The Football Brainiacs

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!

I am happy to be able to announce that TFB supports The Champion Standard Podcast!

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!

Each time a new podcast drops I will post it here for the community. Give the guys a listen, sub to their YouTube channel, and include their pods on your mobile devices!

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Spring Recap

By The Champion Standard 

With spring ball wrapped and the portal finally sealed shut for the time being, Oklahoma’s offseason clarity is starting to set in. The Champion Standard podcast, hosted by Brad and Rob, delivered a comprehensive breakdown of what Sooner fans should take away from this pivotal transition period, blending insight, humor, and some sobering truths.

Here are the biggest takeaways from their 90-minute deep dive into OU football’s post-spring state of the union.

The Portal, Plugged Smartly

Brent Venables and staff patched the roster with strategic portal additions. Unlike previous years where the exits outpaced the solutions, this cycle reflected a more targeted approach.

“What you want from the spring portal is to upgrade or at least fill your gaps,” Brad said. “And we did that.”

The running back room got a massive upgrade with the addition of Cal star Jaydn Ott. “That’s not a replacement, that’s a weapon,” Rob emphasized. Ott is a back who creates his own explosive opportunities.

At wide receiver, it was addition without subtraction. Despite heavy speculation that younger players like KJ Daniels might hit the portal, OU held steady. And then came the late addition of Jer’michael Carter. “That wide receiver room was down bad numbers-wise this winter,” Brad noted, “and Emmett Jones reloaded it like a pro.”

The staff added veteran center Jake Maikkula, which could be critical insurance for injury-prone Troy Everett. “You don’t want to rely on a true freshman backup at center,” Brad said, noting Maikkula chemistry with fellow Stanford transfer Luke Baklenko .

Depth Chart Clarity: Stability With Wiggle Room

Brad and Rob walked through each position group with an eye on who emerged, who’s still climbing, and which rooms are quietly loaded.

Wide Receivers: Health is Wealth

This room has options, but the caveat is health. With Dion Burks likely locked in as a slot or hybrid outside option, the next few names depend on recovery timelines. Javonnie Gibson flashed in the spring before an injury. Satenga, Carter, and Kearney round out a crew that offers speed, toughness, and matchup-specific utility.

“Give me a Tre Harris-type bully X receiver,” Rob said. “Someone that boxes out for easy throws while the speed guys stretch the defense.”

They also expect Isaiah Satenga, a transfer from Arkansas, to make a real run. “Arkansas fans were shocked when he left. They thought he was going to be a dude,” Brad explained.

Offensive Line: Let the Best Five Eat

Perhaps the quietest room—in a good way.

“I don’t think Bedenbaugh even has to overcoach this group,” Rob said. “Just install the scheme and let them sort it out.”

Jake Maikkula’ arrival was a necessary insurance policy. Behind him and Everett, the competition is stiff. Names like Hollenbeck, Fasusi, and Fodje give OU more depth than it’s had in years.

Defensive Line: The Apex of Depth

This IDL room is different. “We may never have a room this stacked again,” Rob admitted. 

R Mason Thomas (RMT) leads the way in The Edge Room,  “You look at that room and it’s like… R Mason Thomas is Batman. But who’s his Robin? That’s the question.”

Rob made his case for replacing Ethan Downs. Danny Okoye or another high-motor guy like Taylor Wein. “Give me the guy who’s just churning, plays with passion, always running to the ball,” he said.

Up front, Utah State transfer Ricky Lolohea was praised for being OU’s version of Texas’ T’Vondre Sweat/Bill Norton: a massive body for situational dominance.

Defensive Backfield: Loaded and Layered

If you’re looking for an identity on defense, start here.

Peyton Bowen and RSJ (Robert Spears-Jennings) headline a safety room that’s aggressive and versatile. RSJ is the blitzer and tone-setter. Bowen is the potential ball-hawk.

“There was a hit in the Tennessee game,” Rob recalled. “RSJ hit that kid so hard, he popped up but you knew he wasn’t right. That guy wanted an ice bath and a nap for a week.”

But the real X-factor is the cheetah.

Kendall Dolby is our best cover corner,” and he fits perfectly as the cheetah—that must cover elite slot WRs. “You want to stop SEC slot weapons like Ryan Williams of Alabama,  or Deandre Moore of Texas? That’s Dolby’s job,” Rob said.

Kendall Daniels, a winter portal addition from Oklahoma State, brings a different flavor. Bigger and more physical, Daniels may start early in the year to anchor run packages.

“You might see Daniels as the cheetah against Illinois State or Kent State,” Brad said. “Then switch back to Dolby when we get into league play.”

The Leadership Vacuum Left by Stutsman and Bowman

Perhaps the most important question is not schematic but cultural: who replaces Danny Stutsman and Billy Bowman as emotional anchors?

The answer might be by committee. Kip Lewis is the natural successor talent-wise, but Kobie McKenzie was named as the man who needs to embrace the voice.

“That Mike backer spot is supposed to be your defensive QB,” Brad said. “Kobie needs to be the guy that leads through adversity because it’s coming.”

The hosts both noted that the team is likely to face early challenges, especially with a brutal SEC slate, and the new leadership roles of the defense will be tested.

Kip Lewis was praised for his ability to flash big plays. “Pick-sixes, tackles for loss, he’s got the tape,” Rob said. “He will be a draft guy next year.”

A Word on Special Teams (Yes, Seriously)

OU fans have learned not to take kickers for granted. Since Gabe Brkic’s departure, consistency has been elusive. That’s why the addition of Tate Sandell matters.

“Sandell was 6-for-6 from 30-39 yards and even 2-of-5 beyond 50. He’s not just a patch; he’s a legit college kicker,” Brad noted. “And when your margins are slim, you better have a guy you trust.”

That’s right. OU added UTSA transfer Tate Sandell late in the cycle. “People laugh at a kicker being a ‘big addition’, but go look at our schedule. We’re not blowing teams out,” Brad said. Sandell, an 82% career kicker with a 54-yard long.

Brothers in Arms

The Bowen brothers, Peyton and Eli, could become OU’s most impactful sibling duo since the Selman brothers. Peyton patrols safety with NFL instincts, while Eli quietly locked down one corner spot last season.

“When they both start, it’s just cool,” Brad said. “Not only are they on the field, but both are back-half defenders. It’s symmetry.”

And don’t forget about Malik Hawkins, another incoming freshman DB and younger brother in a growing OU legacy. The Sooners quietly have a culture of brotherhood building literally and figuratively.

Final Word: Summer Ahead, Questions Remain

Not everything is set in stone.

The corner opposite Eli Bowen remains a mystery. If Gentry Williams is healthy, he starts. But that shoulder has proven questionable. Dolby could move over, but that would weaken cheetah depth. Powers or a young upstart like Cortland Guillory might sneak in.

Receiver usage is also fluid. Burks, Satenga, and Gibson are all capable starters. But who emerges week-in, week-out? Who’s the dog? Who’s the chain mover?

“We need someone to rise up and be the “Sidekick” for RMT,” Rob said. “ Where is the other high motor, relentless dude. Maybe PJ, maybe Taylor Wein, maybe someone we don’t even expect.”

Brad agreed, adding that every camp reveals a couple of surprise names. “Someone always comes out of nowhere. It’s the beauty of fall camp.”

But the biggest takeaway was clear:

Portal discipline, cultural clarity, and ascending talent now define the direction of the Brent Venables era. And after a spring filled with smart moves and rising names, the Sooners appear ready to step into “Round Two” vs the SEC with both fire and finesse.

Stay tuned. Fall is coming