Sooners start fall camp
Football is back, baby!
The Oklahoma Sooners hosted a media day on Wednesday before starting fall camp on Thursday. We first heard from new offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle, which is a rare occurrence, followed by Brent Venables and multiple players.
The Sooners will kick off the 2025 season, which will be the fourth under Venables, against Illinois State on Aug. 30. Between now and then, though, OU still has some questions to answer during fall camp.
Brent Venables claps back
Many have questioned whether transfers quarterback John Mateer and running back Jaydn Ott can still find the same success as their previous stops since they're now in the SEC with a much tougher schedule.
Venables has apparently heard the doubt and immediately clapped back at those takes when he was asked how much fits he thought Mateer and Ott will cause for SEC defenses this upcoming season.
"I don't know much fits they're gonna give the SEC. I know a lot of people in here (referring to media) have made comments that they're gonna really struggle in the SEC, because this isn't Wyoming and whoever else that we're quantifying that against," Venables said. "I don't see how's that different from 'Oh, he hasn't played in the SEC.'
"Well, how about a freshman quarterback playing in the SEC? He hadn't played in the SEC either, right? But there's been plenty of young players that never played college football until their freshman year, and then they do really well."
Brent Venables was asked how many fits John Mateer and Jaydn Ott will bring to SEC defenses.
— The REF (@KREFsports) July 30, 2025
“I know a lot of people of people in here have made comments that they’re going to really struggle in the SEC, ‘cause this isn’t Wyoming and whoever else we’re quantifying that against.” pic.twitter.com/uVVjVQUGhR
Injury update
Venables told reporters that starting cornerback Eli Bowen will not be available for the start of fall camp because of a left leg injury that also forced him to miss spring camp.
The Sooners are already battling injuries and fall camp just started. Cornerback Gentry Williams suffered a season-ending injury last year and was limited during the spring, but his status for the fall is still uncertain. Kendel Dolby, who could play corner and cheetah, also suffered a season-ending injury that limited him in the spring. Wide receiverJavonnie Gibson broke his leg during spring ball, but is expected to be back for OU's season opener, but is also out for at least the start of fall camp.
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