Oklahoma
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.
Kip Lewis returning for his redshirt senior season with the Oklahoma Sooners was one of the biggest wins of the offseason. Lewis has built an impressive career in Norman, racking up 209 tackles, 18.5 tackles for loss and five sacks with two interceptions, both of which he returned for touchdowns.
Beyond his production, Lewis has become one of the emotional leaders of the Oklahoma locker room. Although the NFL was an option, Lewis believed another season learning under Brent Venables would put him in the best position for long-term success.
In a video shared by Oklahoma, Lewis explained the factors that led him to return to Norman for another season.
“I talked to a lot of people,” Lewis said. “Mostly, my family and then my dad. He was just giving me key points that he felt like I should have come back… Mostly talked to a couple of my teammates like John (Mateer) and Isaiah (Sategna), getting their thoughts on what their plan was. I asked Danny (Stutsman) for advice. Talked to him for a little bit. Advice from Danny really stood out to me.”
Getting advice from Stutsman likely played a significant role in Lewis’ decision. Stutsman was in a similar position following a strong 2023 season. Stutsman elected to return to Norman in 2024 and had another strong individual season. That resulted in him being taken in the fourth round of the 2025 NFL Draft.
Lewis’ decision to return gives Oklahoma one of the most experienced and talented linebackers in the country for another season. By following the same path as Stutsman, Lewis is betting on development and another opportunity to improve his draft stock.
If he continues to lead at the level he has throughout his career, his final season in Norman could be the one that cements him as one of the top defensive players in college football.
Contact/Follow us @SoonersWire on X (formerly known as Twitter), and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oklahoma news, notes, and opinions. You can also follow Jaron on X @jaronspor.
TULSA, Okla — Tulsa has seen a boost in its food industry, thanks in part to a growing population.
Local News
Study shows Hispanic population boom boosting Tulsa economy
The Hispanic and Latino population has also contributed to the Oklahoma economy through restaurants, catering businesses, and food trucks.
According to a study conducted by the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission, the number of Hispanic and Latino individuals who have gone into the state’s food service industry has grown by more than 12,000 between 2001 and 2021.
To help continue this growth, the Lobeck Taylor Family Foundation is starting up its “Lanzamiento Program” for Spanish speakers who are interested in pursuing a career in the culinary industry.
Local News
Mother Road Market hosts program for Hispanic, Latino food entrepreneurs
The classes are held in partnership with Mother Road Market for 12 weeks.
Wendy Henriquez is the owner of Sugar Crave and completed the program back in 2024.
She said it was a huge help when it came to learning the ins and outs of the industry.
It also helped her that it was all in Spanish, the language she prefers.
“All of the classes were focused on the regulations here in the United States and Oklahoma needing to be met,” she said. “In every class, we had experts talk to us about things like taking out loans, insurance, credit.”
“Wow, I mean it isn’t easy, but it’s possible,” she said. “Perseverance is important.”
Abel Aguilar is the Program Manager in charge of the Lanzamiento course.
“We believe it’s important because not only do we have a strong population of both Hispanic and Latin entrepreneurs here in Tulsa, they may not know the resources that they have available to them,” he said.
While tuition doesn’t start off as being free of charge, there are financial assistance options to help.
We Street Credit Union has also pitched in to offer funds for financial assistance so some weight can be taken off of the participant.
Aguilar also said Lobeck Taylor will work something out if finances are the only obstacle to applying.
For others interested in other resources to help kickstart their business, Avanzando Juntos is also a non-profit organization that can help.
Primarily for Spanish speakers, Avanzando Juntos helps connect business owners with grants and funding that can help eliminate some of the costs that come with starting a business.
For those interested in applying to the “Lanzamiento” Program, you can visit the Kitchen 66 website for the application.
Isabel Flores is your North & East Tulsa reporter.
Is there something you think she should know about or look into?
You can email her at Isabel.Flores@kjrh.com.
Stay in touch with us anytime, anywhere —
1. Death of inmate at Oklahoma County Detention Center under investigation
Oklahoma County Detention Center.
• 33-year-old Dancing Feathers Whitecrow found unresponsive
• Taken to hospital where she was pronounced dead
• Active investigation ongoing
Officials are investigating the death of an inmate at the Oklahoma County Detention Center.
Officers found 33-year-old Dancing Feathers Whitecrow unresponsive just before 7 p.m. Sunday. She was taken to the hospital and pronounced dead. Whitecrow had been booked into the jail in April.
This remains an active investigation.
The Oklahoma County Criminal Investigations Division is investigating after Dancing Feathers Whitecrow, 33, died in custody.
2. Deadly hit-and-run in southwest Oklahoma City
• Pedestrian struck and killed near Southwest 61st and May
• Crash happened just before midnight
• No description of the vehicle yet
Oklahoma City Police are investigating a deadly hit-and-run that happened late Tuesday in southwest Oklahoma City.
One person was struck and killed by a vehicle near Southwest 61st and May just before midnight on Wednesday.
Police say they currently have no description of the vehicle involved.
3. Elderly Moore woman mauled to death by dog
• 86-year-old Beatrice Carruth found dead July 2nd
• Dog belonged to her son, who was previously arrested in a related incident
• Dog has been euthanized
An 86-year-old Moore woman was mauled to death in her home by her son’s dog.
Beatrice Carruth was found dead on July 2nd. Family members say the dog, a Labrador and American Pit Bull Terrier mix, had previously attacked her in May.
The dog was euthanized Monday.
The Moore Police Department arrived at the scene near Northeast 27th Street and Highland Drive to find a woman with severe injuries.
4. Cattle rescue after semi overturns on I-40 near Tinker
News 9
• Mayberry family from Oklahoma City Stockyards helped clear the scene
• 109 head of cattle in trailer; more than 80 survived
• Similar crashes have happened in recent years
A family of ranchers helped rescue cattle after a semi overturned on I-40 near Tinker Air Force Base.
The Mayberry family responded to the scene and worked to safely remove the animals. They say they’ve assisted with several similar crashes over the past four years.
A trailer carrying 62 head of cattle overturned Tuesday morning, leaving only a single westbound lane of I-40 open for hours as crews rescued trapped animals.
5. Attorney General Drummond sues Allstate over insurance practices
• Lawsuit accuses company of denying or underpaying wind and hail claims
• Alleges use of undisclosed restrictive standards
• Similar lawsuit previously filed against State Farm
Attorney General Gentner Drummond is suing Allstate, accusing the insurance company of running a scheme to deny or underpay wind and hail claims.
The lawsuit alleges Allstate used undisclosed restrictive standards to limit coverage for Oklahomans. Drummond says the company is putting profits ahead of policyholders.
A similar lawsuit was previously filed against State Farm.
The lawsuit was filed Tuesday in Cleveland County District Court and alleges violations of state consumer protection and anti-racketeering laws.
———
Editor’s note: We used AI tools to help with editing and formatting this story. A human journalist reviewed everything before publication.
-
Detroit, MI10 minutes agoTeen on moped hit by car after cruising through stop sign in Detroit
-
San Francisco, CA18 minutes agoFlight of fancy: San Francisco moves to build private luxury airport terminal
-
Dallas, TX25 minutes agoDallas’ digital creator economy is booming. Burnout is too.
-
Miami, FL31 minutes ago
I went to 2 famous Miami restaurants, a flashy steakhouse and a Cuban hot spot. Here’s how they compared.
-
Boston, MA35 minutes agoPedestrian struck and killed in Roxbury – Boston News, Weather, Sports | WHDH 7News
-
Denver, CO40 minutes agoSanta Fe Drive in Denver closed this weekend for pedestrian bridge construction
-
Seattle, WA47 minutes agoPolice video shows West Seattle Bridge copper wire theft suspect’s arrest
-
San Diego, CA50 minutes agoOpinion: More apartments eased rents. Townhomes could aid buyers.
