Champion Standard Podcast | Trench Warfare with JY
Posted on: August 10, 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!
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!
Trench Warfare — Champion Standard Podcast Recap
Opening Banter & Setting the Stage
Rob and Brad open by welcoming Sooner Nation back and teasing that this episode is for true “trench talk” fans. J.Y., a returning guest with a reputation for candid and in-depth line analysis, joins again. The tone is light to start — jokes about paying J.Y. in scotch and cigars.
Fall camp is roughly a half complete. No major injuries have surfaced yet, and early reports suggest the offense is having a better camp than 2024, with QB John Mateer running more successful drives. The crew agrees that the early signs are positive, but the real test will come when physicality ramps up in scrimmages.
Arbuckle’s System vs. Last Year’s Offense
J.Y. contrasts the new Ben Arbuckle offense with last season’s approach, which, in his words, often felt like “throwing stuff against the wall to see what sticks.” He praises Arbuckle for bringing a proven system and an established rapport with Mateer. That continuity, he argues, should translate into more coherent game plans and functional depth across every offensive level — provided they stay healthy.
Offensive Line Depth Chart & Battles
Current First-Team Look (as of camp):
- LT: Jacob Sexton
- LG: Eddie Pierre-Louis (EPL)
- C: Troy Everett (holding off Makua)
- RG: Febechi Nwaiwu
- RT: Still unsettled — early lead by Jake Taylor before injury, with Derrick Simmons and true freshman Michael Fasusi in the mix.
Two-Deep Names in the Rotation:
- Versatile Swing: Fasusi (could play either tackle)
- Reserves/Rotation: Ryan Fodje, Logan Howland (impressed late in 2024), Heath Ozaeta
Key Points from J.Y.:
- Right tackle remains the biggest unsettled spot. Taylor and Simmons have talent but need to stay healthy. “They’re running out of time,” J.Y. warns, especially for a senior like Simmons who climbed Abilene Christian to Western Carolina to OU.
- Practices under BV are “often harder than games” — O-linemen must face R Mason Thomas, PJ Adebawore, Gracen Halton, David Stone, and other elite rushers daily.
- Depth is dramatically better than recent years. In some positions, OU has “1A and 1B” rather than a clear starter and drop-off.
The “Availability” Factor
J.Y. hammers the point that the two most important traits are:
- Availability — staying on the field, avoiding long-term injury.
- Dependability — playing consistently at a high level.
Jake Taylor’s recurring injuries and Simmons’ limited reps threaten both. Logan Howland’s health and performance could push him into the starting lineup, especially at RT. Ozaeta could slide to center if needed.
Recovery & Health Management
OU has brought in additional staff to focus on player recovery. Last year’s WR corps never seemed fully healthy, and nagging injuries slowed development. Brad hopes the new S&C Recovery Doc can help players return faster — especially in the trenches where every rep matters.
Defensive Line & “Opposite RMT” Pass Rusher Question
On defense, R Mason Thomas is entrenched at one DE spot, but the other side is an open race among PJ Adebawore, Marvin Jones Jr., and Taylor Wein. Rob believes the best run defender will earn the bulk of early-down snaps, with pass-rush specialists rotating in.
PJ’s athleticism has never been questioned, but coaches want him to “turn off the mental emergency brake” and play looser. This could be the year he combines his tools into consistent production.
Inside, Stone, Halton, Jaden Jackson, and Dominic Williams form a deep, versatile DT rotation. Halton, in particular, is “so shifty” that linemen often miss getting hands on him entirely.
BV’s “Positionless” Defense & Speed Everywhere
BV’s scheme benefits from interchangeable athletes:
- LB/Safety hybrids: Kip Lewis, Sammy Omosigho, Peyton Bowen, Kendal Daniels
- Multiple-role cheetahs: Reggie Powers, Kendel Dolby
- Corners: Gentry Williams (health is key), Eli Bowen, standout freshman Courtland Guillory
Rob gushes about Guillory’s physical, almost angry play style — “It’s like every time he lines up, he’s convinced that WR insulted his mom and kicked his dog.” Rob compares his physicality to Georgia corners and JY says Houston-area players like Guillory “are just different.”
Secondary Depth & Competitive Spots
Corner depth is stronger than in recent memory. Guillory’s length, speed, and violence in run support make him a threat to take a starting job. The Crew doesn’t see 39 better corners in his recruiting class despite 247 ranking him 40th. Devin Jordan (Tulsa Union) and Eli Bowen add to the mix.
Safeties are equally deep, with RSJ, Hardy, and Powers providing versatility. The group’s collective ball skills mean more turnovers are possible if the pass rush shortens coverage time.
Special Teams Weapon: Tate Sandell
Transfer kicker Tate Sandell has drawn unusual public praise from BV. J.Y. calls a reliable kicker a “weapon,” noting how an offense’s approach changes if it only needs ~35 yards for points. The hope is Sandell’s leg travels well to hostile SEC environments.
Eddy Pierre-Louis: Nasty Streak Incoming
EPL is a fan favorite in the making. Known for track speed at his size and WWE-style pancake blocks, he’s penciled in at LG as a true sophomore. His mean streak matches what the hosts want more of across the roster. J.Y. sees Sunday potential if he stays healthy.
Team Mentality & “Nastiness” Factor
A recurring theme: OU needs more players wired to play angry. Guillory has it. EPL has it. The 2000 title team had it in spades, Roy Williams, Rocky Calmus, Tommy Harris, Dusty Dvoracek, and others. The Crew agree that nastiness can be taught, but some players have it naturally — and those players can influence the rest of the roster.
JY’s Schedule Outlook & Win Predictions
J.Y. projects OU will be undefeated going into Texas (5–0). The SEC slate is favorable:
- Home: Michigan, Auburn, LSU, Missouri
- Road: Alabama, Tennessee (Nico’s exit lessens threat)
The lack of proven QBs on the schedule is a huge advantage. Outside of LSU and South Carolina, most teams will be breaking in new or untested starters. J.Y. believes 9–10 wins are realistic, with potential for more if the OL holds up and Mateer thrives.
RB Room
Cal transfer Jaydn Ott draws rave reviews for his vision, which J.Y. says is “the most underrated RB trait” and key to Emmitt Smith’s greatness. Paired with Xavier Robinson’s power and a healthy Javontae Barnes, the run game could be dangerous. Freshman Tory Blaylock is also impressing.
Early-Season “Tell” Game: Illinois State
The opener vs. FCS Illinois State is a measuring stick. While not North Dakota State level, ISU is a FCS playoff-caliber program. OU needs to physically dominate — double-digit YPC, control both lines, and make ISU look like it doesn’t belong. We DO NOT want a “Temple 2024” repeat, where OU looked disjointed in a winnable mismatch, would raise alarms.
J.Y. wants to see:
- OL burying defenders
- The DL swarming like “a pack of hyenas”
- A killer instinct from the opening snap
Closing Thoughts: A Chip on the Shoulder
J.Y. feels this team — especially Mateer, Arbuckle, and the OL — has something to prove. Mateer was underrecruited in high school, playing in the same Texas district as Jackson Arnold but ending up at Washington State. Arbuckle is a young OC looking to cement his name in the SEC. BV, after two transition years, wants to show OU belongs at the top of its new league.
When a group with talent also has a collective edge, J.Y. says, “that’s dangerous.” If health holds and the Illinois State game sets the tone, 2025 could be a statement year.
JY Season Prediction: 9–10 wins, SEC contention, and a real shot at being 5–0 heading into the Red River game.
Thank you everyone!
Tailgating
TFB is sponsoring a tailgate at every OU home game this year and you’re invited!
Where: Boomer Outreach Building
SoonerPako’s OU ambulance is a can’t miss!
GPS: 35.197140269528816, -97.44582809258502
We’ll have music bumpin’ all day from hype playlists to country tailgate vibes.
Easy access to Hwy 9, tons of parking, shade, and even OU’s WiFi!
Bring your appetite and whatever you’ve got to share.
Plus: Free Tailgate Merch!
Let’s make this the best party on campus.
Boomer!
