Oklahoma

Barry Switzer questions if Oklahoma's NIL can compete with Texas, criticizes offensive struggles

Published

2 years ago

October 22, 2024

Barry Switzer questions if Oklahoma's NIL can compete with Texas, criticizes offensive struggles

Following another rough performance against South Carolina, there are plenty of questions about where Oklahoma’s offense goes next. Brent Venables made an offensive coordinator change, but legendary OU coach Barry Switzer said the Sooners are “short in a lot of areas” – and it might take some time to fix it.

Switzer pointed out the shortcomings for the Oklahoma offense, which will now see Joe Jon Finley take on play-calling duties after Seth Littrell’s departure. But he also questioned the Sooners’ ability to succeed in NIL dollars, particularly with rival Texas.

During an appearance on The Paul Finebaum Show on Tuesday, Switzer noted the difference between Texas’ population and Oklahoma’s. That, he said, impacts fundraising ability in the current state of college football. That’s why he wondered if the Sooners can keep pace with the Longhorns if recruiting battles turn into bidding wars.

“We’re short in a lot of areas, Paul,” Switzer said. “Defensively, we’re probably a lot better than we are offensively. We’re short, offensive line, with running backs, receivers, quarterback – every area of the offense needs help. And it’s gonna take a while to get there. But I think that they can. I don’t know. I question, sometimes, with NIL whether we can or not, whether we can compete against Texas every year. They can raise more money than we can. We’re a small state. We’ve only got 3.5 million people, and it’s gonna be more difficult than it is for the University of Texas, where they’ve got 35 million people. A wealthier state and people to be able to support the programs. We’ll have to wait and see.

“NIL is still a mystery for everybody because we don’t know where we’re gonna end up. Hopefully, someday, we’ll get something that has some stability to it that we all will have a chance to be successful with.”

A closer look at Oklahoma, Texas NIL initiatives

Barry Switzer was one of the founders of 1Oklahoma in 2022, and the NIL collective later came together with the Crimson and Cream and The Sooner Nation Collective. Upon the move, 1Oklahoma became OU’s official NIL collective.

As for Texas, the Texas One Fund emerged as one of the top NIL collectives in the country, and On3’s Pete Nakos ranked it at No. 3 in his top collectives in college sports in August. Sources told On3 it has roughly 60 football players under contract, and the organization has a working partnership with WME Sports.

The two collectives also came together ahead of this year’s Red River Rivalry matchup between Oklahoma and Texas. They teamed up for the “Golden Hat Classic” golf tournament with NIL money on the line. The winning side saw 55% of the pot go to its NIL collective while the loser received 45 percent.

Barry Switzer: Getting education is ‘not the goal anymore’

When looking at the changing NIL landscape, Barry Switzer pointed out a comment Nick Saban made after his retirement to sum things up. The former Alabama coach recalled an incident in which a player asked about NIL money before entering the transfer portal, which signaled it was time to walk away.

Switzer noted the differences in recruiting today compared to when he coached from 1961-97. In doing so, he sees education becoming less of a priority.

“I knew – I think when I saw Nick Saban leave and he said I think something about a 19-year-old kid coming into his office wanting to know how much he was gonna pay him to keep him from going into the portal, Nick knew it was time to get the hell out. I think I can understand that and appreciate that,” Switzer said. “When I recruited in the back in the ’70s, ’60s – I was recruiting in the ’60s at Arkansas. I started coaching in 1960 at Arkansas. I was with a lot of Coach Bryant’s people. … They were my mentors. I coached with those guys.

“I look back at this and say, back then, we were recruiting, we would have kids four or five years. Mothers and fathers, if they had a father, they wanted them to get an education. These kids today, that’s not the goal anymore, to get an education, to go to college. They all think they can play pro football, and that’s not true, that’s not gonna happen. If they’re not gonna be out there playing within a year or two, they’re in the portal or going somewhere else. I don’t know how in the hell they expect to get an education.”

Switzer also spoke about his approach in recruiting. He wasn’t just trying to get players to Oklahoma for four years and move on. He saw a lifelong bond, and he said that was part of his success during his career.

“I said this early on – and I ought to have to trademark on it, Paul – you know what NIL means? Now, it’s legal,” Switzer said. “What goes around, comes around. Back 50, 60 years ago, you did anything for a player, helped a player, it was illegal. Today, it’s not. I obviously coached in an area I helped kids when they needed help. I didn’t induce a player to come to Oklahoma, but once they [became] a part of my family, there were gonna be things that come up that you had to help a kid and I always told them, if you come be a part of my family, my program, I’m gonna treat you like you’re one of my own and I still do. … That’s been my approach and always has been.

“I think that’s one of the reasons I was successful is kids believed in me, they knew I’d help them if they needed help when they were here. And I’m not talking about buying a damn car. I’m talking about if they needed to get home – there was an emergency or a funeral, whatever, they’ve got to fly somewhere – I’m gonna get them there. I’m gonna treat them like they’re one of my own kids.”

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Oklahoma

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

Published

56 minutes ago

June 28, 2026

Press Room

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

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

Published

11 hours ago

June 28, 2026

Press Room

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

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:

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

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.

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.

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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Oklahoma

Trump nominates former Oklahoma officer Lance Schroyer to lead ICE

Published

21 hours ago

June 27, 2026

Press Room

Trump nominates former Oklahoma officer Lance Schroyer to lead ICE

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.

“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.

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.

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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