Sooner football fans won't mind bidding farewell to 2024, and moving forward mentally and emotionally to what 2025 can bring.
A year ago at this time, with the excitement and anticipation of moving to the SEC continuing to build, optimism was high that Oklahoma could hold its own in its new conference, although tempered with the reality that the Sooners still needed to get better in a number of areas.
As we turn over the calendar to another year, the uncertainly and concerns around the Oklahoma football program regretfully are even greater heading into 2025.
While many are making resolutions on things they would like to change or make better in their lives for the coming year, that strikes us as being a blinding flash of the obvious when it comes to Oklahoma football.
We prefer to take a more positive approach with several predictions that, if realized, will help turn things around and lay the foundation for a stronger, more successful and sustainable future.
1. Mateer takes the reigns, lives up to the hype
John Mateer is the bonus package the Sooners received with the hiring of former Washington State offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle to the same role at Oklahoma.
In one season as the Wazzu starter, Mateer completed 65% of his pass attempts for 3,139 yards, 29 touchdowns and seven interceptions. His value was accentuated by 826 additional yards on the ground and 15 rushing touchdowns.
He will potentially have two seasons to hone his skills and talent at OU. He is familiar with the offensive system, having played under Arbuckle in 2024, which should help him hit the ground running and throwing at OU.
In 2025, look for Mateer to throw for at least 3,700 yards and 35 touchdowns, which will give him the 11th-best single season in OU history. He will also be a threat running the ball. He should gain 500-plus yards rushing and 10 touchdowns.
2. Thomas returns as OU's defensive leader
R Mason Thomas hasn't made it known for sure if he will be back for another season in 2025, but I predict Oklahoma will benefit mightily from his return when he does. Thomas ended the 2024 season with 22 tackles, one forced fumble and two fumble recoveries. He led the Sooners in both tackles for loss (11.5) and sacks (8), and was a second-team All-SEC selection.
In 2025, Thomas will put up even better numbers and settle in as the leader of the Sooner defense, a la Danny Stutsman. I also see him moving up to All-SEC First Team.
3. Burks plays full season, more than doubles his 2024 production
Purdue transfer Deion Burks led the Sooners in receiving through five games with 31 catches for 245 yards. He was injured in the Texas game, however, and saw only limited action in one game (vs. Missouri) the remainder of the season.
His best season as a collegian was in 2023 at Purdue, when he had 47 receptions for 629 yards and seven touchdowns.
Burks will stay healthy and play a full season in 2025. The benefit that will bring to the Sooner offense is a career-best 70 or more catches for more than 800 yards. That would put him in the same company as former OU greats CeeDee Lamb, Mark Clayton, Jalen Saunders, Kenny Stills and Malcolm Kelly for a single season.
4. Eli Bowen becomes next Billy Bowman Jr. in backend of defense
Safety Billy Bowman Jr. was the anchor at the backend of Oklahoma's defense the past three seasons, but his eligibility ended after the 2024 season.
Freshman Eli Bowen wasn't as heralded as his older brother, Peyton, coming out of high school. But he played his way into the starting lineup, starting seven games in the defensive backfield at cornerback.
Oklahoma will be well-served with the Bowen brothers patrolling the Sooner secondary. Eli will take the next step in 2025 at becoming the next Billy Bowman, albeit operating out of a different position. He should have some competition for that role, though, from older brother Peyton.
5. Oklahoma goes 7-5 , wins bowl game for 8-win season
Looking ahead to Oklahoma's 2025 schedule, which is basically a flip-flop of 2024 with the only change in the SEC portion being a reversal of the home team, it is difficult to project improvement in the win-loss column.
OU will also have a harder nonconference schedule with the addition of Michigan, which is coming off an 8-5 season, including wins over Ohio State and Alabama.
I predict the Sooners will finish above .500 next season, however, with regular-season wins over three of the four nonconference opponents (Illinois State, Temple and Kent State) but losing to Michigan.
OU will also post home wins over Auburn, Ole Miss, Missouri and LSU. That will give the Sooners a 4-4 conference record and at 7-5 overall. I also see Oklahoma recording its first win in a bowl game under Brent Venables to finish out the year at 8-5.