West of Everest: An Oklahoma Football Podcast

Ep. 430 - OU Makes Big Bet On Brent Venables Before Massive 2026 Season OU and Brent Venables agreed to a new six-year contract that reportedly pays Venables an average of $10.5 million per year. Did OU have to make this move now? The guys also discuss the latest on Jake Maikkula’s injury and the plan at center moving forward. The latest news out of fall camp includes Reggie Powers’ growth at cheetah, OU’s run-game talk, and more under-center work for John Mateer. Later, Brady Trantham from Oklahoma Sooners on SI and Through the Keyhole joins the show to give his perspective from fall camp. Brady discusses the center situation, Xavier Robinson, Jonathan Hatton, OU’s wide receiver questions, the tight end room, Tank Carrington, the defensive line, and the bigger-picture debate over Venables’ contract extension and Oklahoma’s standard in the SEC. Chapters/Timecodes 00:00 — Opening Take – Brent Venables gets a new contract 06:21 — Jake Maikkula injury clarity and the plan at center in the short term 17:27 — Reggie Powers buzz from fall camp 20:42 — Kip Lewis, Owen Heinecke and linebacker rotation questions 23:57 — Bigger bodies, tight ends and more command in the run game 24:19 — Tight ends as extra blockers in Oklahoma’s offense   27:06 — John Mateer talks under-center work and more 12 personnel discussion 34:16 — Brent Venables contract discussion begins 35:46 — Venables now reportedly among the top 10 highest-paid coaches 37:52 — Grant’s opening reaction: why do this right now? 40:39 — Lee: why not wait and see what happens in 2026? 46:01 — Oklahoma’s bet on front-office structure, Venables and development 49:41 — Listener question for Grant: did OU do enough to improve the offense? 50:57 — Grant’s answer: year five should mean national-level expectations 54:47 — Brady Trantham joins to talk fall camp 58:14 — Brady’s biggest fall camp takeaway outside Venables and Maikkula   01:02:19 — Brady on the Jake Maikkula injury and center options   01:06:00 — Is Ryan Fodje at center a real option or emergency planning?    01:12:10 — Tory Blaylock hamstring concern 01:12:48 — Xavier Robinson, Jonathan Hatton and Lloyd Avant as the healthy trio 01:14:05 — Jonathan Hatton’s physical tools and Adrian Peterson/Joe Mixon comparisons    01:19:00 — Elijah Thomas buzz and whether OU has a real playmaker emerging 01:24:00 — Tight end room talk: Hayden Hansen, Rocky Beers and Jack Van Dorselaer 01:26:00 — Can Jason Witten and Deland McCullough change OU’s offensive identity? 01:30:16 — Tank Carrington hype keeps growing 01:33:06 — Brady reacts to the Brent Venables contract extension 01:38:43 — Brady puts stock in the 2025 playoff season and the challenge of SEC play 01:41:01 — Grant’s concern: OU thought things were fine before 2024 too 01:43:25 — When should Oklahoma expect more than “good”? 01:44:11 — Should OU be a national title contender in year five? 01:45:44 — Comparing Venables’ path to Bob Stoops and the old Big 12/Big Eight reality 01:49:52 — How the SEC exposes your flaws 01:53:37 — The glass-half-full case for Oklahoma’s bet on Venables 01:58:37 — Whether the extension looks good depends on what you think 2026 will be 02:00:02 — What is the eject button for Venables?   02:10:46 — What if OU goes 9-3 but makes real offensive and defensive jumps? 02:14:59 — Georgia expectations and when OU should expect 11-1 or 12-0 again 02:16:34 — Where to find Brady Trantham’s work 02:17:32 — Closing: follow West of Everest Subscribe to the West of Everest YouTube channel Follow the show on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and please leave a five-star rating and review if you enjoy the podcast. Follow West of Everest on X, Instagram and Facebook.

Ep. 429 – A Potentially Crushing Injury Overshadows a Good Week of Practice Lee and Grant react to the report that Oklahoma center Jake Maikkula was injured during the Sooners’ first full scrimmage of fall camp. The guys discuss what Maikkula means to the offensive line, why center is such a difficult position to replace, and what Caleb Nitta and true freshman Noah Best could bring if Oklahoma must adjust up front. There was actually a lot of good news this week as there’s suddenly Elijah Thomas buzz coming out of practice, Trell Harris appears to be practicing in full, Tank Carrington has a trait shared by Jayden Jackson, and OU adds Arkansas transfer Danny Saili to the defensive line room. Later, the guys answer listener questions about Oklahoma’s offensive line, the run game, the running back room, how much better John Mateer really needs to be, what Ben Arbuckle must prove in year two, whether OU’s secondary can be considered the strength of the team, and which Sooners could get drafted after the 2026 season. Chapters/Timecodes 00:00 — Opening Take – A good week ends with bad news 03:59 — Brandon Drumm reports Jake Maikkula was injured in Saturday’s scrimmage 09:03 — Noah Best hype and whether he could factor into the center battle 12:15 — Why losing Maikkula would be a significant downgrade 16:35 — Elijah Thomas suddenly becomes a major name to watch 22:18 — Trell Harris appears to be practicing in full and making plays 28:27 — James “Tank” Carrington hype keeps growing 30:27 — Comparing Carrington’s block recognition to Jayden Jackson as a freshman 35:19 — Oklahoma adds Arkansas transfer Danny Saili 38:40 — Todd Bates’ credibility and why the defensive staff gets benefit of the doubt 39:31 — Listener poll: if OU has the best defense, how good must the offense be? 41:08 — West of Everest YouTube subscriber update and community growth 41:57 — Why total offense can be misleading 42:23 — Does OU need a top-10 offense to win a national title? 45:28 — Listener Questions lead to O-line talk about Michael Fasusi and Heath Ozaeta 47:22 — Why the offensive line should improve, but may not be elite yet 50:50 — 12 personnel, offensive philosophy and how OU may build its offense 55:38 — Under-center run game discussion 59:18 — Hunter asks about run blocking and run game health 59:32 — Shane asks if any running back is emerging as the top guy 01:00:42 — Why Xavier Robinson’s quick return suggests the early injury may not be severe 01:01:48 — Grant’s concerns about Tory Blaylock as a top-two running back 01:04:33 — What offensive success against OU’s defense would mean in camp 01:06:00 — John Mateer listener question: how much better does he really need to be? 01:06:55 — Did upgraded personnel change the standard for Mateer? 01:07:50 — Why a small statistical improvement may not be enough 01:08:17 — Mateer’s injury prevented OU from learning how much he could improve last season 01:12:48 — What a realistic Mateer statistical improvement could look like 01:14:02 — Can Mateer improve pocket movement, reads and timing? 01:16:23 — Jeff asks what Ben Arbuckle must do to help the offense thrive 01:16:44 — Arbuckle has to be intentional with personnel and play-calling 01:18:29 — How the offense can thrive in the SEC 01:20:21 — James asks whether the secondary could be the strength of the defense 01:23:29 — Peyton Bowen, Reggie Powers, Omarion Robinson and safety depth   01:28:11 — Big defensive package possibilities 01:31:07 — Final listener question: how many Sooners get drafted? 01:34:42 — What double-digit draft picks would mean for Oklahoma’s season 01:36:09 — Looking ahead to season preview content and show close Subscribe to the West of Everest YouTube channel Follow the show on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and please leave a five-star rating and review if you enjoy the podcast. Follow West of Everest on X, Instagram and Facebook. #OklahomaFootball #OUFootball #Sooners #CollegeFootball #SECfootball #BrentVenables #JohnMateer #FallCamp #WestOfEverest

Ep. 428 - John Mateer’s Championship Chance and Fall Camp is Here! John Mateer’s got an incredible opportunity to win a National Championship this season. He’s got the defense, but what must he and the offense do in order for the Sooners to win Number 8? The guys react to early Fall Camp video and practice buzz. Topics include Courtland Guillory’s impressive clips, David Stone’s dominance, Trent Wilson’s development, defensive line depth, PJ Adebawore’s role, Michael Boganowski becoming more technical, safety depth concerns and the possibility that OU’s defense may be even better in 2026. On offense, the conversation shifts to Deland McCullough and the running back room. We liked his comments about yards after contact. Thoughts on Tory Blaylock and Trell Harris, a possible surprise wide receiver may break out, and will Jason Witten influence Ben Arbuckle’s offense so much that the style changes? Plus brief thoughts on the Coaches Poll, the new five-year eligibility ruling, Taylor Tatum’s departure from Michigan, and more hot Lincoln Riley/Brent Venables talk! Chapters/Timecodes 00:00 — Opening Take – John Mateer’s massive opportunity 05:03 — Week Zero is getting close 07:12 — Fall Camp practice videos, a lot has stood out to Grant 08:10 — Deacon Schmitt may be ready to play early 08:31 — Manny Choice looks the part physically 09:00 — Cole Sullivan’s length and Austin Stogner flashbacks 09:34 — Courtland Guillory’s aura and defensive back clips 11:00 — Deland McCullough’s running back drill philosophy 12:38 — Why “yards after contact” matters for OU’s run game 15:07 — Tight ends, receivers and who looks comfortable in practice clips 17:04 — Running back talk begins with Lloyd Avant and Xavier Robinson 19:00 — Lee declares he’s not concerned with the D-line depth 21:00 — Trent Wilson as a potential breakout defensive lineman 25:00 — Defensive tackle depth and the benefit of the doubt for OU’s defensive staff 26:13 — Jayden Jackson and the question of durability 30:00 — Venables downplaying defensive line strength 30:56 — Edge rusher questions behind the defensive line hype 32:00 — PJ Adebawore entering a huge season 35:00 — Defensive front possibilities and pressure packages 36:00 — Michael Boganowski becoming more technical 37:00 — Safety play, deep passing concerns and OU’s secondary 44:00 — Peyton Bowen, Reggie Powers and young safety depth 46:00 — Linebacker depth behind Kip Lewis and Owen Heinecke 51:00 — Length on the edge and disrupting screens 54:41 — YouTube community poll: which offensive position group worries fans most? 56:00 — Tory Blaylock not available for Practice number 3 57:00 — Lloyd Avant appears to be RB1 if the game were tomorrow 01:00:00 — Lloyd Avant’s experience at Tulsa and Colorado State 01:01:00 — Avant’s wiggle, burst and potential fit at Oklahoma 01:03:00 — Xavier Robinson’s instant impact when healthy 01:04:00 — Deland McCullough compares Lloyd Avant to Damien Williams 01:06:00 — Trell Harris participates in individual drills with cameras present 01:10:10 — John Mateer says Manny Choice has grown a lot   01:15:07 — Tight end room discussion begins 01:15:28 — Hayden Hansen as a massive blocking presence 01:15:48 — Gabe Ikard’s interest in OU running out of 12 personnel 01:17:06 — Jason Witten’s influence on Oklahoma’s tight ends 01:19:47 — Ben Arbuckle’s Washington State personnel usage 01:23:32 — Is Arbuckle’s run scheme good enough?   01:28:54 — Offensive line thoughts and remaining offensive questions 01:30:11 — Grant’s frustration with OU’s transfer portal approach 01:31:58 — Oklahoma ranked No. 9 in the preseason coaches poll 01:32:58 — Five-year eligibility ruling and possible roster impacts 01:34:49 — Would Jaren Kanak help OU if he could return? 01:35:36 — Taylor Tatum no longer with Michigan 01:37:14 — Responding to Brady Trantham’s rebuttal to the Venables/Lincoln Riley debate 01:40:25 — Why that debate still matters today Subscribe to the West of Everest YouTube channel Follow the show on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and please leave a five-star rating and review if you enjoy the podcast. Follow West of Everest on X, Instagram and Facebook. #OklahomaFootball #OUFootball #Sooners #CollegeFootball #SECfootball #BrentVenables #JohnMateer #FallCamp #WestOfEverest

Ep. 427 - OU Fall Camp Questions & the Brent Venables Reality Check Our Fall Camp preview poses unanswerable questions at this time. Will Trell Harris make it through fall camp healthy? Can OU’s RB room get to Week 1 without a wave of injuries? Which position group could produce a surprise camp star, and more! Later, we take a deeper look at Brent Venables through four seasons at Oklahoma. How does Venables compare historically to other first-time head coaches? Is there a realistic national championship blueprint for Venables based on college football history? The episode closes with a detailed conversation about the idea that Lincoln Riley “left the cupboard bare” when he departed Oklahoma. Lee and Grant revisit the 2022 roster, including Dillon Gabriel, Eric Gray, Marvin Mims, Brayden Willis, Anton Harrison, Tyler Guyton, Wanya Morris and others, and debate whether OU’s 6-7 season in Venables’ first year was really about talent, culture, coaching, injuries, or all of the above. Chapters/Timecodes 00:00 — Opening Take – Fall Camp is upon us 06:05 — Will Trell Harris make it through fall camp healthy? 12:29 — What makes a true No. 1 wide receiver? 15:14 — National title expectations vs. where OU actually is 17:48 — Can Oklahoma get to UTEP with a healthy running back room? 21:25 — Which position group could produce a surprise camp superstar? 29:25 — Could Bowe Bentley win the backup quarterback job? 33:16 — If Mateer gets hurt again, can OU trust its QB2? 35:04 — Remembering backup quarterbacks from the Lincoln Riley era 41:17 — Side quest to talk about Lincoln Riley at Big Ten Media Days 43:05 — Will OU’s offense ever have its way with the defense in fall camp? 46:41 — Health is still the No. 1 fall camp priority 48:28 — Brent Venables first four seasons at OU in perspective 53:01 — Comparing first-time OU head coaches through four seasons 57:12 — Is there a national championship blueprint for Venables? 01:02:08 — Where Venables ranks among first-time head coaches historically 01:05:01 — Random detour: Charlie Weis, Notre Dame and college football YouTube rabbit holes 01:08:43 — Revisiting Lee and Grant’s initial reaction to Venables being hired 01:10:44 — OU’s 2022 floor should have been higher than 6-7 01:14:52 — Did Lincoln Riley really gut the program? 01:23:19 — Why the 2022 offense was the most functional part of the team 01:25:37 — Comparing OU’s 2021 offensive personnel to the 2022 offense 01:28:24 — Defensive roster comparison from 2021 to 2022 01:29:54 — What “cupboard was bare” may actually mean   01:34:00 — Offensive red flags heading into 2026 Subscribe to the West of Everest YouTube channel Follow the show on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and please leave a five-star rating and review if you enjoy the podcast. Follow West of Everest on X, Instagram and Facebook. #OklahomaFootball #OUFootball #Sooners #CollegeFootball #SECfootball #BrentVenables #JohnMateer #FallCamp #WestOfEverest

Ep. 426 - OU Has 3 Future NFL Tight Ends? SEC Media Days have come and gone, and one of the most interesting comments of the week came from Sooners general manager Jim Nagy. Does OU really have three tight ends on the roster who will be playing on Sundays? Lee and Grant also react to Brent Venables’ correctly acknowledging OU’s flaws from 2025 and mentioning that nine offensive linemen can play winning football. The guys answer listener questions about the effectiveness of Tory Blaylock, and whether their opinions have changed on Brent Venables. Later, Brady Trantham of Oklahoma Sooners on SI and Through the Keyhole joins the show to give his boots-on-the-ground perspective from SEC Media Days in Tampa. Brady discusses what actually mattered from Media Days, Brent Venables’ confidence in the tight end room, Oklahoma’s offensive questions, Trell Harris, the difficulty of adjusting to the SEC, Greg Sankey’s comments about the future of college football, the possibility of the SEC and Big Ten reshaping the sport, and more! Chapters/Timecodes 00:00 — Opening Take – Jim Nagy’s Bold Claim at SEC Media Days 06:50 — Could OU really have three future NFL tight ends? 10:12 — Can better tight ends actually fix Oklahoma’s run game? 19:26 — Brent Venables correctly identifies OU’s biggest 2025 problems 21:41 — Receiver room changes and Trell Harris questions 25:14 — Venables says OU has nine offensive linemen who can play winning football 25:32 — Who are Oklahoma’s offensive line depth pieces? 28:36 — Listener question: Why does Grant not like Tory Blaylock? 35:33 — Listener question: Has your view of Brent Venables changed? 42:48 — Brady Trantham joins the show to talk SEC Media Days 48:49 — Brent Venables’ confidence in OU’s tight end room 01:03:36 — Greg Sankey, OU hate watching, and what a SEC breakaway looks like   01:06:33 — The case for a 35-to-45 team highest level of college football 01:13:03 — Bedlam, Oklahoma State, Texas Tech and the future “big boy table” 01:15:31 — Is college football trying to grow like the NFL or NBA? 01:17:48 — Why the Big 12 did not make Oklahoma better for the playoff 01:25:04 — Mid-majors, expensive football and who belongs in a playoff 01:28:55 — Could some programs eventually stop playing major football? 01:33:26 — OU’s Big 12 years, playoff failures and defensive depth issues 01:38:06 — Why beating bad Big 12 teams became an unhealthy fan experience 01:42:04 — Why a softer league can hide flaws 01:43:47 — SEC Preseason Poll and no defensive players on First Team All-SEC Subscribe to the West of Everest YouTube channel Follow the show on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and please leave a five-star rating and review if you enjoy the podcast. Follow West of Everest on X, Instagram and Facebook.

Ep. 425 - OU Football Breakouts, Red Flags, and SEC Predictions Lee and Grant open with a look at OU’s second-year players heading into the 2026 season. Which young Sooners will contribute, and which players will disappoint? Lee and Grant also discuss Oklahoma’s SEC Media Days representatives — John Mateer, Eddie Pierre-Louis and Taylor Wein — and whether there is any real meaning behind who Brent Venables chose to bring to Tampa. Then the guys finish their SEC team-by-team predictions ahead of SEC Media Days. This episode covers Florida, Alabama, Ole Miss, Texas A&M, Arkansas, Mississippi State, LSU and Texas. The show closes with Lee and Grant unveiling their full predicted SEC order of finish, SEC Championship Game picks and SEC champion predictions. Chapters/Timecodes 00:00 — Welcome. Lee’s sunburn advice 02:15 — Which second-year Sooners could contribute in 2026? 06:32 — Lee picks Darius Afalava as a possible offensive contributor 09:15 — Why Oklahoma’s offensive high school recruiting track record is concerning   12:24 — Omarion Robinson and Trent Wilson as obvious defensive breakout options 17:36 — Marcus James, high school recruiting and the modern transfer portal era 22:02 — Nigel Smith and whether 2026 is his make-or-break year 24:51 — Lee picks Elijah Thomas as a possible offensive non-factor 27:03 — Grant’s concerns about Emmett Jones and wide receiver development 30:45 — J.J. Hester’s strange Kentucky stat line 33:47 — John Mateer, Eddie Pierre-Louis and Taylor Wein heading to Tampa 41:54 — The Athletic’s All-SEC team and Kip Lewis being left off 43:17 — Lee’s Florida breakdown: John Sumrall, Buster Faulkner, Aaron Philo and Jadan Baugh 45:35 — Grant agrees on Florida going 7-5 47:18 — Florida’s skill talent and offensive line concerns 48:43 — Could Florida have the worst quarterback situation in the SEC? 51:25 — Grant predicts Alabama at 9-3 55:36 — Could Kalen DeBoer struggle with the Alabama culture fit? 56:32 — Ole Miss prediction. Crossfire here. 01:02:15 — Texas A&M prediction 01:02:54 — Grant’s hesitation with the Aggies and Marcel Reed 01:07:34 — Arkansas prediction 01:09:16 — Mississippi State prediction 01:11:40 — LSU prediction. Grant’s skeptical, but still high on LSU. 01:14:54 — Lee predicts LSU at 11-1 01:17:40 — Lee’s hopefully wrong Texas prediction 01:20:09 — Texas red flags: offensive line, Arch Manning and portal questions 01:22:47 — Full SEC predicted order of finish 01:23:34 — Grant’s Oklahoma prediction in the SEC standings 01:24:21 — Georgia as the default SEC champion pick, Lee’s surprise teams 01:26:39 — Most confident and least confident SEC predictions 01:27:54 — Grant’s Oklahoma uncertainty: SEC champion or 6-6? 01:28:50 — Bonus World Cup and soccer talk 01:31:59 — Why the U.S. still lags behind elite soccer countries 01:35:43 — Soccer popularity, money and American sports culture Follow West of Everest Subscribe to the West of Everest YouTube channel for full episodes, clips and Shorts. Follow the show on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and please leave a five-star rating and review if you enjoy the podcast. Follow West of Everest on X, Instagram and Facebook. #OklahomaFootball #OUFootball #Sooners #CollegeFootball #SECfootball #SECMediaDays #WestOfEverest

Lee and Grant open the show by digging into OU’s strange takeaway numbers from last year and talk about why 2025 was a major outlier in Brent Venables' career. The guys also discuss Parker Thune’s observation about Oklahoma’s projected defensive starters being almost entirely recruited and developed by OU, and what that says about the defensive staff under Venables. Later, the guys make predictions for half of the SEC, including Kentucky, Tennessee, Missouri, Auburn, South Carolina, Georgia, Vanderbilt and OU. Chapters/Timecodes 00:00 — Opening Take -- Oklahoma’s bizarre 2025 takeaway numbers 05:04 — Revisiting the takeaway discussion from Through the Keyhole 14:23 — What would be a satisfying takeaway total for Oklahoma in 2026? 17:32 — Parker Thune’s tweet about OU’s projected defensive starters 21:26 — Why OU’s defensive trajectory under Venables still has room to grow 27:16 — Running back development concerns and offensive staff questions 30:17 — Brent Venables vs. Lincoln Riley: defensive head coach vs. offensive head coach 32:05 — What OU needs to show against UTEP in the season opener 38:26 — SEC Media Days setup and preseason prediction format 42:37 — Kentucky season prediction 51:57 — Tennessee season prediction 54:02 — Lee’s concern about Tennessee and a possible late-season collapse 58:18 — Missouri season prediction 01:03:27 — Auburn season prediction 01:07:34 — South Carolina season prediction 01:10:16 — Grant predicts trouble for South Carolina 01:11:20 — Georgia season prediction 01:14:37 — Vanderbilt season prediction is a crossfire 01:17:48 — Oklahoma season prediction (we reserve the right to change this) 01:26:34 — Big 12 media days and conference realignment discussion 01:29:33 — SEC vs. Big Ten, ESPN/FPI criticism and media narratives 01:34:08 — How to compare SEC and Big Ten depth Follow West of Everest Subscribe to the West of Everest YouTube channel for full episodes, clips and Shorts. Follow the show on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and please leave a five-star rating and review if you enjoy the podcast. Follow West of Everest on X, Instagram and Facebook. #sooners #oklahomafootball #oufootball #sec #secfootball #collegefootball #cfb #georgiafootball #kentuckyfootball #vanderbiltfootball

John Mateer has been the talk of the college football world for the last 6-9 days. Lee and Grant discuss Mateer’s viral offseason moments and the recent reports about his thumb injury, throwing motion, mechanics, and offseason work to become a better passer.  Plus the guys talk about OU moving its 2026 season opener against UTEP to Friday night, the NCAA’s proposed five-year eligibility model, and a few corrections from last week’s episode! We save some World Cup talk for the end if that interests you. Chapters/Timecodes 00:00 — Opening Take -- John Mateer’s big week: viral squat video, Manning Passing Academy and throwing mechanics 06:16 — Show correction: 31 personnel vs. 13 personnel 07:19 — Lee and Grant reintroduce themselves to new YouTube viewers 10:07 — West of Everest’s role in the OU football podcast ecosystem 12:29 — Grant’s reaction to all the John Mateer offseason attention 14:52 — Mateer’s viral front squat video and Manning Passing Academy look 19:50 — Breaking down Mateer’s throwing motion and release 20:08 — Why Mateer still looks like a natural three-quarter arm passer 21:15 — Comparing pre-injury and post-injury Mateer 24:01 — Watching Mateer’s Oklahoma debut against Illinois State 24:45 — Mateer’s arm angle, release style and natural throwing motion 25:03 — Mateer’s arm strength and the Josh Allen comparison 25:49 — Why changing quarterback mechanics takes time and thousands of reps 28:15 — Evaluating recent Manning Passing Academy clips 31:09 — Reviewing more Mateer throws from Manning Passing Academy 36:41 — Oklahoma’s 2026 season opener against UTEP moves to Friday night 37:02 — Roger Denny’s statement on the Friday night opener 37:51 — Why the Friday opener gives OU an extra day before Michigan 41:04 — Looking back at OU’s previous Friday night opener against Temple 41:20 — Why West of Everest sounded the alarm early on the 2024 OU offense 43:25 — Comparing the Temple opener to Mateer’s Illinois State debut 44:33 — What elite Oklahoma offenses used to look like against overmatched opponents 45:58 — NCAA’s proposed five-year eligibility model 47:06 — How the new age-based eligibility clock would work 48:33 — Why the proposed model could change redshirts and record books 52:52 — Can the NCAA actually enforce new eligibility rules after recent lawsuits? 54:02 — Collective bargaining, unions and the future of college athlete rules 57:02 — Show corrections segment begins 57:52 — Revisiting the Kip Lewis linebacker discussion 01:00:00 — Curtis Lofton correction: best OU linebacker since Rufus Alexander? 01:01:16 — Minnesota football and paying players in the 1980s 01:04:29 — Happy Fourth of July and World Cup talk 01:04:48 — Why the USMNT in the World Cup still feels like a big deal 01:06:02 — Folarin Balogun, red cards and FIFA decision-making 01:10:19 — Soccer replay debate: slow motion, red cards and rule interpretation 01:13:01 — Comparing replay in soccer to replay in football 01:16:17 — Should red cards punish intent, danger or outcome? 01:22:41 — What soccer might look like with a few rule tweaks 01:25:19 — Closing thoughts and where to follow West of Everest Follow West of Everest Subscribe to the West of Everest YouTube channel for full episodes, clips and Shorts. Follow the show on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and please leave a five-star rating and review if you enjoy the podcast. Follow West of Everest on X, Instagram and Facebook. #OklahomaFootball #OUFootball #Sooners #JohnMateer #CollegeFootball #WestOfEverest

The guys are back for a full summer reset as the 2026 college football season gets closer. The guys start with the three most interesting things about OU football in 2026, including whether Brent Venables’ Oklahoma defense can be even better this season, why the Sooners may be underrated nationally, the importance of John Mateer taking a step forward, and what to make of Oklahoma’s difficult SEC schedule. Then, Lee and Grant play a John Mateer “Would You Rather” quarterback game, comparing Oklahoma’s QB to several major names around college football, including Arch Manning, CJ Carr, Marcel Reed, Darian Mensah, Gunnar Stockton, Rocco Becht, Connor Weigman, Kevin Jennings, Sam Leavitt and more. Later, the guys hit on Owen Heinecke’s preliminary injunction before diving into the wild Brendan Sorsby gambling/NCAA/Texas Tech/Big 12 situation, what it says about NCAA enforcement power, and why courts are becoming such a major part of modern college football. The episode wraps with thoughts on OU baseball winning the national championship and how the Sooners got hot at the perfect time. West of Everest is an Oklahoma football podcast hosted by Lee Benson and Grant Benson. Chapters / Timecodes 00:00 — Intro: West of Everest is back 04:50 — Ratings, reviews, and growing the show 05:30 — Top 3 most interesting things about OU football in 2026 06:00 — Why OU’s defense may be underrated nationally 10:00 — David Stone, Kip Lewis, Owen Heinecke and Oklahoma’s defensive ceiling 11:20 — Comparing Brent Venables’ OU defense to his Clemson defenses 15:35 — OU player ratings, David Stone hype, and Kip Lewis appreciation 21:00 — John Mateer, Ben Arbuckle and Oklahoma’s offensive continuity 23:00 — Running back room concerns: Xavier Robinson, Tory Blaylock, Lloyd Avant and Deland McCullough 27:10 — Can tight ends really fix Oklahoma’s run game? 28:25 — Oklahoma’s 2026 win total and brutal SEC schedule 30:35 — Michigan, Georgia, Texas and OU’s season-defining early stretch 35:15 — John Mateer “Would You Rather” quarterback game begins 37:30 — John Mateer or Connor Weigman? 39:35 — John Mateer or Kevin Jennings? 41:10 — John Mateer or CJ Carr? 43:30 — John Mateer or Josh Hoover? 46:40 — John Mateer or Marcel Reed? 48:15 — John Mateer or Sam Leavitt? 51:10 — John Mateer or Darian Mensah? 57:00 — John Mateer or Gunnar Stockton? 59:30 — John Mateer or Rocco Becht? 01:01:10 — John Mateer or Arch Manning? 01:03:55 — Notable other QBs around the nation 01:11:00 — Brady Trantham’s wild OU rushing stat 01:13:00 — Owen Heinecke preliminary injunction discussion 01:14:15 — The UNC Charlotte example that may have helped Heinecke’s case 01:17:40 — Grant’s view: Heinecke was probably always getting the injunction 01:18:40 — Brendan Sorsby discussion begins 01:19:45 — Sorsby timeline: gambling investigation, NCAA ruling, injunction and Big 12 response 01:21:50 — NFL Supplemental Draft and CFL fallout for Sorsby 01:23:00 — Courts, NCAA rules and the “toothless NCAA” debate 01:45:20 — New NCAA eligibility rule lawsuits and where this could be headed 01:46:35 — OU baseball wins the national championship 01:47:40 — How OU baseball got hot at the perfect time 01:51:50 — OU baseball’s title as a potential curse-breaker 01:54:35 — Closing: follow West of Everest on YouTube, X, Instagram and Facebook

Lee and Grant are back after nearly 2 months off to discuss Owen Heinecke's legal action against the NCAA*. The Benson bros go over the twists and turns in the saga since they last recorded. But first, they go over major storylines in the OU Football universe since the last show. The Sooners have a new RB coach! John Mateer is changing his throwing motion! And oh yeah - Spring practice is nearly over and the Spring Game is randomly back. Come hang out with us for 2 hours. 145 days until UTEP...   Subscribe to the show on YouTube: @WestofEverest | Like the show on Facebook: @westofeverest | Follow Grant on Twitter/X: @GrantBenson25 | Follow Lee on Twitter/X: @LeeBensonTweets

Lee and Grant are back to discuss the goings on in the world of OU Football in the last month. DeMarco Murray is no longer the most overpaid coach in college football, as the Chiefs do Oklahoma a huge solid. Jay Valai has been poached by the Buffalo Bills, and OU has a new Athletic Director. In the second half of the show - Lee and Grant have the most in-depth and honest discussion on the Owen Heinecke eligibility controversy that you will hear on the inter-webs. It is appointment listening if you want to understand the NCAA's decision. 201 days until UTEP...   Subscribe to the show on YouTube: @WestofEverest | Like the show on Facebook: @westofeverest | Follow Grant on Twitter/X: @GrantBenson25 | Follow Lee on Twitter/X: @LeeBensonTweets

Lee and Grant are back to talk about the end of the 2025 college football season. Indiana has won a National Championship in tackle football, Curt Cignetti is the master of the universe, and Lee & Grant want to talk about DeMarco Murray and his failure in the RB room. But first, we put a wrap on OU's portal season and talk in-depth about Owen Heinecke's situation with the NCAA. 226 days until UTEP...   Subscribe to the show on YouTube: @WestofEverest | Like the show on Facebook: @westofeverest | Follow Grant on Twitter/X: @GrantBenson25 | Follow Lee on Twitter/X: @LeeBensonTweets

Lee and Grant are back after a CFP-exit hiatus to discuss the goings on in the College Football Transfer Portal. OU has received 11 commits in the portal thus far, and Lee and Grant are going to rank their impact from 1 to 11. They also go over each of the 29 portal defections to tell you whether it's a big deal or not. All that, plus thoughts on new TE coach Jason Witten, the offensive coaching staff as a whole, and they give their pick for the National Championship game. Grant really despises Miami.   Subscribe to the show on YouTube: @WestofEverest | Like the show on Facebook: @westofeverest | Follow Grant on Twitter/X: @GrantBenson25 | Follow Lee on Twitter/X: @LeeBensonTweets

Lee and Grant are back to discuss OU's very difficult home loss to the Alabama Crimson Tide in the first round of the College Football Playoff. Come on in and let's all be miserable together. The sun will (hopefully) come out tomorrow.   Subscribe to the show on YouTube: @WestofEverest | Like the show on Facebook: @westofeverest | Follow Grant on Twitter/X: @GrantBenson25 | Follow Lee on Twitter/X: @LeeBensonTweets

The Benson Bros are back after the bowl bye to preview Oklahoma's matchup in the first round of the College Football Playoff against the University of Alabama. Lee and Grant spend the first 90 minutes talking all about the Friday night matchup from every angle. Then, they wrap up the longest show in West of Everest history touching on ND's antics following their CFP snub (justice for the Pop Tarts Bowl!), shake their head at Sherrone Moore, and give their picks of the week. We all want to see John Mateer with a rose in his mouth late Friday night. If you're going to be in Norman, show up early, have some beverages, and cause a ruckus.   Subscribe to the show on YouTube: @WestofEverest | Like the show on Facebook: @westofeverest | Follow Grant on Twitter/X: @GrantBenson25 | Follow Lee on Twitter/X: @LeeBensonTweets

Lee and Grant are back to discuss the Oklahoma Sooners officially being in the 2025 College Football Playoff, and they're seeing a familiar foe - the Alabama Crimson Tide - fresh off their drubbing in the SEC Championship Game. Initial reactions from the WoE crew lie within. Please lend us thy ears.   Subscribe to the show on YouTube: @WestofEverest | Like the show on Facebook: @westofeverest | Follow Grant on Twitter/X: @GrantBenson25 | Follow Lee on Twitter/X: @LeeBensonTweets

The Benson Bros are back and in good spirits as they bask in the glory of being idle during Championship Week while having a College Football Playoff spot all but wrapped up. We go over your Three Word Reviews from the LSU game, discuss who the Sooners might play in the First Round of the CFP, and then throw our hat in the ring of the Miami/Notre Dame debate. All that, and our Picks of the Week. Knibb High Football rules.   Subscribe to the show on YouTube: @WestofEverest | Like the show on Facebook: @westofeverest | Follow Grant on Twitter/X: @GrantBenson25 | Follow Lee on Twitter/X: @LeeBensonTweets

The Benson Bros were in the stadium to see Oklahoma punch their ticket to the Playoff in a grimy win against stupid LSU. Lee and Grant go over their likes and dislikes from OU's win against the Tigers, have a heated argument over how a defender is supposed to tackle a quarterback, and give a slight lookahead to the College Football Playoff field. LSU is bad and everyone who likes them should feel bad. Peyton Bowen for Heisman.   Subscribe to the show on YouTube: @WestofEverest | Like the show on Facebook: @westofeverest | Follow Grant on Twitter/X: @GrantBenson25 | Follow Lee on Twitter/X: @LeeBensonTweets

Here at West of Everest, we're thankful for a win-and-in scenario heading into the season's final week. Lee and Grant are back to preview LSU's first ever trip to Norman. But first, Grant rants about knuckleheads, Brent Venables goes into detail about the running back room, then Lee and Grant talk about what they've been thankful for this football season. It's already Week 14 and time doesn't exist.   Subscribe to the show on YouTube: @WestofEverest | Like the show on Facebook: @westofeverest | Follow Grant on Twitter/X: @GrantBenson25 | Follow Lee on Twitter/X: @LeeBensonTweets

Grant and Lee are back following Oklahoma's ugly 17-6 victory over the Missouri Tigers. Brent Venables' defense is absolutely terrific. The offense...not so much. However, Lee and Grant are learning to accept this OU team for what it is as they give their likes and dislikes after OU's 9th win of the season. Plus, your Three Word Reviews. Jacobe Johnson for Heisman.   Subscribe to the show on YouTube: @WestofEverest | Like the show on Facebook: @westofeverest | Follow Grant on Twitter/X: @GrantBenson25 | Follow Lee on Twitter/X: @LeeBensonTweets

Lee and Grant Benson are back to preview the Missouri Tigers visiting Norman this weekend. Should OU be on upset alert off the emotional high of beating Alabama? Are there any healthy bodies in the RB room they can turn to? Is John Mateer capable of playing better? But first, we read your Three Word Reviews following last weekend's banger vs The Tide.   Subscribe to the show on YouTube: @WestofEverest | Like the show on Facebook: @westofeverest | Follow Grant on Twitter/X: @GrantBenson25 | Follow Lee on Twitter/X: @LeeBensonTweets

Lee and Grant are back the morning after Oklahoma earns their biggest win of the Brent Venables era, beating #4 Alabama 23-21 in Tuscaloosa. The Benson Bros go drive-by-drive, breaking down all of the key plays that led the Sooners to victory. Oklahoma likely controls their destiny to host a College Football Playoff game. Tate Sandell, Kip Lewis, Taylor Wein, and Eli Bowen for Heisman.   Subscribe to the show on YouTube: @WestofEverest | Like the show on Facebook: @westofeverest | Follow Grant on Twitter/X: @GrantBenson25 | Follow Lee on Twitter/X: @LeeBensonTweets

We're back off a refreshing bye week to discuss OU's second consecutive CFP elimination game, this time deep in the heart of Dixie: Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Does OU's overmatched defense have any chance of slowing down Alabama's incredibly good—and certainly not fortunate—offense? The Benson Bros have a lively debate. Plus, we read your Three Word Reviews from the Tennessee game, and go over our Picks of the Week.   Subscribe to the show on YouTube: @WestofEverest | Like the show on Facebook: @westofeverest | Follow Grant on Twitter/X: @GrantBenson25 | Follow Lee on Twitter/X: @LeeBensonTweets

Lee and Grant have just arrived back from Tennessee after watching OU get a massive 33-27 dub over the Vols at Neyland Stadium. The Benson Bros recap the game, as well as their experience in Knoxville. Tate Sandell for Heisman.   Subscribe to the show on YouTube: @WestofEverest | Like the show on Facebook: @westofeverest | Follow Grant on Twitter/X: @GrantBenson25 | Follow Lee on Twitter/X: @LeeBensonTweets

Grant is back with Lee to discuss OU's daunting road trip to Neyland Stadium this weekend vs. Tennessee. Do John Mateer and the Sooners have what it takes to go into incredibly hostile territory and escape with a dub? One host thinks so, and another...not so much. But first, Grant gives his delayed thoughts on the bitterly disappointing loss to Ole Miss. All that, plus Picks of the Week.   Subscribe to the show on YouTube: @WestofEverest | Like the show on Facebook: @westofeverest | Follow Grant on Twitter/X: @GrantBenson25 | Follow Lee on Twitter/X: @LeeBensonTweets

Brady Trantham of Through the Keyhole and Sooners on SI joins Lee to recap OU's 34-26 loss to Ole Miss. The Sooners' defense couldn't get off the field in crucial scenarios and allowed the Rebels to possess the ball for way too long. OU's offense hit on a couple of massive touchdowns, but overall struggled to find consistency. The Sooners can still accomplish all of their goals, but this loss stings. Subscribe to the show on YouTube: @WestofEverest | Like the show on Facebook: @westofeverest | Follow Grant on Twitter/X: @GrantBenson25 | Follow Lee on Twitter/X: @LeeBensonTweets

The Benson Bros are back to discuss OU's massive home matchup with Ole Miss. Will Veny be able to get over the proverbial hump as Lane Kiffin brings his squad into Norman for the first time? Is Kiffin playing mind games with Venables bringing up his propensity for stealing offensive signs? That, plus the picks of the week. Lets get a dub this week, eh?   Subscribe to the show on YouTube: @WestofEverest | Like the show on Facebook: @westofeverest | Follow Grant on Twitter/X: @GrantBenson25 | Follow Lee on Twitter/X: @LeeBensonTweets

Before he hops on a plan to hobnob with the glitterati in London, Lee joins Grant to discuss Oklahoma's systematic takedown of the overmatched South Carolina Gamecocks. The Benson Bros are both very impressed with the Sooners' defensive effort, but are there cracks being shown that Ole Miss may exploit next week? Also, is John Mateer's thumb injury radically limiting this offense? Luckily, the OU offense may have found something in the run game at the perfect time in the schedule. On to Ole Miss.   Subscribe to the show on YouTube: @WestofEverest | Like the show on Facebook: @westofeverest | Follow Grant on Twitter/X: @GrantBenson25 | Follow Lee on Twitter/X: @LeeBensonTweets

Lee is back this week with Grant to talk about Oklahoma's first ever trip to the state of South Carolina to play a tackle football game. Can they continue their impressive knack for winning the week after playing Texas, or will they lose on the road following that game for the first time in 43 years? But first, Lee and Grant re-litigate last weekend's debacle at the Texas State Fair in excruciating detail.   Subscribe to the show on YouTube: @WestofEverest | Like the show on Facebook: @westofeverest | Follow Grant on Twitter/X: @GrantBenson25 | Follow Lee on Twitter/X: @LeeBensonTweets

Grant is joined by Brady Trantham to recap OU's dismal performance in the Red River Shootout against Texas. Who's more to blame - John Mateer or the defense? Is there any hope for the rest of season? Grant and Brady try to work through a difficult weekend for OU football fans.   Subscribe to the show on YouTube: @WestofEverest | Like the show on Facebook: @westofeverest | Follow Grant on Twitter/X: @GrantBenson25 | Follow Lee on Twitter/X: @LeeBensonTweets | Follow Brady on Twitter/X: @BradyDoesSports

Texas hasn't played poorly in the Red River Shootout in 13 years. Will this finally be the year that the Longhorns live up to their first 5 games and play a stinker? Will John Mateer defy the odds and return early from his broken thumb to etch his legacy in Red River lore? Lee and Grant are back this week to discuss the best, most competitive rivalry in American sports. Let's roll.   Subscribe to the show on YouTube: @WestofEverest | Like the show on Facebook: @westofeverest | Follow Grant on Twitter/X: @GrantBenson25 | Follow Lee on Twitter/X: @LeeBensonTweets

Grant is joined by Brady Trantham of Through the Keyhole and Sooner on SI fame to recap Oklahoma's 44-0 win over overmatched Kent State. Then, Grant and Brady shift their focus to Dallas - there are many thoughts on OU's matchup with the Longhorns, as well as Texas' loss to Florida this weekend.   Subscribe to the show on YouTube: @WestofEverest | Like the show on Facebook: @westofeverest | Follow Grant on Twitter/X: @GrantBenson25 | Follow Lee on Twitter/X: @LeeBensonTweets | Follow Brady on Twitter/X: @BradyDoesSports

The Benson Bros are back after a week off to discuss John Mateer's chances of playing in 10 days against Texas. Plus, is this finally the week for Jaydn Ott? What are our expectations for Michael Hawkins against probably the worst opponent OU will play this season? All that, plus Picks of the Week.   Subscribe to the show on YouTube: @WestofEverest | Like the show on Facebook: @westofeverest | Follow Grant on Twitter/X: @GrantBenson25 | Follow Lee on Twitter/X: @LeeBensonTweets

Lee and Grant are back to discuss the truly unfortunate John Mateer injury bombshell that dropped earlier this week. Are OU's hopes of a dream season cooked? Is Michael Hawkins up for the challenge? Then, Grant has more thoughts on Hideout-gate, we read your 3-Word Reviews from Auburn, and special 7-game Pick of the Week segment. Please, lend us your ears.   Subscribe to the show on YouTube: @WestofEverest | Like the show on Facebook: @westofeverest | Follow Grant on Twitter/X: @GrantBenson25 | Follow Lee on Twitter/X: @LeeBensonTweets

Lee and Grant are back to talk about OU's hard-fought win over Auburn in Jackson Arnold's return to Owen Field. Things weren't perfect, but the guys are mostly elated with OU's defensive performance and John Mateer's second half performance. A few weeks to rest up now until the schedule turns brutal in October. Meat and potatoes OU talk through and through. Give it a listen.   Subscribe to the show on YouTube: @WestofEverest | Like the show on Facebook: @westofeverest | Follow Grant on Twitter/X: @GrantBenson25 | Follow Lee on Twitter/X: @LeeBensonTweets

The Benson Bros are back at full strength to talk about Jackson Arnold's return to Oklahoma. But first, Lee goes over his likes and dislikes from Temple after watching the game a day late.   Subscribe to the show on YouTube: @WestofEverest | Like the show on Facebook: @westofeverest | Follow Grant on Twitter/X: @GrantBenson25 | Follow Lee on Twitter/X: @LeeBensonTweets | Follow Brady on Twitter/X: @BradyDoesSports    

Grant is joined by Brady Trantham of Through the Keyhole to recap Oklahoma's dominant 39-point win over Temple in Philly. How good is this OU defense? Is Jaren Kanak one of the best at his position in college football? Is the Jaydn Ott era at OU already over before its began? How good does it feel that Arch Manning is actually bad? Please, lend us your ears.   Subscribe to the show on YouTube: @WestofEverest | Like the show on Facebook: @westofeverest | Follow Grant on Twitter/X: @GrantBenson25 | Follow Lee on Twitter/X: @LeeBensonTweets | Follow Brady on Twitter/X: @BradyDoesSports

Lee and Grant are back to preview OU's odd road game Saturday against Temple. But first, we read your 3-Word Reviews from the sweet, sweet victory over Michigan, and wax gushingly over John Mateer and Jaren Kanak. Plus, Picks of the Week.   Note: Grant made an error during the Temple preview and referred to Saturday's game in Philadelphia as OU's first ever game in the state of Pennsylvania. That's hilariously wrong. OU has played in Pennsylvania 5 times (4x against Pitt, 1x against Temple), but this will be the first time in 41 years.   Subscribe to the show on YouTube: @WestofEverest | Like show on Facebook: @westofeverest | Follow Grant on Twitter/X: @GrantBenson25 | Follow Lee on Twitter/X: @LeeBensonTweets   (0:00) Intro - Philadelphia: College Football Town (2:40) 3 Word Reviews (21:20) Jaren Kanak and Cooper Mathers Buddy Comedy, Who Says No? (30:05) John Mateer Is So Hot Right Now (38:52) Bad Boy Mowers Oklahoma Opponent Superlative Presented by Nissan (40:40) Temple Preview (1:07:40) National College Football Landscape (1:12:45) Picks of the Week    

Lee and Grant discuss Oklahoma's big 24-13 win over the Michigan Wolverines. The guys go over their likes and (few) dislikes following the game. Real meat and potatoes OU talk here The vibes are immaculate.   Subscribe to the show on YouTube: @WestofEverest | Like the show on Facebook: @westofeverest | Follow Grant on Twitter/X: @GrantBenson25 | Follow Lee on Twitter/X: @LeeBensonTweets

Fresh off a crazy Labor Day Weekend full of hot college football action, the Benson Bros are back to preview the biggest game of Brent Venables' tenure so far. But first, we talk about leftover thoughts from Illinois State, #FilmTimeWithLee is back, and what on earth is going on with Jaydn Ott and the OU backfield? Friends and countrymen, please lend us your ears.   Subscribe to the show on YouTube: @WestofEverest | Like show on Facebook: @westofeverest | Follow Grant on Twitter/X: @GrantBenson25 | Follow Lee on Twitter/X: @LeeBensonTweets   (0:00) Intro: Lee Hates College Football History (7:40) #FilmTimeWithLee Makes Its Triumphant Return (20:55) Lee's Offensive Line Diatribe (39:42) Jaydn Ott is in a Great Headspace (52:00) OU Opponent Superlative (54:00) Oklahoma vs Michigan (1:32:00) National Landscape and Picks of the Week      

The guys discuss Oklahoma's 35-3 season opening win over Illinois State. John Mateer breaks Baker Mayfield's passing record in an OU debut, Keontez Lewis delights, and the RB room confounds, as the defense keeps the Redbirds at arms length. Plus, we read your "3 -Word Reviews." College Football is back. Let's rejoice.   Subscribe to the show on Youtube: @WestofEverest | Like the show on Facebook: @westofeverest | Follow Grant on Twitter/X: @GrantBenson25 | Follow Lee on Twitter/X: @LeeBensonTweets

We're only 2 days away from the kickoff of the 2025 season and Lee & Grant are back - this time in crystal clear high definition! The guys begin with a football meat sandwich - nearly an hour of depth chart talk, followed by the inaugural voyage of the OU Opponent Superlative (suggestions on rebranding very encouraged), Lee being aggravated by the sheer amount of Illinois State info, and finish up with the Picks of the Week.   We're on YouTube now: @WestofEverest | Like the show on Facebook: @westofeverest | Follow Grant on Twitter/X: @GrantBenson25 | Follow Lee on Twitter/X: @LeeBensonTweets   (0:00) Intro - Showbiz Baby! (3:40) The Initial Depth Chart of the 2025 Season - 'tsup with the RBs? (23:29) Pass Catchers - We Hope Jaren Kanak is Good (36:00) Offensive Line - Lots o' ORs (45:30) Less Controversy on the Defensive Side of the Ball (53:20) Arbuckle and Veny Meet the Media (1:08:00) OU Opponent Superlative - Illinois State: Lee is Not a Fan (1:11:28) Illinois State Preview - Lee Prefers to Know Nothing About His Kills (1:22:25) What We Want to See Happen - OU Offense vs Illinois State Defense (1:27:35) What We Want to See Happen - OU Defense vs Illinois State Offense (1:29:35) What Will Happen - Game Predictions (1:32:40) National CFB Talk (1:39:38) Picks of the Week        

We're only 9 days away from kickoff and the Benson Bros are back to discuss the end of Fall Camp in Norman. With Illinois State on deck, position coaches Todd Bates, Jay Valai, and Emmett Jones spoke with the media, and Grant has thoughts on how OU players look like with their shirts off. In the second hour, we discuss how the national media is looking at OU as the season begins, and we use Lee's pal Josh Pate for a fun hypothetical.   Like the show on Facebook: @westofeverest | Follow Grant on Twitter/X: @GrantBenson25 | Follow Lee on Twitter/X: @LeeBensonTweets   (0:00) Intro - Grant Is The New Producer Slash Host; Dow Drops 5,000 Points (8:45) Todd Bates Speaks to the Media: Meaty D-Line Talk (14:18) Markus Strong (19:38) Damonic Williams (25:02) David Stone: Film Junkie (30:08) Jayden Jackson & David Stone Are Cooking With Grease (37:18) - Jay Valai Speaks to the Media: He's Got Nicknames for Everyone (43:45) - Courtland Guillory and Devon Jordan Are Violent Within the Scheme (49:00) - Is Eli Bowen Cooked? (56:00) - Elijah Thomas is Malik Neighbors - Buy Your Tickets to Miami (1:03:05) - Danny Okoye - Be Still My Beating Heart (1:11:10) - The Solid Verbal's 5 Burning Questions for Oklahoma (1:30:00) - Cover 3 Podcast (1:36:45) - Josh Pate Has a Cool Take that Doesn't Make Sense (1:42:35) - Week 0 Picks              

Lee and Grant discuss the absurd John Mateer/Venmo incident that was the biggest story in college football for one day in August of 2025. Then, they discuss the latest Fall Camp superlatives and throw a bunch of cold water on hype in the defensive secondary (sorry) before joining in on the hype over the defensive line. 16 days.... Like the show on Facebook: @westofeverest | Follow Grant on Twitter/X: @GrantBenson25 | Follow Lee on Twitter/X: @LeeBensonTweets   (0:00) Intro - The Theory of Relativity (8:22) Moneyline Mateer (30:20) First Fall Scrimmage (37:00) Follow-up on Injuries/Corner Talk (53:00) Bill Bedenbaugh and the Offensive Line (1:06:00) Jim Nagy, the Transfer Portal, and Recruiting (1:12:37) Cornerback Hype-Train and Lee & Grant Are No Fun (1:23:00) The D-Line: Hell Yeah (1:31:55) AP Top 25 and General College Football Talk    

Lee and Grant are back and begin the show talking about the gaggle of minor injuries that have broken out at the beginning of Fall Camp, and somehow, Gentry Williams is not one of the infected. Are we worried about Jaydn Ott's shoulder injury? How concerning is Eli Bowen and Gracen Halton's absence nearly a week into Camp? Later, the guys discuss the emergence of Taylor Wein and Reggie Powers on the defensive side of the ball, and wonder what it means that Zion Kearney has started to rise to the top of the WR room. Come for the hot OU Football Talk, stay for the Independence Day references. Like the show on Facebook: @westofeverest | Follow Grant of Twitter/X: @GrantBenson25 | Follow Lee on Twitter/X: @LeeBensonTweets

The guys are back and open the show talking some nonsense before diving into what you're really here for: hot OU Football talk. What's happened since our last episode? We've got you covered. And OU's season win total is set at 6.5 (3:20). SEC Media Days happened. It's over. Not much came out of it. Brent Venables talked for a long time. He mentioned some young players we may get to see play this fall. We couldn't get through much of the players so we're just gonna assume they didn't say anything of note. Plus some guy asked a really weird question about Navy (13:30). How are we feeling about Javonnie Gibson's injury (36:55)? Jackson Arnold made his second SEC Media Days appearance, but this time for a new team (40:45). Where do we think the SEC media will pick the Sooners to finish? Grant is putting a lot of stock in OU-Michigan (50:00). Thoughts on Joe Castiglione's upcoming retirement (1:04:35). The recruiting for 2026 doesn't sound like it's going very well, but a good 2025 season can easily reverse that trend. Are you pumped to tailgate on the North Oval (1:21:30)? Grant thinks this upcoming college football season is going to be pretty interesting. He doesn't see any obvious picks to win the National Championship (1:25:30). We read some comments from the WoE Facebook page and Lee admits he recently suffered a really stupid major injury (1:29:00). Some updates on the future of the podcast and how it may change in the coming weeks and months (1:34:00). | Like the show on Facebook: @westofeverest | Follow Grant on Twitter: @GrantBenson25 | Follow Lee on Twitter: @LeeBensonTweets

After a brief intro the guys jump into talking about Gavin Sawchuk entering the transfer portal (2:15). The Sooners pick up a new wide receiver out of the portal and we have no idea if he will be a relevant player in 2025. Grant wishes OU would have paid a lot of money for the Cal transfer tight end (12:50). The Sooners picked up a new kicker out of the portal and we hope he makes field goals when asked to do so (22:40). We wanted OU to pick up a new corner out of the portal, but that didn't happen. The Sooners also lost a quarterback to the portal. Does this mean Hawkins has improved (31:10)? Danny Stutsman and Billy Bowman got drafted over the weekend plus the guys deal with some technical difficulties. Is it a problem that OU only had 2 players drafted in 2025 (38:30)? A shocking Dillon Gabriel draft position. Grant was bored by Shedeur Sanders taking up all the oxygen over the weekend (51:00). | Like the show on Facebook: @westofeverest | Follow Grant on Twitter: @GrantBenson25 | Follow Lee on Twitter: @LeeBensonTweets

The show opens with random NFL Draft and sports time zone talk before jumping into the David Stone situation. The guys had two very different reactions when the news broke last Friday. There's a lot to get into here (5:20). How did David Stone's freshman season compare to some recent other 5-star defensive linemen? Some guys are good right away, some aren't. Grant just wants more information about how these things happen, while Lee feels bad for Stone's situation. Where does the SOUL Mission come in here (26:30)? Breaking down John Mateer and Washington State's late-season 38-35 loss to New Mexico. It was a tale of two halves for Mateer and Ben Arbuckle shoulders some blame for this loss (47:45). Grant does not want OU to accept being a lesser tier program (1:11:10). You get Lee's live reaction to the Bears taking Colston Loveland at No. 10 for some reason. And Taylor Tatum is still on OU's roster (1:15:00). | Like the show on Facebook: @westofeverest | Follow Grant on Twitter: @GrantBenson25 | Follow Lee on Twitter: @LeeBensonTweets

OU gets a big-time running back out of the transfer portal. Grant's super excited, while Lee is taking a more cautious approach (1:30). Jim Nagy has done an excellent job so far-- will he be able to bring in a tight end that actually helps (19:10)? Sam Franklin has entered the transfer portal. Grant thinks some other RBs will be out of here this spring (24:20). OU also brought in a solid interior offensive linemen who could challenge Troy Everett for the starting center job. What's the next position Jim Nagy is looking to fill from the portal (27:45)? Not much to take from the Crimson Combine. Is there any way to make a spring event, that's not the spring game, interesting (40:00)? Do you buy that Javonnie Gibson may be back for the start of the season (47:40)? We read some listener comments that are positive, pessimistic, and critical (52:35). The Nico Iamaleava saga (1:06:30). | Like the show on Facebook: @westofeverest | Follow Grant on Twitter: @GrantBenson25 | Follow Lee on Twitter: @LeeBensonTweets

We don't waste any time as Grant jumps into the news that Javonnie Gibson has been injured (1:15). Trejan Bridges (13:00)?! Davon Mitchell has entered the transfer portal. Grant is not surprised in the least bit, while Lee finally watched Mitchell's HS senior highlight tape and was not impressed (19:10). So, the Crimson Combine is this weekend (29:45). Grant absolutely hated watching Washington State-Utah State from November 2024. This game showcased perhaps the best Mateer high-level quarterback moment so far, but also included some head-scratching mistakes and decisions. Stay tuned for a cameo from DJ Graham (34:10)! Grant wants to talk about OU men's basketball picking up a terrific guard out of the transfer portal (1:01:50). | Like the show on Facebook: @westofeverest | Follow Grant on Twitter: @GrantBenson25 | Follow Lee on Twitter: @LeeBensonTweets