Oklahoma
Oklahoma DL Gracen Halton Looking to Continue Progression in 2025
NORMAN — After his best college season yet, Gracen Halton returns to Oklahoma as one of the leaders on a veteran defensive line.
Halton, a 6-foot-2, 284-pound defensive tackle entering his senior year, played all of the Sooners’ 13 games in 2024 and started three of them.
With several other veterans in OU’s front seven, Halton’s primary goal for 2025 is simple: be a major factor in one of the Sooners’ most experienced position groups.
“It’s great to have that experience, you know what I’m saying?” Halton said during a post-practice media in the spring. “Guys that know what to do, those guys can coach up the younger guys so that when we’re not here, the younger guys can take it to another level.”
Halton’s production in his first three seasons at OU was linear.
As a true freshman in 2022, he played in 10 games, finishing the season with 10 total tackles, with tackle for loss. Halton played 11 games in 2023 — zero starts — and ended the season with 3.5 tackles for loss and a quarterback hurry.
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And last year, Halton played a key role on the Sooners’ defensive line.
Halton finished the 2024 campaign with 30 tackles, six TFLs, five quarterback sacks, three hurries, two forced fumbles, a fumble recovery and a safety. Halton earned SEC Defensive Lineman of the Week honors in the Sooners’ Week 2 win against Houston, logging two tackles for loss and the game-clinching safety.
Halton finished the 2024 season with a Pro Football Focus defensive grade of 75.4. That grade was second among OU interior defensive lineman who played more than 10 games, behind only David Stone (75.7).
Still, even after such a stellar season, Halton isn’t content. He used spring ball to improve both as a player and as a leader.
“I’ve been through it before,” Halton said. “So just taking it day by day, just really getting better at the things I need to. Knowing what I need to get better and just taking it and applying it on the field.”
Halton sees his run-stopping abilities as an area where he can get better. While Halton’s pass rush grade was 76.7 in 2024, his run defense grade was a bit lower at 71.3, fourth-best among Sooner defensive tackles.
“Just staying in those double teams,” Halton said. “Things that I watched film on myself from last year (in run defense). Things I feel like I need to get better at.”
OU’s defensive line is loaded with players who have played hundreds of snaps for the Sooners, including senior tackle Damonic Williams, senior defensive end R Mason Thomas, sophomore tackle Jayden Jackson and Stone, a sophomore. The Sooners also picked up former Florida State and Georgia defensive end Marvin Jones Jr. from the transfer portal.
In a defensive line group filled with talented, experienced players, cornerback Gentry Williams believes Halton will be a centerpiece again in 2025.
“Gracen Halton had an excellent season,” Williams said. “I think G-baby has done a really good job (in spring practice).”
Oklahoma also signed two defensive linemen — tackle Trent Wilson and defensive end Alex Shieldnight — in its 2025 recruiting class. 247Sports rated both Wilson and Shieldnight as 3-star prospects.
With an array of old and new talent up front for OU’s defense, it’s hard to predict what the Sooners’ defensive two-deep will look like. But it’s safe to assume Halton will be a key piece for OU’s d-line, no matter where he lines up.
“I feel very comfortable,” Halton said. “I feel like it came through last year like game four or five, getting comfortable in where I was playing. Now I’m just getting better at it. All the mistakes I made, just getting better at those.”
The Oklahoma Highway Patrol is competing once again in the American Association of State Troopers’ Best Looking Cruiser Contest, this time showcasing the agency’s history alongside its modern fleet.
The entry features OHP’s restored 1937 Ford patrol car paired with a current Chevrolet Tahoe, highlighting nearly nine decades of the agency’s patrol vehicle tradition.
OHP highlights historic patrol car
According to OHP, the contest entry celebrates the agency’s original 1937 Ford patrol car and its connection to the modern Chevrolet Tahoe used by troopers today.
The agency says the iconic black-and-white “dovetail” paint scheme debuted on the 1937 Ford, with the white paint wrapping over the rear wheel wells. OHP says that design became the foundation for the look that continues to represent the agency today.
How voting works
The Best Looking Cruiser Contest is decided by public vote here.
OHP says each device is allowed one vote, and every vote is important as the agency competes against perennial favorites for a chance to earn a spot in the 2027 American Association of State Troopers calendar.
Looking to improve on last year
Oklahoma finished eighth in the nation in last year’s Best Looking Cruiser Contest.
The agency is hoping this year’s entry featuring both its historic 1937 Ford and modern Chevrolet Tahoe will help improve its finish and secure a place in the 2027 calendar.
“As Route 66 celebrates its 100th birthday, we wanted to honor the most iconic highway in America and the Oklahoma Troopers who have patrolled it for generations,” OHP said. “Since 1937, Oklahoma Highway Patrol Troopers have traveled its pavement, assisted stranded motorists, investigated crashes, enforced traffic laws, and answered calls for service along the Mother Road. Route 66 isn’t just a historic highway to us—it’s part of our history.”
In this week’s Your Vote Counts, Oklahoma’s Own Scott Mitchell leads Jason Dunnington and Sen. Paul Rosino in a discussion about new Oklahoma laws, including those addressing data centers. Other topics include inflation and the ongoing impact of the war in Iran.
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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