National honor for Courtland Guillory and Michael Fasusi highlights bright future ahead for Sooners

Obviously Oklahoma fans have plenty to be excited about right now with the Sooners competing in the College Football Playoff, but Sooner Nation can be just as eager for the future in Norman.

This time last year, OU cornerback Courtland Guillory and offensive tackle Michael Fasusi had just signed as part of the Sooners' 2025 recruiting class, and just a year later, they're already a massive part of transforming the Sooners back into national championship contenders and were recognized for their contributions.

Guillory and Fasusi on Monday were listed on the 2025 On3 College Football True Freshman All-American Team. OU was one of just five programs with two players on the list, joining Alabama, Georgia, Oregon and Maryland.

OU's Courtland Guillory and Michael Fasusi on 2025 On3 College Football True Freshman All-American Team

The duo of honorees foreshadow what could be ahead for the Sooners while already accomplishing so much with such a young roster, especially considering OU has even more freshmen that could have been on the list.

Fasusi, starting at left tackle and who was also on the preseason version of this All-American list, is just one of three freshmen that has been starting for the Sooners along the offensive line. Ryan Fodje, who signed with Fasusi in 2025, is at the other tackle spot, while redshirt freshman Eddy Pierre-Louis has recently taken over at left guard. All of them took starting jobs from veteran players and never lost their new roles throughout a daunting SEC gauntlet.

That trio has helped pave the way for freshman running back Tory Blaylock, who emerged from a crowded backfield early to become the Sooners' leading rusher with 444 yards and four touchdowns on 109 carries during the regular season.

On the other side of the ball, Guillory is the only frosh to crack the starting lineup of one of the best defenses in the country, which helped him garner the recognition from On3. Guillory has made 10 starts while playing in every game of the regular season. He tallied 39 tackles, a tackle for loss and six pass breakups while covering some of the most talented receivers in the country.

Even after Guillory, though, there are freshmen and sophomores riddled throughout the depth chart of OU's defense who make an impact.

The list from On3, and eventually other outlets, recognize Guillory and Fasusi, but they're just the tip of the iceberg for the young talent on the Sooners' roster that will keep succeeding well beyond 2025.