Oklahoma
For Oklahoma DL Offer Asher Ghioto, a Dream has Already Become a Reality
Most athletes that just finished their freshman season of high school football are just happy that they survived the season and are ready to finish the rest of their first year.
But for Asher Ghioto, his freshman year has held a lot more than the typical issues of finding where your classes are and adjusting to high school life.
The 6-foot-5, 240-pound Ghioto finished his freshman season at The Bolles School in Jacksonville, FL, with 66 tackles and 21 tackles for loss. He also had 15 quarterback hits and seven sacks. His performance along the defensive line helped lead the Bulldogs to a 10-2 record in 2024.
Recruiting interest in Ghioto really began to pick up in the weeks following the new year after he received offers from Alabama, Miami and Texas A&M within a two-week time frame. Auburn, Florida, Florida State, Georgia, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio State, Ole Miss, Tennessee and others have also offered. Oklahoma made its scholarship offer on Feb. 19, and he has been on the Sooners’ radar ever since.
“It felt amazing to receive the offer,” Ghioto told Sooners on SI. “This was one of my dream offers, knowing how well they teach their defensive line and how not only physically but mentally ready they are when they leave Oklahoma.”
Even though it is still early in the recruiting process, Ghioto understands how much of an honor it truly is to be in his position.
“It’s definitely a blessing getting this attention early on,” he said. “I feel like it gives me a lot of time to really see how everything works and get a feel for every one of the programs that come my way.”
Ghioto said he had only spoken with a couple members of the coaching staff heading into last weekend’s “Future Freaks” recruiting event in Norman. But he was excited to grow his relationship with them and meet the other defensive coaches.
“Some of the coaches I already have a relationship with are defensive line coach Todd Bates and defensive analyst Xavier Brewer. Coach Brewer is from Jacksonville and I have known him for quite a while, and Coach Bates I have talked to recently and he sounds like an amazing leader,” Ghioto said.
There are many different things he was looking forward to last weekend, but one aspect stood out above the rest.
“I am looking forward to building a relationship with the staff and coaches there,” Ghioto said. “I’m excited to see the way everything is ran there and even more excited to learn more about the program.”
The recent group of defensive linemen and defensive players who have made their way to the NFL have made a lasting impact that shows prospects like Ghioto that coming to Oklahoma can get you to the next level.
“I feel the most interesting and best thing about the program from my perspective is how NFL-ready the players are out of college,” he said, adding that OU’s defensive line alumni in the NFL “is really a standout thing for me.”
Ghioto described himself as a player with clarity.
“I am the type of player that wants to win,” he said. “I am aggressive, smart and want to come in with a mindset that I fear no one but God.”
As a high school freshman, Ghioto has a lot of time to decide where he would like to play his college career. But he already has goals in mind of things he would like to accomplish before his high school career is over.
“My goals going forward are to become the best leader and role model for the people around me,” he said.
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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