Even though spring football games haven’t started yet, Oklahoma Sooners freshmen are already drawing attention.

As the 2025 season approaches and the excitement surrounding spring football begins to build, a new wave of talent is already making waves on the Oklahoma Sooners football team. While spring football games have not yet begun, the freshmen on the roster are already drawing significant attention for their performances in offseason workouts, practices, and their potential to make an immediate impact. For a program that has consistently been one of the top contenders in college football, the arrival of these freshmen adds another layer of excitement and optimism for the Sooners.

The University of Oklahoma has always been a powerhouse in college football, known for developing elite talent and competing at the highest level. Over the years, the program has produced a long list of NFL-bound players, with some of the best college football athletes in history wearing the crimson and cream. In recent years, however, the Sooners have faced increased competition in the Big 12 and on the national stage, which has only made the addition of top-tier recruits even more important.

Spring football provides an opportunity for the coaching staff to evaluate talent, try out different strategies, and fine-tune the team before the start of the official season. It’s also a critical period for freshmen to showcase their skills, get acclimated to the collegiate game, and potentially earn significant roles on the team. While the official spring game is still weeks away, the performances of several freshmen have already caught the attention of coaches, teammates, and fans alike.

Freshmen Impact on Oklahoma’s Offense

The Oklahoma Sooners have always been known for their explosive offense, consistently ranking near the top of college football in scoring and yardage. As the team looks to maintain its high-octane offensive approach, several freshmen have shown promise in spring practices, making it clear that they could contribute early on.

Quarterback Battle

A key storyline heading into the 2025 season is the competition at the quarterback position. The Sooners are looking to replace a seasoned veteran, and several young players are eager to step up. Among these players is Jackson McDonald, a freshman quarterback who has been receiving significant attention since arriving on campus. McDonald, a dual-threat quarterback with a strong arm and impressive mobility, has impressed coaches with his ability to read defenses and make quick decisions under pressure. While he is still learning the ropes, his raw talent and poise suggest that he could be a major factor in Oklahoma’s offense.

McDonald has already made waves during individual drills, impressing the coaching staff with his deep ball accuracy, quick release, and ability to extend plays with his legs. His leadership qualities have also been noted by teammates and coaches, and many are optimistic about his potential to contribute in the future.

Despite the fact that the Sooners have more established options at quarterback, McDonald could be in the mix for significant playing time as he continues to develop throughout spring practices. Given his talent and potential, it would not be surprising to see him earn a role early in his career, possibly even as a backup or in certain special packages.

Running Back Potential

Another position where freshmen are starting to shine is the running back group. The Sooners are looking to continue their tradition of producing elite running backs, and this year’s freshmen class brings a wealth of talent to the position. One standout player is Deonte Hayes, a freshman from Texas who has impressed the coaching staff with his combination of speed, vision, and power.

At 6’1” and 210 pounds, Hayes brings a unique combination of size and agility to the backfield. His ability to cut on a dime and break tackles has been evident during individual drills and 7-on-7 sessions. As the Sooners continue to build their offense around a balanced attack, Hayes has shown the potential to be a significant contributor in the running game.

While Hayes is still competing for playing time against more experienced players, his performances in spring practices have positioned him as a potential contributor in the 2025 season. With his combination of power and speed, Hayes could quickly earn a role in the Sooners’ backfield and become a key weapon in the team’s offensive arsenal.

Wide Receiver Depth

The wide receiver group has also seen some exciting young players come in, and one of the most hyped freshmen is Eli Turner, a wide receiver who is expected to have an immediate impact. At 6’3” and 190 pounds, Turner has the size and athleticism to be a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses. During early practices, he has shown a natural ability to separate from defenders, as well as the ability to catch the ball in traffic.

Turner’s athleticism and route-running ability make him a prime candidate to play a significant role in the Sooners’ offense as a freshman. He has already developed strong chemistry with the quarterbacks and has the physical tools to excel at the next level. Given the high level of competition for playing time, Turner will need to continue refining his skills, but if his early practices are any indication, he will be a key player in the Sooners’ wide receiver rotation in the upcoming season.

Another freshman who has caught the eye of the coaching staff is Chris Daniels, a speedster who excels in creating separation with his quickness and agility. Daniels’ breakaway speed makes him an ideal deep threat, and he has already shown that he can make big plays in practice. His ability to stretch the field could be a valuable asset to the Sooners’ offense as they continue to evolve their scheme under Head Coach Brent Venables.

Freshmen Impact on Oklahoma’s Defense

While the offense is always a focal point for the Sooners, the defense has also made significant strides in recent years, and this year’s freshmen class is expected to continue that trend. Oklahoma is looking to become a more balanced team, and the influx of talent on the defensive side of the ball is helping to shape a promising future.

Defensive Line Standouts

One of the most impressive freshmen on defense is Tyler Hayes, a defensive lineman who has been dominating early in practices. Hayes, who stands at 6’4” and 280 pounds, brings a combination of power and athleticism that has impressed both coaches and teammates. His ability to shed blockers and disrupt plays in the backfield has already earned him praise from Defensive Coordinator Ted Roof.

Hayes’ combination of strength, speed, and football IQ make him a key figure in the defensive line rotation moving forward. As the Sooners look to shore up their defensive front and improve their ability to stop the run and pressure the quarterback, Hayes has the potential to be an immediate contributor, possibly even earning a starting role by the time the regular season begins.

Another defensive lineman who has made waves during spring practices is Jaden Brooks, a freshman from Kansas who has impressed with his quick first step and ability to collapse the pocket. At 6’3” and 270 pounds, Brooks has the frame and technique to excel as a pass rusher. His development will be key to Oklahoma’s defensive success in the upcoming season, and he could quickly emerge as a key rotational player on the defensive line.

Linebacker Depth

The Sooners have made significant strides in bolstering their linebacker depth, and one of the most exciting freshmen in the group is Noah Turner, a 6’2”, 230-pound linebacker who has impressed during early practices with his ability to read plays and his physicality. Turner’s football IQ and ability to diagnose plays quickly have stood out in individual drills, and he has already demonstrated a natural ability to get to the ball carrier.

While Turner is still learning the ins and outs of the defense, his early performances suggest that he could contribute immediately as a freshman. With his ability to move sideline to sideline and his knack for making plays in the backfield, Turner is a linebacker to watch as the season progresses.

Another freshman linebacker, Jace Caldwell, has also been turning heads during spring drills. Caldwell, who is known for his sideline-to-sideline speed and physicality, has demonstrated the ability to cover both the run and pass. His ability to drop into coverage and make plays in space has made him an intriguing prospect for the Sooners’ defense.

The Role of Coaching in Freshmen Development

A major factor in the early success of these freshmen is the guidance and coaching they are receiving from the Oklahoma staff. Brent Venables has built a reputation as one of the best defensive minds in college football, and his attention to detail and focus on developing young talent has been a cornerstone of the Sooners’ recruiting success. Offensive coordinator Jeff Lebby also has a strong track record of developing quarterbacks and skill players, ensuring that these freshmen will have every opportunity to succeed.

Venables’ emphasis on competition, discipline, and development has already begun to pay off with the performances of these freshmen. His ability to coach up young players, as well as his commitment to player development, will play a key role in the future of these athletes and the overall success of the program.