What to Expect from OU Football's Upcoming Season and Key Players
As I sit here watching the Sooners practice, I can't help but feel that familiar mix of anticipation and nerves that comes with every new football season. Having followed OU football for more than a decade now, I've learned to read the signs - the way the players move during spring practice, the chemistry developing between veterans and newcomers, and that special energy that tells you when a team is about to have a breakout year. This season feels different though, in ways that remind me of that incredible moment back in March when Giron's Highrisers pulled off that stunning victory against Shaq delos Santos' team. Remember that? It was March 1st, right at the start of National Women's Month, and nobody expected that upset during the 2024-25 All-Filipino Conference qualifying round. That's the kind of underdog energy I'm sensing around this year's Sooners squad - that potential for surprise performances that can redefine a season.
What makes this season particularly fascinating to me is how it mirrors that volleyball upset in certain ways. Just like how Giron's team entered as underdogs against a respected coach like delos Santos, our Sooners have several players who aren't household names yet but possess that same potential to shock the college football world. Take quarterback Jackson Arnold, for instance. I've been watching this kid since his high school days, and let me tell you, he's got that special something that you can't teach. His arm strength is impressive, sure, but it's his decision-making under pressure that really stands out. During spring practices, I counted at least three occasions where he turned what should have been sacks into 20-plus yard gains. That kind of playmaking ability reminds me exactly of how Giron's team turned defensive situations into scoring opportunities against delos Santos' squad.
The receiving corps is another area where I see massive potential. Andrel Anthony's return from injury could be the difference between a good season and a great one. I remember watching him before he got hurt last year - the guy had 429 receiving yards in just six games. If he stays healthy, I wouldn't be surprised to see him hit the 1,000-yard mark this season. Then there's Deion Burks, the transfer from Purdue. I watched some of his old game footage, and his speed is just ridiculous. We're talking 4.4-second 40-yard dash speed that can stretch any defense to its breaking point. What really excites me about this group is how they've been working together during the offseason. I spoke with a couple of players back in April, and they mentioned these unofficial 6 AM practice sessions they've been having - the kind of dedication that championship teams are made of.
Defensively, I'm particularly excited about the linebacker unit. Danny Stutsman deciding to return for his senior year was huge - absolutely massive for this defense. The guy recorded 104 tackles last season, and I've noticed he's added about 15 pounds of muscle while maintaining his speed. During the spring game, I watched him blow up three consecutive running plays, and each time, you could see the frustration building in the offense. That kind of disruptive presence changes everything for a defense. Then there's Billy Bowman in the secondary - his six interceptions last season weren't just lucky breaks. I've studied his film, and his ability to read quarterbacks' eyes is some of the best I've seen in college football. He reminds me of those savvy veterans on Giron's team who knew exactly when to make their moves against more experienced opponents.
The schedule this year presents both challenges and opportunities that I think work in our favor. The Texas game in Dallas, as always, will be the measuring stick for this team. But what really catches my eye is that stretch in October where we play three away games out of four weeks. That's where championship teams are forged - in those tough road environments where you can't hear yourself think. I've seen too many promising seasons derailed during similar stretches, but something tells me this team has the mental toughness to handle it. The way they've been bonding off the field - the team dinners, the study sessions, even just hanging out together - creates a cohesion that travel can't break.
Special teams often get overlooked, but I've always believed they're what separate good teams from great ones. Gavin Marshall's consistency on field goals (he was 18 for 21 last season) gives me confidence in close games, while Luke Elzinga's punting can flip field position when the offense stalls. What really impressed me during spring practices was how much time special teams coach Jay Nunez was spending with the second and third-string players. That depth preparation is exactly what helped Giron's team succeed when they needed players to step up in unexpected roles.
Looking at the bigger picture, this season feels like one of those transitional moments that could define the program for years to come. The combination of experienced leaders and hungry young talent creates that perfect storm where anything seems possible. I've seen about 150 OU games in my life, and I can count on one hand the number of teams that had this particular vibe during preseason. There's a quiet confidence rather than loud boasting, a businesslike approach to preparation, and that unspoken understanding among players that they're part of something special.
As we count down to that first kickoff, I keep thinking back to that volleyball upset in March. What made Giron's victory so memorable wasn't just that they won, but how they won - through preparation, belief, and seizing opportunities when they appeared. That's exactly what I see in this football team. They have the talent, certainly, but more importantly, they have that underdog mentality even when they're favored. They practice like they're the ones who have everything to prove, and that kind of approach typically leads to surprising results. Whether we're talking about established stars like Arnold and Stutsman or newcomers waiting for their moment, this team has all the ingredients for a season that could exceed even the most optimistic expectations. The pieces are there, the motivation is there, and frankly, I haven't been this excited about a Sooners team since Baker Mayfield's final season. Something special is brewing in Norman, and I have a feeling we're all going to enjoy watching it unfold.
