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How Oklahoma Players are Handling a Switch at OC

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How Oklahoma Players are Handling a Switch at OC


College football is business. Coaches obviously know that, and so do the players. 

Oklahoma coach Brent Venables on Sunday fired offensive coordinator Seth Littrell after only seven games in the role. With the move and five games still left, co-offensive coordinator Joe Jon Finley took over playcalling duties and offensive analyst Kevin Johns was promoted to co-offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach. 

“It’s hard, but we all trust Coach BV and the decision,” OU receiver Brenen Thompson said after practice Tuesday. “This is a players’ game. No matter who’s calling the plays or what’s going on, this is a players’ game and we can only control what we can control. Me and the rest of the guys, gonna give it everything we got.”

“The vibe has been good,” offensive lineman Troy Everett said. “We hate the news that happened. The offense has been great. The energy has been up the last two days. We haven’t had any practices this season where people have been moping or kicking the dirt. Everybody has had really high energy and wanting to get better.”

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Although he missed the first four games of the season because of injury, Everett has remained a team leader as a redshirt junior who started four games at left guard last season. Those leaders are vital for a group that not only lost its coordinator seven games into this season, but also at the end of last year when offensive coordinator Jeff Lebby left to become the head coach at Mississippi State. 

“When something like this happens, as a leader, you feel like you have to be responsible to help out,” Everett said. “For me, I’m very personable with all the guys. I love all those guys. Special teams, defense, everything. Just go out there and joke around. I just try to mess around and keep the energy high and spirits high. You’re going to go through stuff as a team. This is what makes us stronger is how we come out of it.” 

Regardless of what happened earlier in the week, this week is ultimately time for the Sooners to prepare for their next game against No. 18 Ole Miss at 11 a.m. Saturday in Oxford. And at 4-3 already, with a daunting schedule still ahead, OU can’t afford to grieve a week. 

“It’s unfortunate, but I think our biggest thing is we have to just focus on who we have next,” OU running back Jovantae Barnes said. “Just take it day by day. Just have to go out there and do our job, execute better as players.”

Like Everett, Barnes, a junior who currently leads the Sooners in rushing yards, is another leader on OU’s offense with the responsibility of keeping this group motivated after losing back-to-back games and fighting to stay above .500 while performing as one of the worst offenses in the country in the midst of quarterback and coordinator shuffles. 

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“I know what it looks like going 6-7. I know what it looks like having a positive season,” Barnes said. “So, just making sure guys keep going and just bring energy. Just making sure I’m heard, because I know I’m a quiet guy; sometimes I like to lean back and let people do what they have to do. I hate being a motivational speaker, but sometimes I have to be heard and show people this is serious, this is almost a job. 

“This is all we’ve been dreaming about since we were little, so why not go get it now? So, just making sure I’m heard, and everybody’s just out there having fun and doing their job, working on the little stuff.”

Everett, Barnes and plenty others on the offense have been through this change before. But it’s nearly deja vu for tight end Jake Roberts. Roberts started his career at North Texas, where Littrell was the head coach before coming to OU. In 2022 after Roberts’ junior season, UNT parted ways with Littrell. He then joined OU’s staff as an offensive analyst for the 2023 season, while Roberts also left Denton for Baylor. But when Littrell was promoted to co-offensive coodinator, Roberts not only returned home to Norman, but was also reunited with his old head coach, at least for a little bit.

“I love Coach Littrell as a coach and a person,” Roberts said with a smile. “This doesn’t change a thing about that.”



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Where to find July 4th fireworks, festivals, and family fun in Oklahoma

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Where to find July 4th fireworks, festivals, and family fun in Oklahoma


Looking for the perfect spot to celebrate Independence Day in Oklahoma this year? From massive fireworks displays over Grand Lake to food truck festivals and live music across the OKC metro, communities are pulling out all the stops to celebrate the Declaration of Independence. Grab your lawn chairs, round up the family, and get ready for an unforgettable week of summer fun. Here is your ultimate guide to the best Fourth of July events happening right in your backyard!

Key takeaways

  • The bigger picture: Oklahoma communities are going all out for Independence Day in 2026, with celebrations spanning from Norman’s four-day Fourth Fest to major fireworks displays in Edmond, Tulsa, and on Grand Lake — giving families across the state plenty of options close to home.
  • More details: Highlights include Liberty Fest in Edmond, one of the largest fireworks displays in the metro area, the Duck Creek Fireworks on Grand Lake featuring a War Bird flyover tribute synchronized to patriotic music, and Tribute to Liberty in Midwest City, which combines live music, a laser show, and fireworks in honor of the Declaration of Independence’s 250th anniversary.
  • Why this matters: This year’s celebrations carry extra weight as part of America’s semiquincentennial, with several events — including Tribute to Liberty and the Duck Creek Fireworks — built around honoring both the nation’s founding and the service members who’ve defended it.
  • Date: 9:45 p.m. July 1-4
  • Location: Reaves Park; 2501 S Jenkins Ave., Norman

This year’s Fourth Fest is bigger than ever before, spanning four days. The city has added additional programming across multiple parks. Before the fireworks, enjoy a wide range of attractions including bouncy houses, local vendors, food trucks, pony rides, and a petting zoo. The fireworks show begins at 9:45 p.m. on July 4.

  • Date: 8:30 p.m. July 3
  • Location: Scissortail Park, 300 SW 7th St., Oklahoma City

OKCPHIL’s Red, White, and Boom concert is a high-energy celebration that brings the community together for an unforgettable summer evening of music. The Oklahoma City Philharmonic performs a vibrant program of American classics, fan favorites, and patriotic anthems.

  • Date: 6-10 p.m. July 3
  • Location: Boomer Lake Park; 2310 E Lakeview Road, Stillwater

This Independence Day celebration will include area vendors, food trucks, hometown hospitality, and a fireworks show. Free parking will be available at Stillwater High School’s Pioneer Stadium.

  • Date: July 3-4
  • Location: Yukon City Park & Chisholm Trail Park, 2200 S Holly Ave., Yukon

Bring the whole family to Freedom Fest in Yukon! Experience a lineup of live outdoor concerts, peruse the food trucks on site, and enjoy the activities for kids.

  • Date: 2-10 p.m. July 4
  • Location: Buck Thomas Park, 1903 NE 12th St., Moore

Enjoy one of the largest fireworks shows in the state with food trucks, vendors, and activities throughout the day. Admission is free. Fireworks will begin around 9:45 p.m.

  • Date: 7-10 p.m. July 4
  • Location: Joe B. Barnes Regional Park, 8700 E Reno Ave., Midwest City

Bring your chairs and join Midwest City in its celebration of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Enjoy food trucks, games, The Wise Guys performing live on stage, a huge fireworks display, and a laser show.

  • Date: 9:30 p.m. July 4
  • Location: University of Central Oklahoma; 100 N University Drive, Edmond

Liberty Fest’s grand finale is one of the largest fireworks displays in the metro area. Bring your entire family to witness the spectacular show. Parking is available in lots on campus.

  • Date: July 4
  • Location: Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees, 32888 S 4507 Road, No. 8123, Afton

Duck Creek Fireworks is the longest-running tradition on Grand Lake. Keep an eye out for the highly anticipated War Bird flyover, a tribute to the men and women serving overseas. The fireworks, beginning at sunset, will be synchronized to patriotic music.

  • Date: July 4
  • Location: River West Festival Park, 2100 S Jackson Ave., Tulsa

Celebrate America’s independence at Tulsa’s annual FreedomFest celebration. This celebration includes all-ages entertainment and a variety of activities and tasty concessions. FreedomFest features one of the largest free fireworks displays in Oklahoma.





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Oklahoma Lottery Powerball, Lotto America results for June 27, 2026

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Oklahoma Lottery Powerball, Lotto America results for June 27, 2026


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The Oklahoma Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big.

Here’s a look at June 27, 2026, results for each game:

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Winning Powerball numbers from June 27 drawing

03-16-28-30-59, Powerball: 11, Power Play: 2

Check Powerball payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Lotto America numbers from June 27 drawing

03-08-18-22-39, Star Ball: 06, ASB: 02

Check Lotto America payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick 3 numbers from June 27 drawing

3-6-9

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Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Cash 5 numbers from June 27 drawing

15-17-20-25-26

Check Cash 5 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Powerball Double Play numbers from June 27 drawing

02-26-34-43-45, Powerball: 15

Check Powerball Double Play payouts and previous drawings here.

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Winning Millionaire for Life numbers from June 27 drawing

26-32-38-51-52, Bonus: 05

Check Millionaire for Life payouts and previous drawings here.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your lottery prize

  • Sign Your Ticket: Please make sure to sign and complete the back of your ticket
  • You have 180 days from the draw date to claim your prize.
  • Prizes up to $600: Can be claimed at any Oklahoma Lottery retailer or at the Oklahoma Lottery Winner Center, located at 300 N. Broadway in downtown Oklahoma City. Hours of operation are Monday – Friday 7:30 am – 4:00 pm.
  • Prizes from $601 to $49,999: These can be claimed at the Oklahoma Lottery Winner Center or by mail. Payments can be issued as a check or direct deposit (ACH). Claiming in person requires a photo of the front and back of the winning ticket, a valid ID, official proof of Social Security number and a completed claim form.
  • Prizes of $50,000 or more: These can be claimed in person at the Oklahoma Lottery Winner Center or by mail. Payment options include check or ACH. Bring a photo of the front and back of the winning ticket, proof of Social Security number, a completed claim form, and valid ID.

Mail-in Claims: Mail the original signed ticket and a completed claim form to the Oklahoma Lottery, P.O. Box 548810, Oklahoma City, OK 73154. For direct deposit, include a voided check or bank letter with your account details. Non-winning tickets are not accepted, and Oklahoma Lottery assumes no responsibility for lost or stolen mail.

For additional details, refer to the official Oklahoma Lottery claim page.

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When are the Oklahoma Lottery drawings held?

  • Powerball: 9:59 p.m. CT Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
  • MEGA Millions: 10 p.m. CT Tuesday and Friday.
  • Lucky for Life: 9:38 p.m. CT daily
  • Lotto America: 9:15 p.m. CT Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
  • Pick 3: 9:10 p.m. CT daily.
  • Cash 5: 9:10 p.m. CT daily.
  • Powerball Double Play: 9:59 p.m. CT Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
  • Millionaire for Life: 10:15 p.m. CT daily.

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by an Oklahoma editor. You can send feedback using this form.



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Trump nominates former Oklahoma officer Lance Schroyer to lead ICE

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Trump nominates former Oklahoma officer Lance Schroyer to lead ICE


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President Donald Trump announced June 27 he would nominate Lance Schroyer, a former Oklahoma state trooper, to serve as director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

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“The Senate must CONFIRM Lance, IMMEDIATELY — Do not delay,” Trump wrote in a Truth Social post, calling Schroyer a “patriot” and asserting he would help carry out Trump’s broader immigration push to detain and deport individuals the administration describes as serious criminal offenders.

The move to fill the position comes months after Todd Lyons, the acting director of ICE who oversaw immigration enforcement crackdowns linked to killings in Minnesota and Illinois, resigned as acting director at the end of May. 

Schroyer has over 29 years in law enforcement in Oklahoma and is a U.S. Marine, Trump said. Most recently, Schroyer’s spearheaded federal-local immigration enforcement partnerships with ICE, including a program that allows state and local agencies to assist federal immigration authorities.

Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin also praised the selection, saying Schroyer’s background positions him to advance the administration’s immigration enforcement goals and called on the Senate to act quickly to confirm him.

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Who is Lance Schroyer?

Schroyer currently serves as senior adviser to the Department of Homeland Security, where he helps coordinate immigration enforcement strategy and interagency cooperation among federal, state and local partners, according to the Department of Homeland Security.

He previously served as a major with the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety, overseeing emergency and special operations units that handled disaster response, civil disturbance planning, abducted child recovery efforts and tactical operations.

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ICE leadership vacancy and broader enforcement debate

ICE has not had a Senate-confirmed director since early 2017 and has largely been led by acting officials.

The nomination comes as the agency continues to play a central role in Trump’s immigration enforcement agenda. The Trump administration has expanded detention and deporation efforts as part of the president’s goals to crack down on people entering the country illegally. Immigration rights groups have raised concerns about civil liberties and detention conditions. ICE has faced scrutiny over enforcement actions and deaths in custody, including incidents that have prompted protests and public debate.

ICE’s detention strategies continue to evolve, including adjustments to how custody facilities are planned and utilized. At the same time, immigration enforcement officers are being deployed in more states, pointing to a wider national presence as part of the administration’s enforcement efforts.

Contributing: Reuters

Reporter Anthony Thompson can be reached at ajthompson@usatodayco.com, or on X @athompsonUSAT

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