Even after a full offseason of hyping up some Oklahoma players, it's obvious halfway through the season that some were not mentioned near enough.
Some fans will argue they saw every breakout player coming, but based on a consensus preseason expectations, some Sooners have already exceeded what was expected from them in 2025.
Tory Blaylock, RB
It was a shock when freshman Tory Blaylock was listed as the second running back on OU’s initial depth chart ahead of Week 1, but since, he’s asserted himself as RB1, and no one would argue now that he deserves that role.
Blaylock leads the Sooners with 290 rushing yards while averaging 4.3 yards a carry. He’s been the only hope in what’s been a hopeless OU running game otherwise.
Owen Heinecke, LB
Owen Heinecke started his college journey as a lacrosse player at Ohio State before eventually walking on at OU to play football. A walk-on who switched sports would never be expected to even upgrade from the scout team, but Heinecke has emerged as one the biggest contributors for one of the best defenses in college football.
Heinecke is tied for third on the team with 22 tackles, plus 3.5 tackles for loss and a sack. He also led OU with a career-high seven tackles in the Sooners’ biggest win of the season so far against Michigan.
Jaren Kanak, TE
When Jaren Kanak converted from linebacker to tight end for his final season, it looked like the Sooners were just flat out desperate for depth at the position. It turns out, Kanak can just flat out play tight end and has been the No. 1 at the position all season.
Kanak still struggles blocking on the edge at times, but he’s been one of quarterback John Mateer’s top targets. At one point in the season, Kanak led all tight ends in college football in receiving yards. Through six games, he’s now second on the team with 348 receiving yards on 23 receptions.
Isaiah Sategna III, WR
Fans were overall underwhelmed by the Sooners’ receiver additions from the Transfer Portal this offseason, but Isaiah Sategna III has proven to be a steal.
After being underutilized at Arkansas, the speedy Sategna is the Sooners’ top receiving option in every major category with 30 catches for 420 yards and three TDs. He’s also handled punt return duties for the Sooners.
Taylor Wein, DL
Taylor Wein spent most of last season contributing on special teams, but despite playing on maybe the best defensive line in the country, he’s still carved out a role on OU’s elite defense.
Wein leads the Sooners with 8.5 tackles for loss, plus 19 tackles and 3.5 sacks, which is second on the team. At a position that includes future NFL talent like David Stone, Jayden Jackson, Gracen Halton and Damonic Williams, Wein has still stood out after expectations to be an unknown depth piece.