Oklahoma

OU football: What’s the biggest area of focus for Oklahoma Sooners’ 2025 recruiting class?

Published

2 years ago

January 28, 2024

OU football: What’s the biggest area of focus for Oklahoma Sooners’ 2025 recruiting class?

NORMAN — With signing day having come and gone, and transfer portal season mostly in the books — at least until the spring when it kicks back up again — it’s time to turn attention to the 2025 class for OU.

The Sooners already have nine commits in the class, with six from the state — three from Carl Albert alone.

It’s another indication of the Sooners’ increased focus on recruiting in the state — as well as the strength of the 2025 class in the state.

OU signed six Oklahoma players in the 2024 class — including Del City’s David Stone, who played his final two seasons in Florida, but not including recruited walk-on Heritage Hall’s Andy Bass.

The Sooners hadn’t signed as many as six in-state players since the 2017 class.

Here’s a look at the Sooners’ 2025 commits, the players who figure to depart after next season and OU’s biggest outstanding needs in the class:

More: OU football co-defensive coordinator Zac Alley ‘a winner’ who brings ‘aggressive defense’

2025 OU football commits

Gracen Harris, WR, 6-10, 170, Ennis, Texas
Owen Hollenbeck, OG, 6-2, 315, Melissa, Texas
Marcus James, Ath., 6-3, 210, Midwest City (Carl Albert)
Ka’Mori Moore, DL, 6-1, 295, Lee’s Summit, Mo. (North)
Jaden Nickens, WR, 6-3, 190, Oklahoma City (Millwood)
Alexander Shieldnight, Edge, 6-2, 220, Wagoner
Kevin Sperry, QB, 6-0, 200, Midwest City (Carl Albert)
Elijah Thomas, WR, 6-1, 63, Checotah
Trynae Washington, Ath., 6-3, 195, Midwest City (Carl Albert)

More: OU football: Which players have committed to Sooners’ 2025 recruiting class?

Expected departures

OL: Spencer Brown, Michael Tarquin
TE: Jake Roberts
WR Andrel Anthony, Jalil Farooq, JJ Hester
DE: Ethan Downs, Trace Ford, Caiden Woullard
DT: Jacon Lacey, Davon Sears, Da’Jon Terry
LB: Justin Harrington, Konnor Near, Danny Stutsman, Shane Whitter
CB Kendel Dolby, Dezjhon Malone, Woodi Washington, Gentry Williams
S: Billy Bowman

More: Who has OU football added, lost via the transfer portal? Here’s the complete list

Biggest need

Offensive line: The Sooners still hope to add a bit to the 2024 offensive line, but need to make inroads in the 2025 class as well.

They currently have just one commit there —interior offensive lineman Owen Hollenbeck.

OU has plenty of options at defensive tackle but three of the most intriguing are all from the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex — five-star Michael Fasusi of Lewisville, four-star Ty Haywood of Denton Ryan, and Lamont Rogers of Mesquite Horn.

Each is in the top 10 nationally at the position, according to the 247 Sports Composite, with Fasusi leading the way at No. 2, Haywood at No. 6 and Roberts No. 7.

If the Sooners could get one, they’d be in solid shape, they’d be over the moon with two and getting all three would be a pipe dream.

More: Oklahoma football adds David Stone, Danny Okoye in 2024 class: Follow National Signing Day

Biggest local target remaining

Nate Roberts, TE, Purcell: The 247 Sports Composite four-star has offers from a who’s who of programs — Ohio State, Oregon, Alabama, Notre Dame, Clemson, Florida, Florida State, Georgia, Iowa, Louisville, Miami, Michigan, Missouri, Oklahoma State, Ole Miss, Penn State, Tennessee and Texas A&M among them.

So Roberts has plenty of options.

But with the tight end figuring to play a more prominent role in the Seth Littrell/Joe Jon Finley offense than it did under Jeff Lebby’s system, and with the lack of proven playmakers at the position (though they’re high on 2024 signee Davon Mitchell), getting Roberts would be big.

Robert’s proximity to Norman certainly helps, as does the fact his brother, Jake, transferred to OU from Baylor recently.

It’s still not an easy sell, with Ohio State being the primary competition for Roberts, but he’d be a big-time addition to an already state-heavy recruiting class.

Looking for another?

The Sooners are also recruiting yet another Carl Albert player, Trystan Haynes. Haynes is a four-star prospect according to the 247 Composite and could wind up as a cornerback at OU.

Source link

Click to comment

Oklahoma

How to watch Oklahoma-Alabama in the College Football Playoff: TV/streaming info and more

Published

8 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Press Room

How to watch Oklahoma-Alabama in the College Football Playoff: TV/streaming info and more

For the second time this year, we’ll see Oklahoma and Alabama face off in a pivotal showdown.

The Sooners (10-2) will host the Crimson Tide (10-3) for a College Football Playoff showdown Friday at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Oklahoma. The last time these teams faced off, Oklahoma came away with a 23-21 win over Alabama on the road.

Will Oklahoma once again topple Alabama? Here’s everything fans should know about Oklahoma-Alabama in the CFP:

How to watch Oklahoma-Alabama in the CFP

When: 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 19

Where: Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium (Norman, Oklahoma)

TV: ABC/ESPN Streaming: ESPN app

A prime-time showdown

None of the four first-round College Football Playoff games overlap, but Alabama-Oklahoma really takes center stage.

With the other three games on Saturday, including Texas A&M-Miami, this game is the only one on Friday night and doesn’t overlap with any of Saturday’s NFL action like Tulane-Ole Miss and James Madison-Oregon do.

It shouldn’t be as cold as it has been lately in Norman, Okla., as early forecasts are expecting temperatures in the lower-50s and upper-40s on Friday. Combine that with a 7 p.m. kickoff that gives Oklahoma fans plenty of time to tailgate and get riled up for the game, and “The Palace on the Prairie” should be a sight to behold as it hosts its first CFP game.

Oklahoma-Alabama head-to-head

Oklahoma and Alabama have faced off eight times in the past. The Sooners lead the all-time series 5-2-1. As we mentioned above, Oklahoma won the latest matchup in the 2025 regular season.

Latest stories

— Can Oklahoma beat Alabama again in the CFP? History isn’t on its side

— Five storylines for Oklahoma-Alabama: A shot at revenge, turnover battle and more

— 10 things to know about Oklahoma head coach Brent Venables as Sooners head to CFP

— Brent Venables’ aggressive defense gives Oklahoma different look than past CFP teams

— Final College Football Playoff bracket: See where Texas Tech, A&M and Oklahoma landed

Find more Oklahoma coverage from The Dallas Morning News here.

Source link

Oklahoma

Children’s mental health facility reopens in Northeast Oklahoma

Published

20 hours ago

December 16, 2025

Press Room

Children’s mental health facility reopens in Northeast Oklahoma

Moccasin Bend Ranch, a residential treatment program in Wyandotte, has reopened after a remodel, expanding access to specialized mental health services for children ages 5 to 12. Leaders say the program fills a critical gap in Oklahoma, where options for young children needing higher levels of care remain limited.

A unique approach for younger children

Moccasin Bend Ranch is a 28 bed psychiatric residential treatment facility set on 12 wooded acres. The unlocked campus is designed to give children access to outdoor play and nature, something leaders say is essential for younger patients.

“This setting allows our kids to act like kids,” said Christina Holum, interim chief executive officer at Willow Crest Hospital and Moccasin Bend Ranch. “Watching them play gives us a renewed sense of purpose. We are confident this change will lead to better outcomes and happier, healthier children.”

The ranch focuses exclusively on children, a distinction that sets it apart from many other programs across the state.

Why early treatment matters

Mental health leaders say many children referred to Moccasin Bend Ranch have already tried outpatient therapy and medication management without success. By the time families seek residential care, behaviors are often increasing in both frequency and intensity.

“If outpatient services are not working, families need somewhere to turn,” said Grant Linihan, vice president of business development for Vizion Health, which owns the facility. “If our program was not available, these, kids, where are they going to go to get treated?”

Linihan and Holum say early intervention can help children develop coping skills and emotional regulation before problems follow them into adolescence and adulthood.

Inside the treatment program

Children at Moccasin Bend Ranch receive a full schedule of therapeutic services, including individual therapy, family therapy and group sessions. The program also emphasizes recreational and expressive therapies to help children process trauma and build skills in a developmentally appropriate way.

Staff members work with families to plan for discharge, aiming to ensure continuity of care once a child returns home.

Making the holidays feel normal

For some children, the holiday season can be especially difficult. Leaders say the ranch makes a point to celebrate milestones and traditions, even while children are in treatment.

The facility hosts holiday meals, seasonal activities and visits from community volunteers, including a volunteer Santa. Children are also taken to see nearby holiday light displays.

“We try to get them to reshape their minds,” Linihan said. “Even though you’re with us, this is still going to be a joyous time for you.”

A broader mental health need in Oklahoma

Mental health providers say the need for pediatric services is tied to broader challenges across the state, including limited funding and access to care. They note that untreated mental health issues in childhood can contribute to long term struggles later in life.

“There will always be a need for this type of service for a certain group of children,” Holum said. “If they cannot get help early, their prognosis becomes much worse.”

How families can get help

Families who are concerned about a child’s mental health can contact Willow Crest Hospital or Moccasin Bend Ranch for a free phone intake. Staff members can help parents determine whether residential treatment is appropriate or if outpatient care may still be an option.

Willow Crest Hospital, also operated by Vizion Health, is a 50 bed acute inpatient psychiatric facility in Miami serving adolescents ages 9 to 17. Together, the programs serve families from across Oklahoma, including hundreds of children from Tulsa County each year.

For more information, families can call (918) 542-1836 to speak with an intake specialist. You can also find their website here.

Source link

Oklahoma

Former Oklahoma football coach Bob Stoops announces retirement

Published

1 day ago

December 16, 2025

Press Room

Former Oklahoma football coach Bob Stoops announces retirement

Bob Stoops’ coaching career appears to be over. For real, this time.

The former Oklahoma football coach, who led the Sooners to a national championship in 2000, said Monday he would be retiring from coaching. Stoops had spent the previous three years as coach of the the United Football League’s Arlington Renegades.

“After much thought and reflection, I’ve made the decision to retire from coaching and step away from the game of football,” Stoops said in a statement released by the UFL. “Coaching has been one of the greatest honors of my life, and closing this chapter comes with lots of gratitude. …Thank you for allowing me to be part of this incredible game for so many years.”

Stoops’ first and only head-coaching job at the Division I level came at Oklahoma. He took over ahead of the 1999 season and stayed through 2016. OU went 190-48 overall while only suffering three-or-more defeats in Big 12 play four times. The Sooners’ 2001 Orange Bowl win capped 13-0 season and gave Oklahoma its first national title since 1985.

A native of Youngstown, Ohio, Stoops took over coaching Oklahoma after serving three years as Florida’s defensive coordinator. He retired from job at OU in June 2017, but lasted less than two calendar years as he was drawn to coaching the Dallas Renegades in the XFL.

The league folded in part because of the COVID pandemic before OU called on him again to serve as interim coach for the 2021 Alamo Bowl after Lincoln Riley left to coach Southern California. After that, he rejoind the Renegades, now rebranded as the Arlington Renegades in the UFL.

Source link