Oklahoma Sooners news: Billy Bowman starting, Colin Cowherd roasts Venables, coaches on Mateer

Billy Bowman Jr. starting

Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris announced during a press conference on Thursday that former Oklahoma Sooner Billy Bowman Jr. will start at nickel back Week 1 as a rookie.

The Falcons just selected Bowman in the fourth round of the 2025 NFL Draft after he slipped because of his size at 5-foot-10. Despite the knock, Bowman quickly impressed enough during training camp to immediately earn a starting job.

"Billy Bowman finished with a strong lead there, obviously," Morris said. "He'll be the guy to go out there first."

The Falcons will open their season against Baker Mayfield and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sept. 7.

Colin Cowherd roasts Brent Venables

Shortly after OU head coach Brent Venables' comments about the state of the Sooners' program after he replaced Lincoln Riley went viral, FOX Sports radio personality Colin Cowherd took a jab at Venables.

Venables said that during his first season in 2022, OU had a team GPA of 2.2 and “a lot of guys that didn’t pass drug tests. A lot.” He then noted how much the culture has improved since with Venables heading into Year 4. Venables didn't mention any names, but we all know who was in charge before.

Coaches honest about John Mateer

ESPN asked some college football coaches from around the country to anonymously share their thoughts on some notable quarterbacks heading into the season, including OU's John Mateer.

While an SEC defensive coordinator deemed Mateer "a triple threat" and another questioned his durability, a coach who has actually faced Mateer before had a bold proclamation.

"He's going to be one of the better quarterbacks in the SEC," a coach who faced Mateer last season told ESPN. "If he can stay healthy -- because they run him like a running back -- they'll be a much better team. He's the type of guy who can change your whole culture."

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