Three Oklahoma Sooners who could be breakout stars on the offensive side of the ball in 2025

As the Oklahoma Sooners gear up for the 2025 season, they are poised to build upon their tradition of offensive firepower. The Sooners have consistently been one of the most potent offensive teams in the country, and with a blend of experienced veterans and talented newcomers, the 2025 campaign offers an exciting opportunity for new stars to emerge. In this article, we’ll identify three players on the offensive side of the ball who have the potential to become breakout stars for the Sooners in 2025. Each player brings something unique to the table, and their performances could be crucial in shaping Oklahoma’s offensive identity for years to come.

1. Dylan Gabriel (QB) – The Engine of the Offense

While Dylan Gabriel has already established himself as a key player for the Oklahoma offense, 2025 could be the year he truly takes the reins and solidifies himself as one of the top quarterbacks in the country. Having transferred from UCF, Gabriel had an up-and-down first season with the Sooners, but with a year of experience under his belt and more chemistry with the offensive system, he is primed to elevate his game.

Why 2025 Could Be Gabriel’s Breakout Year:

• A Full Year in Jeff Lebby’s System: One of the biggest reasons for Gabriel’s potential in 2025 is his familiarity with the offensive system. Oklahoma’s offensive coordinator, Jeff Lebby, runs a fast-paced, high-octane offense that relies on a strong passing game. Gabriel, who had previously worked in a similar system at UCF, now has the opportunity to further hone his skills and grow as a quarterback. With his ability to make all the necessary throws, combined with his mobility, Gabriel has all the tools to be an elite signal caller.
• A Talented Receiving Corps: One of the key factors that will benefit Gabriel in 2025 is the return of a talented group of wide receivers. Players like Marvin Mims, who could be among the best receivers in the country, and Jaden Gibson, a talented sophomore, will provide Gabriel with the weapons he needs to succeed. If Gabriel can develop strong chemistry with his receivers, expect his passing numbers to take a big leap forward.
• Dual-Threat Ability: Gabriel isn’t just a pocket passer—he has the ability to make plays with his legs when necessary. While he may not be a burner in the mold of some other mobile quarterbacks, he’s effective enough to keep defenses honest and extend plays. This dual-threat ability will make him even more dangerous in 2025, especially as the offense evolves to capitalize on his mobility.

While 2025 might be Gabriel’s last season at Oklahoma, it could also be his breakout year. With improved understanding of the system, a talented supporting cast, and a desire to finish strong, Gabriel could find himself among the top quarterbacks in the nation by the end of the year.

2. Jovantae Barnes (RB) – The Emerging Running Back Star

Jovantae Barnes came to Oklahoma as a highly-rated recruit, and while he showed flashes of brilliance in 2024, the 2025 season presents an ideal opportunity for him to emerge as the Sooners’ go-to running back. Barnes has the combination of speed, vision, and power that make him a perfect fit for the Oklahoma offense, and with the departure of some key offensive players from the 2024 roster, Barnes is in prime position to take the next step.

Why 2025 Could Be Barnes’ Breakout Year:

• A More Prominent Role in the Offense: In 2024, Barnes shared the backfield with several other talented running backs, but in 2025, it is expected that he will take on a more significant role. As the Sooners move forward into the new season, Barnes will likely get more opportunities to showcase his skills as the featured back. With Eric Gray and Marcus Major no longer on the roster, Barnes will have the chance to lead the backfield.
• Elite Running Back Traits: Barnes isn’t just a power back—he also has impressive speed and elusiveness. His ability to break away for long runs and evade tacklers makes him a versatile weapon for the Sooners. When paired with an improved offensive line, Barnes will have the chance to produce big numbers in 2025.
• Strong Supporting Cast: While much of the focus on offense will be on the quarterback and wide receivers, a solid running game is always critical to a team’s success. With an offensive line that has the potential to dominate up front, Barnes will benefit from running behind a unit that can create holes and give him the space he needs to make plays.

Barnes is set to be the next great Oklahoma running back, and 2025 is the year he could truly break out as a top-tier playmaker for the Sooners. His combination of vision, speed, and power will be difficult for defenses to stop, and he could emerge as one of the best backs in the Big 12.

3. Jaden Gibson (WR) – The Deep Threat to Watch

In a high-powered offense, the wide receiver position is always crucial, and Jaden Gibson is primed to be one of the breakout stars for the Oklahoma Sooners in 2025. Gibson, a former top recruit, showed flashes of his potential in his freshman year and is expected to take a big step forward in 2025. With a quarterback like Dylan Gabriel leading the offense and a wide-open receiving corps, Gibson has the opportunity to be the Sooners’ go-to deep threat and develop into a star.

Why 2025 Could Be Gibson’s Breakout Year:

• Size and Speed Advantage: Standing at 6-foot-5, Gibson has a size advantage over most cornerbacks, making him a perfect target for contested catches and jump balls in the red zone. But Gibson is not just a big receiver—he’s also incredibly fast, making him a threat on deep routes. His ability to stretch the field and create big plays will make him a key piece of the Oklahoma offense.
• An Improved Quarterback-Receiver Connection: In 2024, Gibson was still adjusting to college football and working on building chemistry with Dylan Gabriel. By 2025, however, the two will have a full year of experience together, which will make them a dangerous duo. Gabriel’s strong arm combined with Gibson’s ability to win downfield could result in many explosive plays.
• Wide Receiver Depth: Oklahoma has one of the deepest receiving corps in the Big 12, and this depth will help take pressure off Gibson. Defenses can’t focus solely on him when there are other talented receivers like Marvin Mims and Drake Stoops to worry about. With a variety of offensive weapons, Gibson will have the chance to thrive in one-on-one matchups.

In 2025, Gibson has the potential to emerge as one of the top wide receivers in college football, especially if he continues to improve his route running and ability to separate from defenders. His speed and size make him a matchup nightmare, and he’s poised for a breakout year as one of the top deep threats in the Big 12.