For the first time under Brent Venables, the Oklahoma Sooners named permanent team captains for the entire season instead of game by game. With that, for the first time, those Sooners donned a captain "C" on their chests in OU's season opener against Illinois State on Saturday.
The seven players with the honor of being named as captains and getting to wear that "C" were quarterback John Mateer, offensive lineman Troy Everett, defensive tackle Gracen Halton, linebacker Kip Lewis, defensive lineman Damonic Williams, defensive end R Mason Thomas and safety Robert Spears-Jennings.
Captain patches added to OU's jerseys
The new patch addition was just subtly unveiled in a post from OU football.
Tradition 🔴⚪️ pic.twitter.com/GLqgv928gG
— Oklahoma Football (@OU_Football) August 30, 2025
Although a small detail, it has a major meaning that Sooner Nation immediately noticed. That honor even made former Sooner offensive lineman Gabe Ikard jealous.
First what I believe is the first time ever…Oklahoma football’s captains have a C on their jerseys and I’ve never been more jealous of anything in my life.
— Gabe Ikard (@GabeIkard) August 30, 2025
We got better looks as the day went on.
Good look at the new captain patches on R Mason Thomas’ uniform here pic.twitter.com/IZVD1Rw7SN
— Josh Callaway (@JoshMCallaway) August 30, 2025
Pregame vibes 🆙 pic.twitter.com/dzeXSJg2g7
— Oklahoma Football (@OU_Football) August 30, 2025
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