Oklahoma Sooners Practice Report

With Oklahoma football's spring practices now finished, Eddie and George take a look back at five players who we weren't talking that much about going into spring practice that we are talking about a lot more now that the spring game is behind us. Most of these players are guys who haven't had that major impact yet, but we could see them playing much bigger roles this season. * Take Cheers Restore after your last drink or before going to bed and wake up feeling at least 50% better — or your money back. For a limited time our listeners are getting 20% off their entire order by using code SOONERSCOOPON3 at CheersHealth.com. Just head to CheersHealth.com and use code  SOONERSCOOPON3 for 20% Off. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It was a great day for the spring game Saturday in Norman. And although some stars were sitting out due to injury or precaution, we were able to see some of the new faces and the progress being made throughout spring camp. The offensive line seems to be a more cohesive unit than we've seen the last couple of years. The running backs came to show out as well with lots of physical runs throughout the day. John Mateer was solid throughout the day but Bowe Bentley had some rough patches going mostly against the No. 1 defense. Danny Okoye may have put his forward as the next star to emerge on the defensive side of the ball. Hear from Brent Venables, Ben Arbuckle, John Mateer, Danny Okoye and many more in this Red & White wrap-up from Eddie and George. * Limited Time Offer – Get Huel today with off exclusive offer of 15% OFF online with our code SOONERSCOOP at ⁠⁠https://www.huel.com/SOONERSCOOP⁠⁠. * Take Cheers Restore after your last drink or before going to bed and wake up feeling at least 50% better — or your money back. For a limited time our listeners are getting 20% off their entire order at CheersHealth.com/SOONERSCOOPON3.  #Cheers #ad Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As the court room drama winds down surrounding Owen Heinecke, we move back to football with the Red & White spring game. And we focus our attention back on the offense. John Mateer's receiving unit has been banged up during spring camp. Does this provide a chance for new faces and young faces to emerge? Mackenzie Alleyne, the Washington State transfer, is familiar with Ben Arbuckle's offense. Could he be the guy to shine in tomorrow's scrimmage. Manny Choice is another player who has been talked up in camp, even by John Mateer. How will the talented youngster look? It's also the last spring game for the Bowen brothers as a duo. Both players ended last season playing as well as anyone. Is this the best version of this duo we'll see heading into 2026? * Limited Time Offer – Get Huel today with off exclusive offer of 15% OFF online with our code SOONERSCOOP at ⁠https://www.huel.com/soonerscoop. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Sooners have a lot of faces up and down the depth chart that are new faces, or players who haven't become household names to Sooner fans over the last year. That looks to change as spring practices have identified several players who could have a lasting impact on the 2026 season. We talk with Cheetah Jeremiah Newcombe, who made some waves last year before being injured, Kenny Ozowalu, the defensivie lineman transfer from UTSA and true freshman Jake Kreul, who is quickly making a name for himself in practices this spring. We also catch up with OU athletic director Roger Denny, who spoke last night in Tulsa. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As the spring game approaches this Saturday, we got to speak with John Mateer about the progress of the offense during spring football. He's been missing some receivers, he's got a lot of new running backs he's handing off to and his tight end room has changed overnight. And what about his throwing mechanics that have become a big topic of conversation during the offseason? We also caught up with Bowe Bentley to get the talented freshman's thoughts on his first spring camp. How has he adjusted to this level of football and all the different type of defenses Brent Venables throws at him each day in practice? It's a full QB report on this edition of the practice report. * Limited Time Offer – Get Huel today with off exclusive offer of 15% OFF online with our code SOONERSCOOP at https://www.huel.com/SOONERSCOOP. * For a limited time, our listeners can get the Harry's Plus Trial Set for only $10 at ⁠https://www.harrys.com/soonerscoop⁠. #ad #harrys Thank you to Huel and Harry's for partnering and supporting our show! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this edition of the Practice Report, we're fresh off another interview session and you'll want to hear from Florida transfer tight end Hayden Hansen about the development of the tight end room as well as the run game the Sooners are putting together. The run game and physicality on offense has been a main point of emphasis from Brent Venables since the end of last season. The linebacker position is also at a critical stage as the Sooners may have lost Taylor Heim for a large portion of the season. Our George Stoia reported the injury news and a lot of weight will now fall on the shoulders of Michigan transfer Cole Sullivan. Hear from Sullivan and his progress during spring camp. * For a limited time, our listeners can get the Harry's Plus Trial Set for only $10 at ⁠https://www.harrys.com/soonerscoop⁠. #ad #harrys Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oklahoma football knew it had pieces returning on the offensive line. The question isn't if they have players, but whether those players can come together and form a dominating line that can be physical with the best in the country. We talk to Arkansas transfer E'Marion Harris who might just be solidifying a spot at right tackle this spring. We also talk with Colorado State running back transfer Lloyd Avant about what he's seeing this spring from the big guys up front. Defensively, young defensive tackle Trent Wilson speaks about his progress in trying to add quality and competitive depth behind Jayden Jackson and David Stone. Omarion Robinson looks the part of a good, young safety for Brent Venables. Is he starting to play the part this spring? All of that and more on another spring football practice report. For a limited time, our listeners can get the Harry's Plus Trial Set for only $10 at https://www.harrys.com/soonerscoop. #ad #harrys Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Brent Venables met with the media Tuesday evening to give an update on his Oklahoma football team as the Sooners are just under two weeks away from the annual (back again) Red-White Game to take place April 18. Venables seemed to be happy with some of the performances of his young receivers. He talked about the strengths of the tight end room and the developing depth at the safety position. Venables also gave an update on the progress of Michigan transfer linebacker Cole Sullivan who performed well in the Sooners' last scrimmage. What will it mean having this team perform in front of a crowd for the return of the Spring Game? And how does Venables feel about the competitive depth on defense? And how would he compare it to last year's team? More in another edition of the Practice Report. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Sooners are a team coming off a College Football Playoff appearance in 2025. That experience shows through in a roster that continues to display leadership and depth along with experience. This week we caught up with some of OU's up-and-coming leaders and players developing into key cogs on a roster built to make another run at the College Football Playoff. Taylor Heim takes over duties at linebacker and cheetah. Eddie Pierre-Louis has became a player many young guys look up to this offseason. Courtland Guillory comes off of a celebrated freshman season at cornerback and Danny Okoye knows his athleticism is well known, but his consistent production is not. Join Eddie and George as we hear from players expected to be cornerstones on a roster built to compete at the highest level in 2026. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We had a chance to catch up with OU offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle Monday evening to talk in-depth about the state of the offense at the start of spring practices. The receiving room has a much different look to it with additions in the portal and young players starting to step up. The run game has been a big point of emphasis and Arbuckle addresses his approach to improving the offense and the other members of the staff that he works with to improve the physical nature of the offense heading into 2026. Kicking ass is becoming a common theme early in camp. We also talk about the early play of freshman quarterback Bowe Bentley as well as several other aspects of the offense, which include a physical group of running backs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We spoke over the weekend with John Kuceyeski, OU quarterbacks coach who has been working with John Mateer for the last three years. And we definitely got down to the nuts and bolts of Mateer's season last year, his throwing motion, his injury and what he and Mateer are working on during spring practices. We also talk about the evolution of Ben Arbuckle at offensive coordinator as Brent Venables is demanding a stronger running game out of the offense in 2026. On top of speaking with Kuceyeski, we speak with Special Teams Coordinator Doug Deakin about the lack of kick returns last season and whether or not there is a true punting competition going on in spring camp. Lots of details about the latest from camp on this edition of the Practice Report. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Thursday was the first day we had a chance to speak with Brent Venables about the players since spring football practices started at the University of Oklahoma. Brent talked a lot about the wide receiver room which has been revamped with the additions of Trell Harris and Parker Livingstone. But he also sees a lot of promise in returning youngsters and former transfers. Nigel Smith is also making a lot of noise on the defensive line as he talked about his transformation physically in order to handle moving from rush end to the interior line. James Nesta is a man of few words, but Venables has been happy with his progress as the linebackers can use some depth while they await word whether Owen Heinecke will be able to return to the team. And Michael Fasusi is looking to take that next step and become one of the most dominant offensive tackles in the SEC. Hear from everyone involved in a player centric Practice Report to take you into the weekend. * Get up to $200 off Square hardware when you sign up at https://www.square.com/go/soonerscoop #squarepod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

OU football held it's second sports practice today at the stadium and SoonerScoop.com was there to speak with players and head coach Brent Venables. Venables spoke with the media for 20 minutes and talked about some key players who were sitting out the early practices as well as his impressions of guys making big leaps so far this spring. One of those players is Nigel Smith at defensive tackle. But Venables had another notable player at the position who is new to the program. Venables was asked about the absence of Owen Heinecke as he fights to regain eligibility, as well as the emergence of others at the LB position. And on offense, Venables has demanded more from the running game. During OU's first practice, Venables spent most of his time during our viewing session with the offense and making his way from group to group. He talked about the mindset of establishing physicality on the offensive side of the ball this spring. And a lot of that starts with the tight end room, which Venables talked about today as well. Eddie and George bring you all the best moments from Venables' meeting with the media on Thursday. Get up to $200 off Square hardware when you sign up at https://www.square.com/go/soonerscoop! #squarepod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Sooners held their first spring practice for 2026 on Wednesday and the Scoop crew was there to take in an hour of practice. Eddie and George sit down with some of their impressions from day one. We also got to talk to John Mateer about his offseason and what he's been working on for 2026. Guess what? It's his throwing motion. Mateer talks about the changes in his receiving corps as well as the tight end room and what it's like having Jason Witten on the coaching staff. We also talk with Kip Lewis about coming back and what the decision was like. Taylor Wein talks about replacing key pieces and expecting to be even better on defense. It's the start of SoonerScoop's marathon spring football coverage! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We had a chance to catch up with all newcomers during OU football's spring media day that week and that included true freshman. Come along with us as we catch up with a player who could potentially be John Mateer's backup this season, freshman Bowe Bentley. The Sooners want to start developing the next wave of players at linebacker and we catch up with freshmen linebackers Beau Jandreau, Jacob Curry and Dane Bathurst. There is a new line of young receivers in the program and they look impressive, either physically or athletically. Meet freshmen Jahsiear Rogers and Jayden Petit. And finally, Jake Kreul looks to become that next freak on the edge for Miguel Chavis as we hear him talk about his love for Oklahoma and desire to develop in Norman. For a limited time, our listeners can get the Harry's Plus Trial Set for only $10 at https://www.harrys.com/soonerscoop. #ad #harrys Get 20% off your first order of LUCY visit https://www.lucy.co/soonerscoop or by using the promo code: SOONERSCOOP #ad #lucy CHEERS: Same night out - way better mornign with Cheers. For a limited time our listeners are getting 20% off their entire order by using code SOONERSCOOP at https://www.cheershealth.com #cheers #ad Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the last portal session, the Sooners struck early and landed a nice class. There weren't a lot of fireworks down the stretch, but as spring football gets set to begin, it's clear the Sooners did a lot of work that needed to be done. We've already talked about the tight end room being rebuilt. But the receivers around Isaiah Sategna were key as well. We talk with some of the new faces about their roles in OU's offense moving forward. The Sooners also needed immediate help at linebacker with the departures of Kobie McKenzie and Sammy Omosigo along with Owen Heinecke not being granted an extra year of eligibility. We also catch up with E'Marion Harris about his quick decision to come to OU as a player that should make an immediate impact on the offensive line. The Practice Report! Back at ya. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the day of the portal, spring football means a lot. Especially when a football program like Oklahoma has major changes in their staff. The Sooners bring in Jason Witten to take over a rebuilt tight end room. Witten and his tight ends talk about the relationship they have started building. How much excitement is there for some players who signed with Oklahoma before Witten was even hired? Deland McCullough takes over a running back room that already had a legend in charge in DeMarco Murray. How does he take over for a group that was expecting to be playing for a coach with a similar pedigree to Witten? And LaMar Morgan talks about taking the job at Oklahoma and how instrumental Brent Venables was in recruiting him to be his next cornerbacks coach after Jay Valai left to become an NFL coach. *For a limited time, our listeners can get the Harry's Plus Trial Set for only $10 at https://www.harrys.com/soonerscoop. #ad #harrys *Get 20% off your first order of LUCY visit https://www.lucy.co/soonerscoop or by using the promo code: SOONERSCOOP #ad #lucy *CHEERS: Same night out - way better mornign with Cheers. For a limited time our listeners are getting 20% off their entire order by using code SOONERSCOOP at https://www.cheershealth.com #cheers #ad Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's been a long but productive day as OU football held it's own pre-spring media day with all the new players on campus, new assistant coaches along with Jim Nagy and Brent Venables taking the podium. We were impressed in our time with Jason Witten, the new tight ends coach at Oklahoma. And so is Brent Venables and the entire staff that has spent more time with him. Brent Venables talked a lot about the growth of John Mateer during the offseason and Jim Nagy addressed the upgrades at the receiver position during the portal period. Jim Nagy and Brent Venables have spent a year together as they work to get this program back on top. Hear from Nagy and Venables on how their relationship has progressed. Eddie and George hop in studio to breakdown the biggest takeaways from Venables, Nagy and Witten from Monday. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Sooners have developed a lot of players on the defensive side of the ball under Brent Venables. Kendal Daniels has been a great example of a portal player coming in and fitting right in with the team and with Venables' defense. We hear from Daniels and Jayden Jackson about their views of the OU locker room, the culture inside the program and having teammates that lead and hold each other up. Ben Arbuckle and John Mateer talk about what Brent Venables has helped build at Oklahoma as well and what they've learned about their head coach since arriving during the offseason. Is Venables a tough guy to work for? And what type of a boss is he? Our Carey Murdock asked him about that this week. A deep dive into the OU program, how it works and what has worked to get the Sooners to the College Football Playoff. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's December, 15. OU last played a game in November. It's been sixteen days since the Sooners hit someone else. As a rematch with Alabama approaches, the Sooners are back hard at work on the practice field. Media got a few minutes to view practice this evening and we saw John Mateer throwing without any wrap on his hand. We saw R Mason Thomas look about as full go as anyone else. We saw Jovantae Barnes running through drills like a player preparing to play. But this week is about getting ready to play a football game. Getting guys healthy and teaching players that skills like ball security can go away without playing football against another team. It's also about the mental gymnastics of playing another team for the second time in a month. So much to get through on today's massively packed Practice Report. Oh, and the Sooners have their first national award winner since 2018. Lou Groza Award winner Tate Sandell. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Sooners started media festivities on Sunday as the first round of the College Football Playoffs kickoff in Norman on Friday night. So today is basically Monday. We talked with Owen Heinecke, Taylor Wein, Isaiah Sategna and Febechi Nwaiwu. Is Heinecke returning for 2026? The Sooners know Alabama is pissed and they're coming after losing to Georgia badly in the SEC Championship game. Eddie and George are here to break down all the best from Sunday's media availability. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Sooners are still ramping things up for Alabama as they haven't quite gotten into full game week practices. But they did meet with the media Wednesday night to talk about their College Football Playoff first round matchup with Alabama. These are two teams that are starting to not like each other very much and OU players know it. They are expecting things to get a little chippy out there next Friday night. The Sooners were well represented on the All-SEC team, but the players certainly felt some of their teammates were snubbed. Kobie McKinzie certainly felt that way about the linebacker group and Peyton Bowen had a lot of names he felt were left off the list. But Tate Sandell being mentioned SEC Special Teams Player of the Year and a Lou Groza finalist is something he's very proud of. Players talk about their impressive kicker. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jim Nagy and the Sooners new front office close their first recruiting cycle. Was Oklahoma's late season success enough to gain some late momentum? Was the front office and coaching staff able to recruit in unison? Will Miguel Chavis adopt a new player?...or be adopted? Hear from Nagy and Venables as Oklahoma closes on a cycle built by evaluation, not stars. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

John Mateer and Ben Arbuckle talk about working together to improve this offense. While Isaiah Sategna has been a big target for John Mateer, could Javonnie Gibson be a player who is starting to emerge? Finally? Maybe? Gracen Halton and Damonic Williams have been a huge part of OU's dominant defense this season. But could be playing their final games on Owen Field. For Williams, his time at Oklahoma couldn't have gone better. And it's safe to say with the offense having reliability issues, the special teams have been a big difference between wins and losses in 2025. And what's this s*** about Mateer and green bean casserole???!! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What is the identity of this OU offense heading into the final regular season game? And what's the update with the running back position that has become so thin lately? The Sooners will play the first half against LSU without Reggie Powers on the bench. Brent Venables talks about that as well as handling redshirt requests from players in the age of NIL. Venables also talks about the power of having a great staff. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As Oklahoma gets set to play a stingy Missouri team at 11am on Saturday in Norman, the Sooners are seeing their names listed in the College Football Playoff as they move up to the No. 8 ranking. How does Brent Venables handle the CFP talk? How do players and Ben Arbuckle handle it? Taboo or out in the open? We also talk to players about their mentality heading into the home stretch with a playoff birth on the line. And the turnover bug is sweeping Sooner Nation but in a good way. The defense has been forcing turnovers and changing games. We ask where it all got started. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The offense has clearly improved under Ben Arbuckle and John Mateer. But comparing this offense to 2024's offense is an extreme example of judging on a curve. The running back room is either banged up or not available. The vertical threat in the receiving game hasn't been there since Mateer's hand surgery. This offense does appear to have an offensive line to operate behind. But the explosiveness, the threat this offense presents? It's not really there. In our first William & Lauren practice report of Missouri week, coaches and players talk about getting this offense moving forward as they know it's needed to make a run into the postseason. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It was an eventful day that started out at the Board of Regents meeting in OKC. The Sooners are getting ready to renovate the west side of GFOMS. Joe Castiglione and Joe Harroz both spoke about the massive undertaking and what that could mean for OU fans already with seats on that side of the stadium. But we're really here for Alabama and OU football's road trip to Tuscaloosa this weekend. OU is undefeated in true road games this season. And after last week's win at Tennessee, everyone is excited about the prospects of doing it again this week at Alabama. We spoke with several players this week about the road dog mentality and the improvements being made on offense. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As the Sooners get set for another huge road test at Alabama, those surrounding OU football are wondering if this team is improving at a pace that can compete and even win in Tuscaloosa. John Mateer is clearly healthier than he's been since his hand surgery. The offensive line and run game seem to be coming together. And the defense continues to be the bright spot of this team showing depth and playmakers all over the field. Does the bye week make this team even healthier and more dangerous for the Crimson Tide. We have a lot to go over in this week's William & Lauren Practice Report. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In our final Practice Report of the bye week we take a look at some of the good things that are happening inside the OU football program as they begin their critical stretch run. Kobie McKinzie missed the Tennessee game. But Owen Heinecke was there to step up and even earned SEC Player of the Week honors. And that offensive line continues to come together even though they are insanely young. And Eddy Pierre-Louis has been a big part of this resurgence on the offensive line. We spoke with "EPL" this week as well as Brent Venables and his teammates like Michael Fasusi on how important his play and his energy have been for the line. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's a bye week, and as happened during the first bye week of the season, Brent Venables held an interview inside Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Venables talked about his thoughts on the first college football rankings and how the Sooners are handling a second bye week. Venables' likes the double bye weeks? The offensive line performance with so many young faces was also something Venables was happy to talk about following the Sooners first practice since the Tennessee game. And the rest should be good for John Mateer as well, who looked very good in the second half against Tennessee. He'll need to have another big performance if the Sooners hope to upset Alabama in nearly two weeks in Tuscaloosa. So his rest, recovery and healing is paramount. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

During the second half against Tennessee, you may have noticed the Sooners looked like an offense everyone thought they could have this season. John Mateer had his most productive outing since he had his hand surgery. He also regained his form as a powerful and dynamic runner. Xavier Robinson also is starting to shine at the running back position. But it's the young offensive line that might be one of the biggest reasons the offense seems to be gaining it's footing. Two true freshman at tackle? Sophomore Eddie Pierre-Louis at guard? That's not going to be easy. And it hasn't been, but now it's starting to look like it should. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As Tennessee approaches, Ben Arbuckle continues to work to get his offense and John Mateer on track. The offensive line also got a big boost when true freshman Ryan Fodje played well as a member of the starting offensive line last week against Ole Miss. But if the Sooners don't clean up major mistakes in special teams and penalties, this season will enter a desperate mode heading down the home stretch. None of this is easy, but the Sooners have to find a way to stop making it harder than it needs to be. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The last three weeks have not been the greatest for John Mateer since his return from hand surgery. Whether it's identifying receivers, struggling with accuracy or making plays with his legs, Mateer hasn't looked the same as he did early in the season. As the Sooners get set for another major SEC battle with Tennessee this weekend, Mateer, Arbuckle and head coach Brent Venables talked about the issues facing this OU offense. This program is looking for a turnaround with a brutal four-game slate to finish the season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer talked openly about his recovery from hand surgery this week, including how he manages his rehab and his ability to throw the football as he continues to get more and more healthy. As Mateer continues to get better, he's also starting to rebuild his relationship on the field with Javonnie Gibson, who was a bigger part of the gameplan Saturday against South Carolina. And it appears Xavier Robinson is finally starting to separate from the pack behind Tory Blaylock as the Sooners continue their efforts to build a running game on offense. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The first practice report of a huge week starts on defense as Brent Venables and Reggie Powers talk about the Cheetah position and why it is playing so well. And what does the future hold for Kendal Dolby? Is he looking to redshirt? Or even transfer? The OU run game has John Mateer smiling after they racked up over 170 yards against South Carolina. It's also been a great season for Tate Sandell as OU's placekicker up to this point. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As the Sooners get ready to take on South Carolina following an emotional loss to rival Texas, Brent Venables has a message for his team: There's still a lot left to play for. At 5-1, the Sooners have the toughest stretch in front of them on the 2025 schedule. First off, the Sooners need to get healthy on the offensive line and there were positive updates in that area early in the week. The defensive is looking for a bounce back performance after giving up more rushing yards than normal against the Longhorns. And the future of Jayden Gibson at Oklahoma has finally been determined. It's the Oklahoma Sooners Practice Report. It's time to move on to South Carolina. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As Oklahoma gets set to take on South Carolina, Brent Venables finds himself in a social media war with the Big 12 Conference. But around here, more people are concerned with the lack of run game being displayed by the OU offense. And as this team heads on the road in the SEC, these games are often one score games. Is the running game going to continue holding OU back from being on top of those one score games? Or will they start to figure this thing out. Oh, and the health of the offensive line is also something we'll be paying close attention to this week. And how is John Mateer bouncing back this week after a tough performance against the Longhorns? Is he healthy yet? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

While we've already talked a lot about John Mateer's availability for Saturday's Red River Rivalry, there are a lot of other matchups that will go a long way in deciding this year's edition. OU's defensive line would appear to have a huge advantage over a Longhorn offensive line that has been struggling all season. And what about Brent Venables vs. Steve Sarkisian? Can the Sooners find some continuity at the running back position? And it also appears the Sooners can lay claim to the edge on special teams as well. We hear from coaches and players on the matchup in today's Practice Report. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Brent Venables held his weekly press conference on Tuesday and was peppered with questions about the status of quarterback John Mateer, who is attempting to return from a hand injury for the Red River Rivalry. Ben Arbuckle also held his weekly press conference and was asked all the same questions. What do Eddie and George take out of the answers given about the possibilities of Mateer returning? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Yes. Michael Hawkins Jr. is starting Saturday against Kent State. And the support he's received through the bye week and during game week prep will determine how he plays in his first start as a sophomore. Ben Arbuckle talked this week about preparing Hawkins and how senior offensive analyst John Kuceyeski plays a big part in getting his quarterbacks prepared to play well on gamedays. Arbuckle also had a message about Jaydn Ott and his readiness to play along with his name being associated with head coaching jobs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's been a long year since Michael Hawkins Jr., was thrust into the spotlight against Auburn. Hawkins was elevated to a starting role, then benched, then put back in the spotlight during last season's bowl game. This time around Hawkins has the support of a capable offensive coordinator, a capable quarterbacks coach and a better offensive line. At least from a protection point of view. No one knows exactly what we'll see from Hawkins this weekend against Kent State. But the belief is strong in Hawkins as the Sooners trying and bide their time before John Mateer returns. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

During the bye week, we did get a chance to catch up with a lot of Oklahoma football players. John Mateer playing through a thumb injury for three quarters really made a huge impression on the team once they found out he was injured at all. Deion Burks and Peyton Bowen are both looking forward to the college football world getting first looks of Javonnie Gibson and Eli Bowen for the first time this season when the Sooners take the field against Kent State. Grayson Miller talks about his journey to Oklahoma and everyone is excited for Michael Hawkins Jr., to get behind center and show the world he's improved since last season. #ad For a limited time, our listerns can get Harry's trial set for only $8 + a Free Gift at Harrys.com/SOONERSCOOP. Just head over to https://www.harrys.com/soonerscoop to receive our exclusive discount. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It was the final practice of the bye week this afternoon as John Mateer returned home from his surgery in Los Angeles in the hopes of returning to the field as soon as possible. But in the meantime, the Sooners are getting ready to move forward with Michael Hawkins Jr., behind center. The return of Eli Bowen is imminent as well as the debut of wide receiver Javonnie Gibson. Brent Venables talked about preparing to move forward without Mateer for the time being and the confidence and mindset of this team without him after practice on Thursday. #ad For a limited time, our listerns can get Harry's trial set for only $8 + a Free Gift at Harrys.com/SOONERSCOOP. Just head over to https://www.harrys.com/soonerscoop to receiver our exclusive discount. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

SoonerScoop was first to report that John Mateer, Oklahoma quarterback, and a leading Heisman Trophy candidate, could possibly miss three weeks after suffering a hand injury against Auburn. The OU QB will have surgery this week and give way to sophomore QB Michael Hawkins, Jr. Eddie and George break it all down and tell you where they think things go from here in Norman. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Oklahoma offense has had its fair share of standouts over the first three weeks. Jaren Kanak, Deion Burks, Keontez Lewis and more. And that's the thing. We keep seeing more. Isaiah Sategna broke out against Temple. We've seen flashes from others. And Javonnie Gibson isn't even back from injury yet. A big part of that has to do with the trust that Ben Arbuckle and John Mateer are showing in a lot of different players on the roster. Even second-year talent Zion Kearney is starting to show signs of breaking out. We also have more on the offensive line as well as the arrival of Tory Blaylock as the Sooners newest explosive weapon out of the backfield. And Jovantae Barnes still has a role to play in the offense. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

So many storylines, and not all good ones, continue to develop this week during practice. OU has lost a team captain and season opening starter for the season along the offensive line. And now others are banged up heading into a huge game. What does it look like on the OL headed toward kickoff? R Mason Thomas needs someone to step in and fill his shoes for the first half. Could it be Adepoju Adebawore? In good news, David Stone is starting to step up on the defensive line and that 5-star talent is starting to show. And oh yeah, Jackson Arnold returns to Norman for one of the biggest showdowns of the weekend. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oklahoma football's offensive coordinator has been down this road before with a player as unique as Jaren Kanak. He explains his connection to Kanak and his position switch from linebacker to tight end and why it's been so successful. We also explored OU's run game with Arbuckle on Tuesday, whether that be John Mateer or Tory Blaylock and others. The Sooners also look to be putting the pieces together on the offensive line as they hit the road for the first time this season to take on Temple.#AD Over 2 Million Butts Love TUSHY. Get 10% off TUSHY with the code SOONERSCOOP at https://hellotushy.com/SOONERSCOOP. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Sooners won one of the biggest matchups of the early college football season against Michigan. But now that everyone is singing the Sooners' praises, how will they deal with success? Will the hunger still be there? And can John Mateer survive a season running the ball as much as he did against Michigan. We've also seen how much OU practices special teams in practice. So how are they struggling in that area? We head to Philadelphia this week. Will the Sooners come back looking like a focused contender? Or a team that bought into all the hype and didn't stay focused on the football? #AD SoonerScoop's exclusive licensed apparel partner is Homefield. Get your incredibly comfortable, officially licensed apparel with vintage college designs at https://www.homefieldapparel.com #AD Over 2 Million Butts Love TUSHY. Get 10% off TUSHY with the code SOONERSCOOP at https://hellotushy.com/SOONERSCOOP. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ben Arbuckle finally has his first game under his belt as the offensive coordinator at the University of Oklahoma. But now he faces a defense that is expected to be a challenge to even the top offenses in the country with Michigan coming to town. Arbuckle talked about the challenge of Michigan, the wide receiver rotation, the run game, the surprisingly productive tight end group and what he takes from longtime offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson on the sidelines during games. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices