Oklahoma’s first-ever Crimson Combine drew over 16,000 fans and capped off a spring full of energy, effort, and promise. Head coach Brent Venables praised his team’s mindset, calling out their relentless work ethic and hunger to improve. “Few balls hit the ground,” he noted, highlighting how sharp the passing game looked. From quarterbacks to tight ends, the Sooners’ offense is evolving fast. New faces on the O-line are already making noise. And this spring wasn’t just practice—it was proof of a transition program, ready to rise under Venables.

However, ESPN’s spring transfer portal rankings highlighted three players with ties to Cal, and one of the biggest moves was the commitment of the 3,326-yd weapon to Oklahoma. The dynamic running back entered the portal, and despite Cal’s efforts to keep him, he chose to head to Norman. But Oklahoma also made a splash by landing Stanford offensive lineman Jake Maikkula. Right now, with this addition, the Sooners are poised for a more explosive offense under Brent Venables. So, the 2025 season is already looking brighter for Oklahoma with these game-changing moves.

Now, on the 25th episode of ESPN College Football, Greg McElroy gave a bold prediction for Oklahoma’s future. He said, “I think Oklahoma is poised for a significant jump in wins. I think Oklahoma’s poised to have some breakthrough candidates at multiple different positions, and their new GM, Jim Nagy, is off to a tremendous start. Now, they had a bit of a need at depth at running back, and I think they got one of the best running backs in the entire country by bringing in Cal’s Jaydn Ott.” So, with Ott joining the team, Oklahoma’s offense is set for a major boost.

Greg McElroy didn’t stop there. He went on to praise Jaydn Ott’s skill set, saying, “He was the leading rusher in 2023, one of the top players in the spring transfer portal, and although he battled injuries last season, when Ott’s healthy, he’s one of the best backs in the country.” Greg continued, “He can contribute in the passing game, but make no mistake, Ott’s a hammer. He runs hard, and it’ll be exciting to see him alongside John Mateer in the backfield.” Honestly, with Ott in the mix, Oklahoma’s offense is set to explode.

And why not? Jaydn Ott has been a standout in CFB, delivering impressive numbers in his sophomore season. In 2023, he rushed for 1,315 yards and 12 TDs, adding 169 receiving yards and 2 scores. But his 2024 campaign was marred by injuries, limiting him to just 385 yards and four TDs. However, despite the setback, Ott’s departure from Cal is a huge blow for the Bears, who are already thin at RB. With Ott leaving for Oklahoma, the team now faces a void at the position.

Now, Greg believes Oklahoma is a team to watch this season. “John Mateer has the potential to be one of the best quarterbacks in the country,” he said. With the addition of Stanford’s OL, a plug-and-play starter at center, the offensive line looks solid. On top of that, bringing back David Stone and adding Jaydn Ott shows Venables’ commitment to building depth. Despite needing help at a few positions, Oklahoma’s defense and new talent make them a sleeper. “Start paying attention,” urged Greg. The Sooners are gearing up for a breakout year.

While Ott’s commitment brings a major boost to Brent Venables’ offense, a massive John Mateer locker room revelation adds solace.

Brent Venables’ good days are just beginning

Oklahoma’s offense in 2024 was a train wreck—126th in yards and 110th in scoring. But the tide is turning with the arrival of the John Mateer-Ben Arbuckle tandem. The hype is real—On3’s Ari Wasserman has Mateer at No. 4, while Andy Staples slots him at No. 6. J.D. PicKell raves about his off-script playmaking, comparing him to Baker Mayfield. Now, with 3,139 total yards and 29 TDs, Mateer is already proving he’s the future. On top of that, in spring practice, he’s impressing with his cannon arm, smooth mechanics, and flawless poise.

J.D. PicKell went all-in on the Sooners’ new signal-caller, and it’s easy to see why. Mateer didn’t just step into the locker room—he walked into a team starving for a fresh start. The energy was palpable from the moment he arrived. “They’re hungry for it. It wasn’t successful last year, and they don’t like that. Nobody likes that. Everybody is competitive. They want it really bad, so it’s not hard to get it out of them,” shared Mateer. His fiery presence is exactly what Oklahoma needed to spark a new chapter, according to Pickell. So, with Mateer leading the charge, this is a team ready to turn the page and make noise.

Mateer is more than just a transfer success—he’s the pulse of Oklahoma’s 2025 revival. With his leadership and playmaking ability, he’s setting the tone for a major turnaround. The defense, stacked with experience and grit, is ready to back him up. Together, they could be the perfect balance to shake things up in Year 2 of the SEC era. Oklahoma is poised for a bounce-back, and it’s going to be a ride worth watching.