Weekend Open Post | September 5th – 7th
Posted on: September 5, 2025
Position Group Progress Report | Week One: Illinois State
– Charlie S – Posted on: September 1, 2025
Checking out how the position groups performed in the Sooners’ season-opening win over Illinois State. OU was a massive favorite against the Redbirds, and they came up just short of covering the 35-point spread.
This will be the first progress report of the season. I will include the previous week’s ranking (preseason ranking in this case) at the top of each position group’s report in all subsequent progress reports!
Let’s see how things shook out against Illinois State.
QB: High 4* (Preseason grade: High 4*)
Mateer could have received the first 5* grade of the season, but alas, the interception (whether his fault or not) kept him from making the grade. All in all, he played a terrific game, was in command, on time, and composed. Mateer finished 30-37 for 392, 3 TDs, and 1 INT. He also was credited with 7 rushes for 24 yards and a TD.
Best player in the room this week: John Mateer
RB: 1* (Preseason grade: Low 4*)
Not a great night for the running back room, and we have covered that previously. The lone bright spot was true freshman Tory Blaylock, who led the team with 8 carries for 44 yards (5.5 YPC) and a TD. Jovantae Barnes (1.3 YPC), and Xavier Robinson (2.1 YPC) never were able to get on track, and Jadyn Ott, the expensive portal addition, only got one carry at RB as he mainly served as a high-priced decoy on kick return. Blaylock’s performance kept this room’s head above the nebula line.
Best player in the room this week: Tory Blaylock
WR: High 4* (Preseason grade: 2*)
Ball distribution was terrific this week as nine different players were credited with receptions, yet only four were wide receivers. Keontez Lewis had a team high 9 receptions for 119 yards and 2 TDs. Deion Burks added 7 catches for 88 and a TD. Isaiah Sategna added a pair of catches and Jacob Jordan hauled in one pass. Strong outing for the top of the rotation.
Best player in the room this week: Keontez Lewis
TE: Low 4* (Preseason grade: 1*)
Hey, my mantra this offseason was “Anything you get from this room is a bonus,” so you have to be pretty pleased with the results of the first outing as Jaren Kanak completed the transformation from LB to TE. Kanak got the start and wound up hauling in 5 catches for 90 yards. He did have a fumble, so that kept their grade a bit in check. Will Huggins and Carson Kent each added a catch to bring the room’s tally to 7 catches on the day, which went for 112 yards total. The blocking looked decent as well, although they did get lost a couple times, but real encouraging start to the season.
Best player in the room this week: Jaren Kanak
OL: 3* (Preseason grade: 3*)
The haters are gonna say it ain’t so, but the offensive line was much closer to being good than they were to being bad. You simply do not put up 500 yards without being at least acceptable, which is what the OL was on Saturday. Was it dominant? No. Was it horrible? No. They were every bit of average…which a 3* at the college level is. They were better in pass pro than in moving people in the run game, but I am going to give them some grace with the injury situation and guys moving around quite a bit. Would like to see more aggression and striking and fewer catching defenders. Sooners should get reinforcements back this week.
Best player in the room this week: Logan Howland
DL: Low 4* (Preaseaon grade: 5*)
Maybe it is because the expectations are so high for this group, or maybe it was due to a very bland and vanilla scheme, but the DL looked a bit underwhelming, and that’s OK as there are many bigger fish to fry coming up on the schedule. I thought they had their moments where they took over, but largely, they just did their job and kept the offense honest. Jayden Jackson was pushing people around and Damonic Williams was a defensive leader throughout the evening. It was exciting to see David Stone deliver on some of the praise he received in the offseason, as he was the most disruptive guy on a consistent basis.
Best player in the room this week: David Stone
EDGE: 3* (Preseason grade: High 3*)
Not time to panic, but the EDGE room looked pretty pedestrian for most of the night. Again, I can likely contribute a lot of this to the defensive game plan, but I didn’t see enough one-on-one victories for this very talented group. RMT and MJJ showed their burst off the line occasionally, and Taylor Wein picked up a sack along the way, but there were also a number of occasions where OU surrendered the edge in the run game. I was expecting a bit more, but I will reserve judgment until we see a more aggressive scheme and a better opponent.
Best player in the room this week: R Mason Thomas
LB: 3* (Preseason grade: Low 4*)
In a surprise to no one here at TFB, Sammy Omosigho led the team in tackles with 8. Sammy also added a sack on the day. Kip, Kobie, and Heinecke each added 4 tackles of their own, and Kendal Daniels had 3 tackles from the cheetah spot. The issue for me was some of the run fits we saw early on, which were not always great. The depth is pretty scary thin, even though Nesta and Heim got some run late. This group will have to be better when Michigan rolls into town.
Best player in the room this week: Sammy Omosigho
CB: 4* (Preseason grade: 3*)
Yes, it was Illinois State, but this is how you would have drawn it up if you could. Gentry Williams and young Courtland Guillory did a really nice job of taking away the outside passing game. Guillory was tested early and he responded nicely. Was good to see Gentry be physical out there in run support as well. Guillory led the room in snaps as well. These guys will get their hands on the ball when tested in the coming weeks.
Best player in the room this week: Gentry Williams
S: 4* (Preseason grade: 4*)
The Sooners started Peyton Bowen and Michael Boganowski, but they played six safeties a decent amount of snaps throughout the game. Felt like Bowen may have had the most complete game of his injury-plagued career in Norman and he looked like he was playing fast and free. Reggie Powers backed up all of the offseason praise he received when he got his chance and he actually played the second-most snaps (behind Bowen) out of the safeties. Robert Spears Jennings got more run than expected (21 snaps) and he likely will draw the start next week against Michigan alongside Peyton. Love how deep this room is, and you can see why Powers will get run both at cheetah and at safety.
Best player in the room this week: Peyton Bowen
ST: 4* (Preseason grade: 3*)
Kickoffs were good. Extra points were made. Punts were fine. Punt return with Sategna looks like it could be a weapon. Coverage was solid.
Best player in the room this week: Isaiah Sategna
Mateer Sets the Floor
– Super K – Posted on: September 2, 2025
After watching the Sooners this past weekend, and specifically Mateer, I think Mateer, as long as he is healthy, keeps a floor under OU.
Last year, there was a point where the Sooners looked like they weren’t even going to make a bowl game. There seemed to be no bottom in terms of how many losses and how big the margins would be.
It’s too early to say where OU will end up but I’d be very surprised if the Sooners suffer many, if any, blowouts.
A good defense and a consistent QB should result in the Sooners being in most every game they play.
I still have my low end prediction at 7-5 and a high end around 10-2. But whether they are 7-5 or 10-2, I think the difference between those two records, is going to be very few points.
A source on the OU side said, before the season, the Sooners are going to be in a lot of close games.
I think that is absolutely true. As such, this season is going to probably be wildly stressful but satisfying or wildly frustrating.
Know Your Opponent | Michigan – 2025
– Charlie S – Posted on: September 3, 2025
Head Coach: Sherrone Moore (2nd season)
Offensive Coordinator: Chip Lindsey (1st season)
Defensive Coordinator: Don “Wink” Martindale (2nd season)
Michigan is 1-0 on the season after beating New Mexico in its home opener.
The Michigan Wolverines’ 2024 season marked the start of the Sherrone Moore era, as he led the team in his first year as head coach. Michigan began as a national contender, powered by an elite defense under Wink Martindale and a retooled offense adjusting post-Harbaugh.
Michigan finished the 2024 season with an 8–5 overall record (5–4 in Big Ten play). After a rocky midseason, they ended on a high note, upsetting No. 2 Ohio State in the regular-season finale and then beating No. 11 Alabama in the ReliaQuest Bowl.
On offense…
Heading into the 2025 season, Michigan’s offense under new coordinator Chip Lindsey blends its traditional power-run identity with a greater emphasis on explosive passing. The Wolverines still want to control the line of scrimmage with backs Jordan Marshall and Justice Haynes, but Lindsey is adding modern wrinkles like RPOs, motion, and more vertical shots downfield. Freshman QB Bryce Underwood will operate in a quarterback-friendly system designed to ease his transition while steadily expanding his reads and deep-ball opportunities. The overall goal is to stay physical while creating more big plays and offensive balance than in recent years.
Starting QB – Bryce Underwood, No. 19
Starting RB – Justice Haynes, No. 22
Starting Tight End (TE / H-Back) – Marlin Klein, No. 17
***Underwood – A highly touted true freshman and the nation’s top quarterback recruit, he brings poise, arm strength, and dual-threat ability to Michigan’s offense right away.
***Haynes – A transfer from Alabama with elite vision and burst, he’s expected to be the Wolverines’ feature back and a workhorse in the run game.
***Klein – A 6’6” redshirt junior with length and athleticism, he gives Michigan a reliable blocker who can also stretch the field as a pass-catching tight end.
Wide Receivers:
Donaven McCulley – No. 1: The Indiana transfer earned the No. 1 jersey (a big deal at UM) and is expected to be Michigan’s X-receiver and primary deep threat this season.
Semaj Morgan – No. 0: The junior slot receiver switched to No. 0 before fall camp and figures to anchor the inside receiving corps with his quickness and experience.
Channing Goodwin – No. 9: A redshirt freshman, Goodwin has emerged as the likely WR3, taking over that starting role through a strong fall camp.
***Morgan led the receiving corps with four catches for 33 yards, showcasing his reliability in the short-to-intermediate passing game. Despite a muffed punt early in the game, he maintained composure.
***Goodwin recorded two receptions for 49 yards, including a long catch of 39 yards, demonstrating his ability to stretch the field and provide big-play potential
Offensive Line
Left Tackle (LT): Evan Link – No. 71 – A junior with game experience, including starting at left tackle in the bowl game against Alabama, Link leads the position group as of fall camp.
Left Guard (LG): Giovanni El-Hadi – No. 58 – A seasoned veteran and interior anchor, El-Hadi brings consistency and leadership to the line for his fifth year.
Center (C): Greg Crippen – No. 51 – Returning as the starting center, Crippen provides experienced play at the heart of the line.
Right Guard (RG): Brady Norton – No. 70 – Emerging from a contested camp, Norton, a transfer from Cal Poly, is the offseason surprise pick at right guard.
Right Tackle (RT): Andrew Sprague – No. 54- A redshirt freshman, Sprague impressed enough in spring and camp to earn the starting right tackle job.
***Michigan’s offensive line provided a solid push in the running game, helping Justice Haynes rack up 159 yards and three touchdowns on 16 carries, which contributed to a strong 201-yard ground attack
***However, the unit was faulted for “some miscues,” which showed some early season rust, as you would expect, and the group should get better as the year goes on.
On Defense…
Heading into the 2025 season, Michigan’s defense is poised to maintain its elite status under second-year defensive coordinator Don “Wink” Martindale. The Wolverines are expected to continue utilizing a 4–2–5 scheme, emphasizing versatility and depth across all three levels of the defense. Despite the departure of key players, the defensive line remains a strength, bolstered by returning players and impactful transfers. The linebacker corps is led by experienced players, while the secondary features a mix of returning talent and promising newcomers.
Defensive front
Defensive Tackle (DT) Rayshaun Benny – No. 55 – Returning senior defensive lineman, anticipated to start at defensive tackle.
Nose Tackle (NT) Tré Williams – No. 0 – Graduate transfer from St. John’s, expected to start at nose tackle.
Defensive Tackle (DT) Damon Payne Jr. – No. 44 – Graduate student transfer from Alabama, projected to start at defensive tackle.
Defensive End/Outside Linebacker (DE/OLB) Derrick Moore – No. 8 – Senior, anticipated to start at defensive end.
***Despite a solid performance, the defensive line faced challenges in containing New Mexico’s offense, allowing 17 points.
***The unit recorded only three sacks during the game, indicating room for improvement in pass-rushing effectiveness.
***Overall, while the defensive line displayed moments of dominance, the performance highlighted areas for growth as they prepare for more formidable opponents, including OU, in the upcoming games.
Linebackers
Linebacker – No. 15 Ernest Hausmann – Senior linebacker, a transfer from Nebraska.
Linebacker – No. 1 Jaishawn Barham – Senior linebacker.
Linebacker – No. 19 Cole Sullivan – Sophomore linebacker
***Hausmann led the team with eight tackles, while Barham was ejected in the third quarter due to a targeting call. Sullivan stepped in after Barham’s ejection, recording a sack and an interception, along with five tackles.
***Barham is one of the better linebackers in the country and his absence will give OU a bit of a break in the first half. Expect him to come out after half with his hair on fire.
Secondary
No. 20 Jyaire Hill – Cornerback
No. 22 Rod Moore – Safety
No. 24 Te. Metcalf – Nickelback
No. 25 Brandyn Hillman – Cornerback
No. 26 Wesley Walker – Safety
***The secondary limited New Mexico’s passing game, allowing only 17 points and preventing any explosive passing plays.
***Rod Moore (#22) and Wesley Walker (#26) provided leadership in the backfield, helping to direct coverage and making crucial tackles in both short and intermediate zones.
***While generally solid, the unit allowed a few completions underneath that could have been contested more aggressively, highlighting room to tighten up in man-to-man situations.
Bottom line…
Offensively for OU:
***Utilize the Read Option: Incorporate read-option plays to capitalize on Michigan’s aggressive defensive line. This approach forces defenders to make quick decisions, potentially leading to misalignments and creating opportunities for big plays.
***Exploit the Passing Game: Given Michigan’s relatively untested secondary, Oklahoma should aim for quick, precise passing to neutralize Michigan’s pass rush. Utilizing short to intermediate routes can help in maintaining offensive rhythm and controlling the game’s tempo.
***Establish the Run: While Michigan’s defense has shown strength, establishing a consistent running game can wear down the defensive front. Incorporating misdirection and varied running schemes can keep the defense off balance and open up play-action opportunities.
***By focusing on these strategies, Oklahoma’s offense can effectively challenge Michigan’s defense and create favorable matchups throughout the game.
Defensively…
Pressure Freshman Quarterback Bryce Underwood: Underwood showcased poise and accuracy in his debut, throwing for 251 yards and a touchdown against New Mexico. Oklahoma’s defense should aim to disrupt his rhythm through consistent pressure, forcing him into uncomfortable situations and potentially causing mistakes.
Contain Running Back Justice Haynes: Haynes had an impressive debut, rushing for 159 yards and three touchdowns. Oklahoma needs to focus on stopping the run to prevent Michigan from controlling the clock and establishing offensive dominance.
Tackling will be critical for Oklahoma against Michigan because the Wolverines rely on a physical, run-heavy offense led by Justice Haynes. Poor or missed tackles could allow Michigan to break off big gains, sustain long drives, and control the clock. Consistently wrapping up and staying disciplined in open-field situations will be essential to limit explosive plays and keep Michigan’s offense from building momentum.
Updated Working Visitor List | Michigan Game
– Charlie S – Posted on: September 3, 2025
OU is planning on hosting a massive list of visitors for this weekend’s home game against Michigan. You can see our original working list for the Michigan Game from August 25th HERE.
There are a couple of guys in the 2026 class who are either committed elsewhere or uncommitted at this time. From the OG working list, I have removed LB Jacob Curry (who will visit for Auburn) and added guys like EDGE KJ Ford and OL Daniel McMorris.
The 2027 class will be well represented and I listed some of the notable names, but there will be a ton more from that class in the stadium.
As always, this is simply a working list and just because you do not see a name you are expecting at this time, they could always be added once we confirm plans. Same goes for some of the guys on the list, who inevitably have a change of plans and end up not being able to make it in.
2026:
QB Bowe Bentley – Celina, TX – OU commit
RB DeZephen Walker – Peculiar, MO – OU commit
WR Xavier Okwufulueze – Owasso, OK – OU commit
TE Ryder Mix – Frisco, TX – OU commit
TE Tyler Ruxer – Lincoln City, IN – OU commit
OL Noah Best – Midlothian, TX – OU commit
OL Daniel McMorris – Norman, OK
OL Deacon Schmitt – Windsor, CO. – OU commit
DL Brian Harris – Jacksonville, FL – OU commit
DT T-Ron Richardson – Hopewell, VA – OU commit
DE KJ Ford – Duncalville, TX – Florida Commit
DE Jake Kreul – Bradenton, FL – OU commit
DE Matthew Nelson – Bryant, AR – OU committ
DE Daniel Norman – Ft. Lauderdale, FL – OU commit
LB Beau Jandreau – Chandler, AZ – OU commit
LB Jakore Smith – Bryant, AR – OU commit
CB Derrick Johnson – Murrieta, CA – OU commit
DB Niko Jandreau – Chandler, AZ – OU commit
K Trace Rudd – K – Overland Park, KS – OU commit
2027:
QB Peyton Houston – Shreveport, LA
RB Andrew Beard – Bogart, GA
RB Jeremiah Dent – Marion, AR
RB Mikel Stephen – Madison, MS
WR Brody Knowles – Southlake, TX
WR Zerek Sidney – Goodyear, AZ
OL Ismael Camara – Gilmer, TX
OL Cooper Hackett – Ft. Gibson, OK – TTU Commit
OL Kaeden Penny – Bixby, OK
OL Jackson Roper – Englewood, CO
OL Luke Wilson – Southlake, TX – OU commit
DL Jalen Brewster – Cedar Hill, TX
DL Elija Harmon – Inglewood, CA
DL Zane Rowe – Denton, TX
DL Luke Starcevic – Kindred, ND
LB Jake Godfree – Lawrenceville, GA
LB Cooper Witten – Argyle, TX
CB Montre Jackson – Garland, TX
CB Darius Johnson – Murrieta, CA
DB Eli Johnson – Cibolo, TX
DB Jaylen Scott – Mobile, AL – Auburn Commit
DB Semaj Stanford – Broken Arrow, OK
Sourced Team Notes | September 4th
– Charlie S – Posted on: September 4, 2025
Earlier this week, we posted some quick health updates HERE.
Just wanted to follow up on those notes after speaking with a ssource…
***First, on the OL, it sounds like everyone, aside from Jacob Sexton will be available.
***Source tells me there have been a ton of different combinations running with the ones throughout the week. I was told Michael Fasusi was with the ones on Wednesday at left tackle, while Luke Baklenko was there earlier in the week.
***Source said Derek Simmons is back and working with Logan Howland at right tackle and those two have split reps with the ones. Source also said Howland has gotten some reps at LT as well, and Simmons lined up at RG a few times this week as well.
***Was told that Heath Ozaeta is on track to play and he has been running with the ones this week at left guard. Eddy Pierre Louis and Febechi Nwaiwu have also played some left guard.
***Source said that Troy Everett and Jake Maikkula have each taken their fair share of reps with the first unit at center.
***So, in essence, you could conceivably see four guys start on the offensive line against Michigan who did not start against Illinois State. I have learned to make no promises or predictions on how things will play out after a week with so much movement. One thing I do feel confident in saying is that so long as Ozaeta has no setback today, I believe he and Febechi will be the starting guards.
***As far as running back Tory Blaylock goes, we still have him as questionable and not ruled out. I know some were quick to rule him out early in the week and they have subsequently walked back their stance, but as we noted earlier this week, source would not rule his availability out. Do I expect him to play? Not really. Could he play? Possibly. But that brings us to…
***Source tells me Jadyn Ott has taken the first string reps at running back AND Taylor Tatum has been a full go this week. I asked the source at what point Ott moved to the top of the rep count and was told “Sunday morning”. So he’s been there all week. Was told Taylor Tatum appears to be moving well and will likely be fourth in rotation to open the game.
Have we Seen This set up Before?
– Super K – Posted on: September 4, 2025
This Sooners upcoming game feels like a test we’ve seen before.
***High ceiling freshman quarterback. A lot of talent but not much experience.
***A good but not game changing wide receiver group.
***A heralded defense with it’s strength up front.
***A national game at home for the Sooners…
This feels like last year’s Tennessee game. In last year’s game, the Sooners defense made things difficult for Nico Iamleava but struggled mightily on offense against the Vols.
This year, the Sooners trigger man has changed and if Ott plays, they’ll have a seasoned and talented running back on the field. They also have a new OC who appears to have himself and his QB on the same page.
Defense was great in the Tennessee game, last year. It should be as good or better this year.
All offseason folks have talked about how if only the Sooners had even a decent offense last year, the team’s record would have been much better. That seems true.
I think we are going to get a chance to find out, this weekend, how this team compares to last year’s team.
The opponent seems similar. It’s once again, a night game at home.
I think the margin in this game could be a harbinger for the rest of the season.
A close loss and maybe even a close win, tells us this team is better but depending on how you see OU’s competition compared to last year, it may still mean that every game OU will be in will be close.
A big win for the Sooners, should tell us that this is a much improved OU team.
I don’t think this is just a big game because it’s OU vs. Michigan at night on national television. I think it’s a good measuring stick because we’ve kind of seen this story before so it gives us a better comparison between the 2025 Sooners and the 2024 Sooners.
One on Ones | Oklahoma vs Michigan – 2025
– Charlie S – Posted on: September 4, 2025
The Sooners take on Michigan in the second game of the season and it is the marquee matchup in all of college football this week!
Michigan and OU both got off to 1-0 starts against inferior opponents, and both left some things on the field that they need to clean up heading into this SEC-B1G tilt.
There are several key one-on-one matchups to choose from both on the offensive and defensive side.
Let’s have a look at a couple I pulled out.
One on One Number One
Oklahoma Linebacker Kip Lewis vs Michigan Running Back Justice Haynes
This one is a strength-on-strength battle. Justice Haynes is a physical, downhill runner who thrives on yards after contact (he had 92 YAC last week and averaged 5.5 YAC per carry). At the same time, Kip Lewis is OU’s most instinctive linebacker with the speed and range to track backs sideline-to-sideline. Whoever wins this battle dictates whether Michigan can stay ahead of the chains.
It will have a huge impact on Michigan’s run game identity. Michigan leans on its running game to set up play-action and control tempo. If Lewis can consistently meet Haynes in the hole and limit his explosive gains, it forces Michigan into longer passing situations where OU’s defense can get more aggressive.
As always, tackling & stamina will factor into the equation. Haynes is at his best wearing defenses down in the second half. Lewis will need to tackle cleanly and stay fresh because if he starts missing tackles late, Haynes could break the game open with chunk runs that flip momentum.
Last week, Haynes had 16 carries for 159 yards (9.9 YPC) and three touchdowns. He had a long run of 59 yards. Lewis will not be alone in his mission to slow Haynes down; he will need to make his fits, as will Kobie McKinzie and Sammy Omosigho when they are on the field next to him.
One on One number Two
Oklahoma Center Troy Everett/Jake Maikkula vs Michigan Defensive Lineman Damon Payne
The battle between OU’s centers Troy Everett/Jake Maikkula and Michigan defensive tackle Damon Payne (6’4 315) is huge for a few reasons:
Both teams will be looking for interior control in the trenches. Payne is the anchor of Michigan’s defensive line, and if he wins consistently inside, he can collapse the pocket and blow up OU’s run game before it starts. Everett and Maikkula must hold their ground to keep OU’s offense balanced.
The OU center needs to provide some quarterback comfort. Strong interior protection keeps OU’s John Mateer from facing immediate pressure up the middle, which is the most disruptive kind of pass rush. If Payne pushes the pocket, it limits OU’s ability to step up and execute timing throws.
If Payne can put the center on skates, it disrupts the run-game foundation, which will be needed for OU on Saturday. OU’s inside zone and power runs rely on the center winning leverage. If Everett/Maikkula neutralize Payne, it opens lanes for the running backs and keeps the offense on schedule. If not, OU could be facing long-yardage situations all game.
Payne was Michigan’s highest graded defensive lineman last week over his 30 snaps as he received an 83.1 grade, and he was very solid in run defense
