face Temple Owls, Alabama Crimson Tide, [autotag]South Carolina Gamecocks[/autotag] and Tennessee Volunteers. Of course, the Texas game will still be a neutral site game.

The Michigan game in the nonconference makes this one that much harder than the 2024 season. Now, things can change with the rosters, so it’s too early to tell what the toughest games will be in 2025, but the Sooners knew the battle when they decided to go to the SEC.

None of the conference games have a date or time set, but with Kent State on Oct. 4, 2025, it’s safe to assume the Texas game will be on Oct. 11, 2025, that year.

One thing is for certain, get your popcorn ready because it’s going to be a fun ride in the SEC.

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Oklahoma Sooners are being overlooked, per 247Sports’ Josh Pate

Could teams be sleeping on the Oklahoma Sooners in 2024? One national sports show host thinks so.

It is a new era of college football for the Oklahoma Sooners. They are no longer in the [autotag]Big 12[/autotag] conference but instead are off to the [autotag]SEC[/autotag].

That means new teams, new rivalries and some old rivalries will be on Oklahoma’s schedule going forward. After going 10-3 last season, there are still many who think Oklahoma has no clue what it’s getting itself into. The SEC is considered the best conference in football and it’ll definitely be a tougher task week in and week out than what they are used to.

There have even been some predictions that have Oklahoma winning only seven or eight games in Year 1. So, are the Oklahoma Sooners being overlooked heading into next season? 247Sports’ Josh Pate thinks so.

“Everyone pays attention to what you lose in college football and they don’t pay enough attention to what you have,” Pate said. “Oklahoma did lose a lot on the offensive line. Oklahoma did lose a starter at quarterback but they also have the former Elite 11 MVP, Jackson Arnold, who is two years in. He’s not a true freshman. They have recruited at what has them at a top 10 talent roster status. So, it’s not like they are going to put potato sacks out there on the offensive line. You don’t know their names so you automatically think they’re going to be subpar. So do the odds makers. That over/under, 7.5. Is Oklahoma being overlooked? I think they are.”

More: SEC win projections ahead of spring ball

I also think Oklahoma is being overlooked.

Pate brings up a great point. It’s valid to talk about all of the things Oklahoma has lost but why aren’t we talking about what they return? Yes, they lost [autotag]Dillon Gabriel[/autotag], but there were people before the season last year who wanted Arnold to be the starter. We know he’s more talented. He just has to clean up the mental mistakes that plagued him in the bowl game like it would just about any true freshman.

The offensive line is a fair and valid worry. It has work to do. But on the flip side, this is arguably the best and deepest wide receiver room since maybe 2018. At running back, [autotag]Gavin Sawchuk[/autotag] has to stay healthy because when he is healthy, he’s a very good running back.

Then, on defense, this might be the most experienced defense in college football. It’s the best secondary Oklahoma has had in over a decade. It’s the deepest the linebacker room has been in probably over a decade as well. The defensive ends are deep and just need a star to emerge. The interior defensive line is the worry. [autotag]Da’Jon Terry[/autotag] is a very good player but he’s the only proven one in there. So, someone else is going to have to step up.

I’m not saying Oklahoma is going to win 11 games and compete for a championship in Year 1. I get that’s the standard but that’s unrealistic going into next year. I’m just saying as soon as I saw the over/under at 7.5 wins, I would have happily and quickly bet the over.

More: SEC quarterback rankings ahead of the 2024 season

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‘I think I’ll be at peace’: Drake Stoops ready for what will come on Draft Day

OU Pro Day is over and Drake Stoops is just hoping for an opportunity come Draft Day.

Earlier this week the Oklahoma Sooners hosted their [autotag]NFL Pro Day[/autotag]. Several Sooners participated in the festivities in front of a number of NFL scouts..

But no one got more attention than [autotag]Drake Stoops[/autotag]. Stoops put together a pretty good day. He had an 8-foot-11 broad jump, 30-inch vertical, 4.67 40-yard dash, 4.25 20-yard shuttle and his best category was the three-cone drill where he ran a 7.01. That would have tied for fifth at the combine.

Stoops talked about his Pro Day and what he’s hoping comes next. “I’ll be ready mentally,” Stoops said. “I’ll be ready physically. I’ll take a day off after today and then get back to work with Schmitty (Jerry Schmidt). Make sure I’m in good shape when an opportunity arises. Leading up to the draft, I think I’ll be at peace. Whatever happens, happens. God has a plan. It’s not really up to me whether that’s drafted or undrafted, I think an opportunity will arise and that’s all that matters.”

Stoops went on to say all he needs is an opportunity and that’s how I feel as well. Stoops came in as a walk-on and many didn’t think much would come from it. Some even thought he only got the offer because of his dad.

But he quickly proved that wrong and became one of the best receivers in the conference in 2023. He became a fan favorite and someone Oklahoma fans will be following wherever his playing career takes him..

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Jackson Arnold Oklahoma Sooners most important player in 2024 per CBS Sports

According to CBS Sports, Jackson Arnold is the Oklahoma Sooners key to contention in 2024.

The Oklahoma Sooners are one of several teams in the SEC that will be breaking in new quarterbacks in 2024. The Sooners have the luxury of going from [autotag]Dillon Gabriel[/autotag] to [autotag]Jackson Arnold[/autotag], a former five-star quarterback and Gatorade National Player of the Year.

Sure, there may be some growing pains as Arnold enters his first year as a starter. But he’ll spend this spring taking all of the first-team reps in practice. And against an Oklahoma defense that will be pretty good in 2024, Arnold should be up to speed by the time the Sooners take the field in the fall.

Anytime you’re the quarterback for the Oklahoma Sooners, the expectations are high. Nobody knows that better than Arnold. He’s critical to Oklahoma’s success in 2024, and that’s why CBS Sports named him the Sooners’ most important player for this season.

Oklahoma practically shoved two-year starter Dillon Gabriel out of the door to make way for Arnold, a former five-star prospect who spent most of his freshman season in a backup role. He did get to start Oklahoma’s Alamo Bowl showdown against Arizona, and though he got better as the game wore on, he threw three bad interceptions and largely struggled with commanding the offense. Oklahoma is hitching its schooner to Arnold without many viable alternatives if he can’t handle a full-time starting role. – Will Backus, CBS Sports

You can’t overlook the interceptions or the fumble. There were plays that Arnold would want back. But to say they were “bad interceptions” is a bit misleading.

He was late to the sideline on one throw, but the other two were really good plays by the defense to come up with the pick.

It’s also a bit off to say Arnold “largely struggled with commanding the offense.” The Sooners put up 562 total yards of offense. Arnold threw for 361 yards and two touchdowns and ran for 38 yards in the game. The Sooners had two red zone trips wiped out by Jalil Farooq fumbles. That took away at least six points and could have very well taken touchdowns off the board. They score on those red zone trips and the game looks a lot different.

Arnold is a really good quarterback. He has NFL talent. He’ll learn from the throws that didn’t work against Arizona. He’s not going to turn the ball over with that kind of regularity after having a full offseason as the starter.

He is Oklahoma’s most important player because of the position he plays. The Sooners have the skill talent, and though there are questions along the offensive line right now, those questions will be answered by the time SEC play rolls around.

Arnold has a high ceiling. And the sky is the limit with him at the helm.

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Bill Bedenbaugh’s offensive line getting acclimated

Sooners offensive line getting closer as spring football is here.

The 2024 season for the Oklahoma Sooners will be defined by how well the offensive line plays. Oklahoma has a five-star quarterback taking the reigns in [autotag]Jackson Arnold[/autotag], a deep wide receiver room, and a running back in [autotag]Gavin Sawchuk[/autotag], who closed the season with five straight 100-yard games.

But along the offensive line, Sooners are replacing five starters from last season.

They do return [autotag]Jacob Sexton[/autotag], who started the last few games, and [autotag]Troy Everett[/autotag], who started a couple of games in the middle of the season. Even though they’ve added transfer players with starting experience like [autotag]Spencer Brown[/autotag], [autotag]Geirean Hatchett[/autotag], [autotag]Michael Tarquin[/autotag] and [autotag]Febechi Nwaiwu[/autotag], there are still jobs up for grabs.

Bill Bedenbaugh has made it clear in his career he will start the best five. So, what these guys did previously doesn’t matter. That means even some of the young guys like [autotag]Daniel Akinkunmi[/autotag] will get a look.

Akinkunmi shared what it’s been like being around the other offensive linemen so far. “Getting to know those guys is amazing,” Akinkunmi said. “I absolutely love every single one of them. I feel like we are just getting closer and closer as the weeks go by. I feel like we are all close because we are all different and have different backgrounds.”

Akinkunmi said that hasn’t stopped the competition because having a strong offensive line group is important. As for the thing he was looking for most, as spring ball started on Monday? To show people what he can do and prove the doubters wrong.

Akinkunmi has quickly become one of my favorite recruits. I’m not sure he will see much playing time this season. He may need a year or two to develop. But with his mindset, I wouldn’t put anything past him.

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‘You always want more’: Brent Venables on where the Sooners roster is at ahead of spring ball

Brent Venables joined On3’s Andy Staples to discuss where he stands in building Oklahoma’s roster.

When [autotag]Brent Venables[/autotag] was hired to be the head coach of the Oklahoma Sooners, it was because he was one of the few people who knew what it took and what it looked like to build a national championship roster.

He knew what he needed to compete against the best the [autotag]SEC[/autotag] offered which was soon to be Oklahoma’s new home.

Fast forward and we are in Venables’ third offseason as head coach. On Monday, he joined On3’s Andy Staples to discuss where Oklahoma stands in roster building.

“I love our guys but it isn’t ever good enough,” Venables said. “So, you always want more. That’s just how coaches are. I think as you chase winning and chase success, I think that is a mindset. You always want more, bigger, longer guys. You want more depth. That’s just the way it is. I don’t know if you can ever satisfy ourselves. No doubt about it. We can compete at a very high level and we’re working hard for daily improvement to get better so we can compete.”

Oklahoma has a full summer to build even more of that depth but I don’t take what Venables said as a knock to the current guys. The best coaches want more but know how to prepare what they do have as well. That’s going to be Venables’ biggest challenge going into next season.

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‘It’s a really tough group of guys’: Brent Venables impressed by the early enrollees

Brent Venables has been impressed by the class of 2024 early enrollees.

Spring football is finally here in Oklahoma. Head coach [autotag]Brent Venables[/autotag] kicked things off with a media session on Wednesday along with all of the newcomers both from the portal and the 2024 recruiting class.

Spring practice starts on Monday with the spring game coming in April 20, 2024.

Still, there is a lot of work to be done from now until the start of the season. Whether that’s getting some guys back who were injured last season like [autotag]Andrel Anthony[/autotag], [autotag]Casey Thompson[/autotag] or [autotag]Justin Harrington[/autotag] or if it’s replacing someone who had to call it a career in Jacob Lacey. There are also a ton of position battles still to go through as well.

Venables talked about how impressed he’s been with the 22 early enrollees. “It’s a really tough group of guys,” Venables said. “The mental toughness that I watched the last eight weeks is exemplary. It’s fantastic. Nobody shied away. These guys were prepared for the challenge that this entails. It was never easy for any of them but these guys were fearless.”

This class is arguably the best in the Venables era with the elite defensive players they were able to sign along with some stellar offensive guys as well. This only adds to that belief.

Now, the question is how many of those guys will be ready to make an impact in Year 1? Only time will tell.

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