Champion Standard Podcast | Trench Talk with JY
Posted on: April 13, 2025
Continuing with our plan this offseason to share some content that a couple members of our community have been creating for close to a year now!
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Our guys @soonerbrad and @Birddawg have been pumping out some high-quality podcasts that talk about Xs and Os, hot topics, and OU football talk in general. This podcast represents the views and opinions of Rob and Brad and TFB is not part of their operation, but we do endorse it wholeheartedly!
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J.Y. Breaks Down Oklahoma’s Offensive Line Future on Champion Standard
“You Gotta Be a Bully”
Podcast Guests: J.Y., Brad, and Rob
As spring football hits its stride in Norman, all eyes are on the one unit that will make or break Oklahoma’s round two into the Southeastern Conference: the offensive line.
In the latest Champion Standard podcast episode, hosts Rob and Brad welcomed back one of the show’s fan-favorite guests — former collegiate lineman and trench warfare savant, J.Y. Together, they unraveled the complexities, concerns, and potential of Bill Bedenbaugh’s offensive line room heading into the 2025 season.
And if you’re a Sooner fan looking for hope in the trenches, this episode was your blueprint.
“Football is a fight,” J.Y. said right off the bat. “If you don’t want to fight, you’re not going to win.”
Spring Battles and the Cost of Absence
The Sooners are halfway through spring practice, but as J.Y. pointed out early on, the spring’s most pressing question isn’t about talent — it’s about availability.
Key contributors like Sexton, Howland, Ozaeta” Parks, and Jacob Howland are nursing injuries. Their absence has created a vacuum where younger players and transfers are stepping up. “The best ability is availability,” J.Y. declared. “You give someone else a shot, and you may not get it back. That’s just the business.”
“You give someone else a shot, and you may not get it back,” J.Y. warned, referring to injuries sidelining key players like Howland and Ozaeta. “It’s business. You either show up, or someone else takes your job.”
Brad added, “That center spot is looking thin. You’ve got depth at guard and tackle, but if Everett goes down… who steps up?”
J.Y. echoed the concern: “They’re talking about bringing in another center. You’ve got to have someone who can snap and not mess it up. That’s the minimum.”
EPL: The New Duke Robinson?
One name that repeatedly surfaced as a rising star was Eddy Pierre-Louis (EPL).
Players like Eddy Pierre-Louis, a true freshman with a nasty streak and freaky strength, have taken full advantage of increased reps. “You want that guy in your foxhole,” J.Y. said. “He’s mean, he’s a bully — and that’s the most underrated trait in an offensive lineman.”
“He reminds me of Duke Robinson,” J.Y. said. “He’s strong, mean, and plays with that ‘I’ll break your ribs if I have to’ energy. You want that guy with you in a dark alley.”
Rob jumped in: “EPL’s a tone-setter. That left guard spot is his to lose.”
Bedenbaugh’s Best Room Yet?
Despite the injury setbacks, the general vibe among the trio was one of cautious optimism — especially when it comes to the depth and raw talent of this offensive line room.
“From top to bottom, this might be the deepest group Bedenbaugh’s had in over a decade,” Rob noted. J.Y. didn’t disagree. “They’ve got more dudes now than they’ve had in a long time. Legit two-deep. But again — that only matters if they stay healthy and mesh together.”
Names like Fasusi, Fodje, and EPL are emerging in every practice report. “Fasusi just looks different,” J.Y. said. “He’s still a baby in terms of development, but that guy is built like a future All-American. You can’t coach that.”
But while the talent is promising, J.Y. pushed back against the “hype train” many ride each spring. “Every year it’s the same. Everyone’s running 4.3s, jumping 40-inch verts — and then we get to fall, and reality hits. So I’m hopeful, but I’ve been around long enough to be skeptical until they put it on tape.”
J.Y. Makes His Call: Trust the Track Record
Last spring, J.Y. predicted the starting offensive line with pinpoint accuracy. This year, his crystal ball looks like this:
- LT: Jacob Sexton
- LG: Eddy Pierre-Louis
- C: Troy Everett
- RG: Febechi Nwaiwu
- RT: Jake Taylor
“This group makes sense,” he said. “Sexton’s a senior and has done everything they’ve asked. EPL brings that attitude you want in the trenches. Nwaiwu has slimmed down and looks more athletic, and Taylor — if he stays healthy — can lock down that right side.”
Brad chimed in, “You nailed it last year, and this five feels right. There’s a chemistry there.”
Rob added, “And for once, Bedenbaugh has options. If someone goes down, the drop-off isn’t nearly as scary as it was last year.”
CJ Nickson: Oklahoma’s Hidden Weapon at Tight End?
Midway through the pod, the conversation took a sharp — and fascinating — turn when Rob pulled up tape of freshman C.J. Nickson, currently listed on defense.
The problem? He might just be the best tight end on the roster.
“I’m just going to say it: this is criminal,” Rob said as Nickson high-pointed three defenders on a post route. “We’re tight end-starved, and this dude is out here playing like a young Antonio Gates.” – JY
J.Y. couldn’t hide his admiration. “He’s got receiver feet and tight end strength. Hands, fluidity, body control — the whole package. He reminds me of Jermaine Gresham coming out of high school.”
With OU lacking depth at tight end and bringing in FCS transfers to fill the void, the guys called for a bold move. “Play Nickson now. Let him grow into the TE role. ” Rob argued.
“That kid’s a weapon waiting to happen.” – JY
Mateer + Arbuckle: The Offensive Lifeline
One major reason for optimism — even beyond the offensive line — is the arrival of quarterback John Mateer and new offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle.
Rob laid it out: “Mateer knows this system inside and out. He’s smart, tough, experienced, and most importantly, calm. The offense can build around that.”
Mateer’s mobility and command of the playbook will also mask any early growing pains up front. “When the O-line messes up — and they will — he can extend the play and make something out of nothing. That’s huge in the SEC.” – Brad
And Arbuckle? The pod praised his creative use of the tight end and running back in the passing game. “We’re finally going to see schemed openings,” Rob said. “Last year, it was like everyone was running their routes with no plan. This year, it’ll be different.” – Rob
“He’s not just good — he’s got that ‘it’ factor,” Rob said. “You want a quarterback that makes the O-line feel like it’s all worth it. Mateer’s that guy.” – JY
“Show Up. Do Your Damn Job.”
One of the most powerful moments came when J.Y. discussed the mental side of offensive line play. “This game hurts — and even when you do everything right, it still hurts,” he said. “You’ve got to play through it. You’ve got to be dependable. Because when you’re 45 years old, what’ll haunt you isn’t the pain — it’s knowing you didn’t give everything.”
That message — echoed throughout the pod — was as much about life as football.
“The most important ability is availability,” J.Y. repeated. “And that applies whether you’re playing left tackle or the backup center, showing up to your job every day. Don’t miss. Be the guy they can count on.”
Final Thoughts: Cautious Hope and Real Expectations
By the end of the podcast, optimism was tempered by realism. The trio agreed the offensive line has potential — even greatness — but that it has to be earned.
“We’ve been burned before,” J.Y. said. “There’s talent. There’s depth. But if they want to be dominant in the SEC, they’ve got to be nasty. They’ve got to fight.”
While the room agreed this could be Bedenbaugh’s most versatile unit yet, they know hype means nothing without results.
“You want to impress me?” J.Y. asked. “Go out week one and drive somebody into the ground. Break a rib. Then I’ll believe the hype.”
Looking ahead to Week 2’s clash against Michigan, J.Y. set the tone.
“If they go out there and dominate the line of scrimmage — I mean really dominate — then I’ll start believing.”
Quick Hits:
- Best Freshman Comparison: EPL = “This generation’s Duke Robinson.” – JY
- Most Underrated Player: Febechi Nwaiwu — “He’s slimmed down and could be very good for us next year.” – JY
- Center Depth Concern: “Everett’s solid, but who’s pushing him?” – Brad
- Position Flexibility is Key: “Bedenbaugh recruits guys who can play anywhere.” – Brad
- C.J. Nickson at TE: “Wasting him on defense would be a football crime.” – Rob
- C.J. Nickson at TE “C.J. Nickson at D-end is like parking a Ferrari in a barn.” – JY
- Mateer Factor: “His leadership alone will elevate the entire offense.” – Rob
- Mentality of OL: “I want my linemen with a little shit in them. I want bullies, not bankers.” – JY
Verdict
This spring, Oklahoma’s offensive line is deep, mean, and hungry — at least on paper. But as J.Y. reminded everyone, championships aren’t won on stars or spring hype. They’re won in the trenches, with tape, toughness, and trust.
And if Bedenbaugh’s group stays healthy and plays angry?
“Watch out,” J.Y. said. “They might just remind folks what Sooner football used to look like.”
