In order for the Oklahoma Sooners to make a comeback in the SEC in 2025, five players must have rebounding seasons.

The Oklahoma Sooners are set to face a new challenge in 2025 as they transition into the Southeastern Conference (SEC), one of college football’s most competitive conferences. After a period of dominance in the Big 12, the Sooners will now need to adjust to the heightened level of competition that comes with being part of the SEC. For Oklahoma to not only compete but succeed in this new environment, there are several key players who must rebound from subpar performances or injuries to deliver strong seasons. Here are five players crucial to Oklahoma’s success in 2025, all of whom need to have bounce-back years to help the Sooners strike back in the SEC.

1. Dillon Gabriel – Quarterback

As the leader of the offense, Dillon Gabriel is one of the most crucial players for the Sooners heading into 2025. The dual-threat quarterback had an impressive start to his Oklahoma career, showing flashes of brilliance with his arm and legs. However, his performance in some key games last season left much to be desired, especially in high-pressure situations. Gabriel will need to find more consistency in 2025 and improve his decision-making, particularly in close games, to prove he can handle the increased intensity of SEC defenses.

One of Gabriel’s main challenges is his ability to stay healthy. Injuries have hindered his performance in the past, and he’ll need to prove that he can maintain his level of play for an entire season. His chemistry with his wide receivers and offensive line will also be critical. If Gabriel can improve on his decision-making, work on his mechanics, and stay healthy, he has the tools to lead Oklahoma into a successful SEC debut season. Gabriel’s ability to make plays with both his arm and his legs will be a key factor in whether the Sooners can make a serious run in their first season in the SEC.

2. Eric Gray – Running Back

The Sooners have had a rich history of strong running backs, and Eric Gray was expected to continue that tradition in 2024. However, his performances last season did not meet the expectations many had for him. While he showed flashes of brilliance, inconsistency and the lack of a consistent offensive line made it difficult for him to truly break out. For the Sooners to thrive in the SEC, they will need a running back who can carry the offense when needed, and Gray is the player to do it.

To make a major impact in the SEC, Gray will need to develop greater consistency in his running style. He must find ways to gain yards on tough runs, make defenders miss in tight spaces, and improve his pass-catching abilities out of the backfield. Gray’s ability to make defenders miss in the open field, coupled with his ability to pick up the tough yards when needed, will be paramount. Additionally, his leadership and ability to be a reliable option in the passing game will make him an even more valuable asset in Oklahoma’s offensive scheme.

If Gray can return to the level of play he showcased earlier in his career, he could become one of the top backs in the SEC and provide the Sooners with a dynamic rushing attack that will make them even more dangerous.

3. Marvin Mims – Wide Receiver

Wide receiver Marvin Mims had an outstanding career at Oklahoma, but his performances last season were inconsistent, and he struggled to put up the big numbers that many expected. Despite having a lot of potential and the ability to stretch the field, Mims failed to consistently dominate in 2024, particularly in high-pressure games against top-ranked teams. In order for Oklahoma to remain competitive in the SEC, Mims must have a bounce-back season and prove that he can be a go-to target for Dillon Gabriel.

Mims possesses all the physical tools necessary to excel at the next level, including elite speed, strength, and route-running ability. He has the capability to take the top off defenses and make game-changing plays. However, Mims will need to become more consistent in his route running, as well as work on his ability to create separation from defenders, particularly against more physical SEC secondaries. If he can refine his game, Mims could once again be a standout receiver in one of the best conferences in the country.

Additionally, Mims will need to develop chemistry with Gabriel and provide a reliable option in clutch moments. If he is able to dominate in the air and provide a consistent deep threat, Mims could be one of the most dangerous receivers in the SEC.

4. Billy Bowman – Defensive Back

The defense will be a key factor in Oklahoma’s success in the SEC, and one player who must have a rebound season is Billy Bowman. After a promising start to his Oklahoma career, Bowman’s 2024 season was a bit of a letdown. While he still showed flashes of his immense potential, consistency in coverage and making timely plays was a struggle. As one of the Sooners’ most talented defensive backs, Bowman will need to step up and lead the secondary in 2025.

To succeed in the SEC, Bowman will need to refine his skills in both coverage and tackling. He has the physical attributes to cover receivers at a high level, but the competition in the SEC will be much stiffer than what he’s seen in the Big 12. If Bowman can improve his ability to read the quarterback, play tighter coverage, and make more impactful plays on the ball, he will become one of the top cornerbacks in the conference.

In addition to his individual skills, Bowman’s leadership in the secondary will be critical. The Sooners will need him to be a vocal leader and to help guide younger players through the demanding schedule of the SEC. If Bowman can fully realize his potential, he will be an invaluable asset to Oklahoma’s defense.

5. Ethan Downs – Defensive End

One player who has the potential to make a huge impact on the Oklahoma defense is defensive end Ethan Downs. While Downs showed flashes of brilliance in his early seasons at Oklahoma, his consistency as a pass rusher and run stopper has been somewhat lacking. In the SEC, where the competition will be fierce and relentless, Oklahoma will need Downs to take his game to the next level.

Downs will be key to the Sooners’ ability to pressure the quarterback and disrupt the opposing offense. His speed off the edge and his ability to break through offensive lines are crucial to stopping some of the SEC’s high-powered offenses. However, Downs will need to improve his technique and decision-making to consistently get to the quarterback and be a disruptive force. Whether he’s rushing the passer or setting the edge against the run, Downs’ presence on the field will be felt.

To truly make an impact, Downs will need to develop more pass-rushing moves and learn to adjust to different offensive line schemes. If he can become a consistent force on the defensive line, he could be one of the most disruptive defensive players in the SEC.