Who’s Making the Most Impressions in the Most Recent Oklahoma Sooners Winter Workout Update?

The winter workouts for the Oklahoma Sooners football team are in full swing, and with the 2025 season just around the corner, the program is already seeing players rise to the occasion and make lasting impressions. Under head coach Brent Venables, the Sooners have been working hard to build upon their strong recruiting classes, develop talent, and sharpen their skills for the upcoming season. With the latest winter workouts offering an opportunity for players to showcase their abilities and improve both physically and mentally, some individuals are standing out more than others. Whether it’s a rising star from the recruiting class or a returning player looking to solidify their role, several Oklahoma Sooners are making a big impression this offseason.

Here’s a look at the players who are making the most noise during the recent winter workouts and how their efforts could impact the 2025 season.

1. Quarterback Dillon Gabriel: Continuing to Lead with Experience and Precision

Dillon Gabriel enters his second season as the starting quarterback for Oklahoma, and he is not letting the offseason pass without putting in the work. After a promising first year as the Sooners’ signal caller, Gabriel has taken on a leadership role within the team during the winter workouts. His work ethic, combined with his experience, is setting a strong tone for the offense heading into 2025.

Gabriel has impressed with his accuracy and consistency in workouts. His leadership has been on full display as he works with the team’s receivers, developing chemistry and fine-tuning their timing. The Sooners are looking for Gabriel to take the next step in his development and elevate the offense to greater heights. With his ability to read defenses, deliver the ball accurately, and make plays under pressure, he has been a player that everyone on offense is rallying behind.

What’s also been noticeable during these winter workouts is Gabriel’s commitment to improving his physical attributes. He’s been working on his strength and conditioning, making sure that he is in top shape to handle the demands of the season. His dedication to improving his footwork, release, and overall arm strength has been evident, and he’s certainly a player who has made a strong impression with his commitment to excellence.

As Oklahoma enters the 2025 season with high expectations, Gabriel’s leadership and progression will be key. The Sooners need him to not only be the quarterback but also the field general who can guide them to success. Based on his performance in these winter workouts, it’s clear that Gabriel is focused on meeting that challenge head-on.

2. Running Back Jovantae Barnes: A Rising Star in the Backfield

One of the most talked-about players in the winter workouts has been running back Jovantae Barnes. After showing flashes of brilliance as a freshman in 2023, Barnes is now primed for a breakout sophomore season. The Sooners have a rich tradition of strong running backs, and Barnes is the latest to make his mark in the backfield.

Barnes’ speed, vision, and balance have been on full display during the winter workouts, and he’s already turned heads with his impressive conditioning and explosive runs. His ability to break tackles and pick up yardage after contact is a big reason why he’s seen as one of the most exciting young players on the team. With the departure of former star running back Eric Gray, Barnes is poised to take over the starting role and become a focal point of the Sooners’ offense.

What’s been particularly impressive about Barnes is his maturity and work ethic. He’s been a leader on the field during drills and has been consistently pushing himself and his teammates to get better. His focus on improving his pass protection and becoming a more complete back has been evident in his extra work during the offseason. By improving his blocking and receiving abilities, Barnes is making sure that he is prepared for every situation and is ready to be the workhorse for the Sooners in 2025.

As the Sooners’ offensive line looks to establish its identity, Barnes’ ability to make plays in both the running and passing game will be crucial to the offense’s success. If he continues to impress at this rate, Barnes has the potential to become one of the top running backs in the Big 12 and could be a key player for Oklahoma in 2025.

3. Defensive Lineman Ethan Downs: Setting the Tone Up Front

On the defensive side of the ball, defensive lineman Ethan Downs has emerged as one of the most noticeable players during the winter workouts. After a solid sophomore season in 2023, Downs is primed for a breakout year, and his efforts in the offseason have caught the attention of coaches and teammates alike.

Downs’ physicality and motor have been standout qualities in these winter workouts. Known for his relentless effort and ability to penetrate the line of scrimmage, Downs has been showing off his strength and conditioning, ensuring that he is prepared for the tough battles he will face in the trenches. He’s not just working on his strength, though—he’s also focused on improving his technique and footwork to increase his pass-rushing ability.

One area where Downs has particularly impressed is in his leadership. As one of the older and more experienced members of the defensive line, Downs is taking a leadership role in helping develop the younger players around him. He has been working hard with the Sooners’ younger defensive linemen, showing them how to use leverage and technique to win at the point of attack. His ability to teach and mentor the next wave of defensive linemen could help the Sooners maintain a strong presence on the line of scrimmage in 2025.

With Oklahoma’s defense looking to take a major step forward under Brent Venables, having a player like Downs who can dominate at the line of scrimmage will be crucial. His ability to be a disruptive force in both the run game and as a pass rusher will be key to the defense’s success. The work he has put in this offseason has made it clear that he’s ready to be one of the leaders of the Sooners’ defensive front.

4. Wide Receiver Andrel Anthony: Building Chemistry with Gabriel

Wide receiver Andrel Anthony, who transferred from Michigan to Oklahoma, has been one of the most intriguing players in the winter workouts. The Sooners have high expectations for Anthony, who comes to Oklahoma with a reputation for being a deep threat and playmaker. After a productive season at Michigan, Anthony is now tasked with becoming a go-to receiver for quarterback Dillon Gabriel.

In the winter workouts, Anthony has been making a big impression with his explosiveness and route-running ability. His speed and ability to separate from defenders are already well-established, but his focus on refining his route running and becoming more consistent in his hands has been one of the highlights of the offseason. Anthony has been working hard to develop a strong connection with Gabriel, and the chemistry between the two is already starting to show in drills.

The Sooners need a big-play receiver to complement their offense, and Anthony is in prime position to be that player. His ability to stretch the field and make big plays down the field will be invaluable for Oklahoma’s offense in 2025. If Anthony continues to make strides in his development and builds more chemistry with Gabriel, he has the potential to be one of the top receivers in the Big 12.

5. Linebacker Danny Stutsman: The Defensive Leader

Danny Stutsman, a key player for the Sooners’ defense, has been making strong impressions during the winter workouts as well. The linebacker has been one of the best players on Oklahoma’s defense, and his performance in the offseason has demonstrated his readiness for another standout year in 2025.

Stutsman is known for his sideline-to-sideline range, ability to cover ground, and his leadership on the field. His leadership qualities have been particularly evident in the offseason as he continues to take ownership of the defense and guide the younger players. Stutsman has been putting in the work to improve his ability to read offenses and make quick decisions, an area he has focused on developing further during the winter workouts.

As Oklahoma looks to solidify its defense, having a player like Stutsman in the middle is a huge asset. His presence allows the defense to play with confidence, knowing that they have a leader who can make plays in the run game and also cover receivers in passing situations. Stutsman’s progress during the winter workouts suggests that he will be a force to be reckoned with in 2025 and a cornerstone of the Sooners’ defense.