College football today means a roster full of names that fans don't recognize every year when the season starts, whether it's because they're freshmen, transfers or just haven't gotten the spotlight yet, but a few of those Oklahoma unknowns made sure Friday night that Sooner Nation will know who they are Week 2.
The No. 10 Sooners hammered UTEP 51-0 in their season opener on Friday night at Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Next, OU will travel to Ann Arbor to take on No. 16 Michigan.
Week 1 meant new starters getting their opportunity in some spots, but the blowout also created more chances for reserves to impress and make a case for more time. Three Sooners in particular, who a lot of OU fans might not have known before Friday night, made a name for themselves in Week 1.
These under-the-radar Sooners used Week 1 to immediately impress
Freshman Dane Bathurst really didn't get much time at linebacker in his college debut, but he made the most of every single second he was on the field. He didn't even go in until the fourth quarter, but in just one quarter of action, he still recorded four total tackles and 1.5 tackles for loss. He looked like a young Danny Stutsman out there flying around, being at least near the ball every time a play was made.
Bathurst wasn't exactly a headlining signee as a three-star recruit in the recent 2026 class, but it took only one quarter for him to show that Brent Venables discovered a gem in the young linebacker who could immediately have value as a depth piece.
Offensive lineman Noah Best made a little bit of OU history in Week 1 as the first freshman since 2012 to start at center for the Sooners. He was also the first freshman since 1992 to start at center in a season opener.
Best stepped up and held his own in his collegiate debut after the Sooners lost two centers to injury for the opener during fall camp. And he didn't just contribute at center. Best lined up at three different spots, while also playing both guard positions on top of center. He stood out so much with his versatility that I crowned him Offensive MVP for the Sooners' Week 1 win.
Best likely won't start once Jake Maikkula and Ryan Fodje return, but he proved he will at least be a regular piece of the rotation going forward as a freshman.
Unlike the first two freshmen mentioned, Reggie Powers III has been around the program for a bit as a junior, but the battle with UTEP was his first career start as he takes over the Sooners' cheetah position, which is Venables' hybrid between a defensive back and edge-rusher, depending on what's needed in the situation.
Powers tied with star linebacker Owen Heinecke for a team-high seven total tackles while getting the most action he's ever gotten. Four of those tackles were solo stops, and he also had a tackle for loss. He assured it will be a smooth transition at cheetah from Kendal Daniels to him, as Powers eventually becomes a staple of the Sooners' elite defense.
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