Oklahoma Trolled by Fans for Loss to South Carolina, Burning Jackson Arnold Redshirt
Oct 19, 2024
NORMAN, OK - OCTOBER 19: Oklahoma Sooners WR Jacob Jordan (88) running after a pass catch during a game between the Oklahoma Sooners and the South Carolina Gamecocks at Gaylord Memorial Stadium in Norman, Oklahoma on October 19, 2024. (Photo by David Stacy/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Oklahoma's struggles continued on Saturday afternoon, suffering a blowout loss against South Carolina by the final score of 35-9.
After a lopsided defeat against No. 1 Texas in the Red River Rivalry clash on Oct. 12, the Sooners' offense looked sluggish for the second consecutive week.
Michael Hawkins Jr. opened the game under center for Oklahoma, but he was replaced by Jackson Arnold after turning the ball over three times and putting the team in an early 21-0 hole.
The Sooners' defense held up relatively well despite the 35 points allowed, giving up just 254 total yards of offense. South Carolina was also limited to just 74 rush yards on 41 attempts.
The turnovers were too much for Oklahoma to overcome, though.
Fans and former players called out the poor play of head coach Brent Venables' squad as well as the handling of Arnold on social media.
Itโs an absolute embarrassment the way Oklahoma handled Jackson Arnold this season.
Yall have to learn to laugh through pain. The way weโre getting beat on is comical. Im a realest. I rep for my school but I ainโt a blind loyalist. We look bad man. And all I can do is laugh. Injuries, QB carousel, penalties, bad play calling, defense warn out. What can we do? ๐คท๐พโโ๏ธ
After opening the year with a 3-0 record and reaching as high as No. 15 in the Associated Press Top 25 poll, the Sooners have now lost three of their past four games.
Danny Stutsman NFL Draft 2025: Scouting Report for Oklahoma LB
Oct 9, 2024
OXFORD, MS - OCTOBER 26: Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Danny Stutsman (28) pursues a play on defense during a college football game against the Mississippi Rebels on October 26, 2024 at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium in Oxford, Mississippi. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
HEIGHT: 6'3"
WEIGHT: 233
HAND: 9"
ARM: 32โ โ
WINGSPAN: 77ยฝโ
40-YARD DASH: 4.52
VERTICAL: 34"
POSITIVES
โ Great size and frame for a modern NFL linebacker.
โ Impressive speed to carry running backs and tight ends in man coverage.
โ Has plenty of speed to get to the flat or cover the deep middle when playing Tampa 2. Also closes well in zone coverage.
โ Quick to key and diagnose gap runs to beat offensive linemen/pullers to the spot and get unblocked tackles near the line of scrimmage.
โ As a run defender, he can be effective when blitzing with his acceleration and a solid rip move to defeat blocks.
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โ Has some thump behind his pads when coming downhill.
โ Also has the athletic ability and solid shoulder dip and cross-chop moves to make offensive linemen miss when taking on blocks in space.
NEGATIVES
โ Instincts against zone runs are shaky. He'll occasionally fit to the wrong gap and has a bad habit of leaving the backside of run early, creating second-level rushing lanes.
โ Takes on blocks with high pad level and wide hand placement, making it difficult for him to anchor and/or stack and shed against offensive linemen.
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โ Awareness in zone coverage is poor, his eye discipline isn't consistent and he will often play too shallow as the middle hook defender, creating big windows and easy throws against dig routes.
โ Pad level is inconsistent when tackling as he'll get caught being both too high and leaving his feet, leading to misses.
NOTES
โ Born March 10, 2003
โ A 3-star recruit in the 2021 class, per 247Sports
With Danny Stutsman's combination of size and speed, he has plenty of potential to become a quality linebacker in the NFL. He has a good frame and weight, and he fits the body type of a modern linebacker perfectly.
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In coverage, Stutsman's speed is apparent as he can cover the flat quickly, close to converge on the ball after the catch and be effective when playing Tampa 2.
However, he needs to improve his awareness and eye discipline when playing zone to help tighten windows. He has the athletic ability to get the job done, but his instincts aren't up to par yet.
As a run defender, the Sooner is best when blitzing as it allows him to play fast and use his impressive speed rather than sit back and read the play. Also, he has solid rip and cross-chop moves to defeat blocks when coming downhill.
However, it often looks like he's guessing against zone runs when asked to stay on the second level, leading to him getting caught out of position. He is good at key and diagnosing gap runs, though.
Overall, Stutsman has the physical profile of a linebacker who can be an every-down contributor, but the team that drafts him will need to be patient and work with him on his instincts in both phases of the game.
Prospect workout numbers, measurables (40-yard dash, hand size, etc.) and 2024 statistics will be added at a later date.
Baby Gronk Drops 'Rizzard of Oz' Music Video'; Sports Oklahoma Jersey
Aug 31, 2024
MOBILE, AL - FEBRUARY 03: A general view of an Oklahoma Sooners helmet during the 2024 Reese's Senior Bowl on February 3, 2024 at Hancock Whitney Stadium in Mobile, Alabama. (Photo by Michael Wade/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Baby Gronk is more than just a rising football star.
The social media phenomenon, whose real name is Madden San Miguel, released a music video for his new single, "Rizzard of Oz."
The rap song shows him participating in numerous activities on the University of Oklahoma campus, including hangin with several students, throwing footballs and taking photos with various fans.
The video takes place at the Sooners Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. The Sooners opened the 2024 season with a 51-3 victory over Temple on Friday.
San Miguel has announced a commitment to several major programs, including Oklahoma, although these claims have no legitimacy. The 11-year-old has received zero official offers, per On3, and is not technically eligible to receive any official offers until his junior year of high school.
While these stunts haven't produced any legitimate results for his football career, his social media presence has seen true success. He has 363,000 subscribers on YouTube and 550,000 followers on Instagram.
Oklahoma Assistant DeMarco Murray Suspended 1 Game for NCAA Recruiting Violation
Aug 27, 2024
LUBBOCK, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 26: Running backs coach DeMarco Murray of the Oklahoma Sooners stands on the field during a timeout during the first half against the Texas Tech Red Raiders at Jones AT&T Stadium on November 26, 2022 in Lubbock, Texas. (Photo by John E. Moore III/Getty Images)
As Oklahoma makes the transition from the Big 12 to the SEC this year, one of its coaches has landed in hot water.
The NCAA announced on Tuesday that Sooners running backs coach DeMarco Murray has received a one-game suspension for recruiting violations.
One-game suspension for Sooners assistant coach DeMarco Murray for recruiting violations.
The NCAA stated that Murray "impermissibly contacted prospects and their families prior to the permissible time period, according to an agreement released by the Division I Committee on Infractions." It was determined that he made 65 impermissible phone calls and 36 impermissible text messages to 17 prospects over a 16-month span.
Murray had claimed that he "was not aware that a COVID-19 waiver of recruiting contact rules had expired," but over the course of the NCAA's investigation, "the enforcement staff determined that the school had properly educated football coaches on the applicable recruiting rules and the timing of changes to them."
While it was agreed that Sooners head coach Brent Venables violated head coach responsibility rules in regard to the actions of his staff, he wasn't personally involved in the violations and proved that he promoted an atmosphere of compliance. Therefore, "the parties also agreed that a suspension penalty for Venables was not appropriate."
Murray, who was a two-time first-team All-Big 12 selection during his playing days at Oklahoma from 2006 to 2010, joined the Sooners coaching staff in 2020 after spending one year as running backs coach at Arizona under Kevin Sumlin.
Oklahoma will open the 2024 season on Friday at home in a primetime matchup against Temple.
5-Star Michael Fasusi Commits to Oklahoma Over Texas; No. 3-Ranked OT in 2025 Class
Aug 21, 2024
Oklahoma just bolstered the future of its offensive line on Wednesday.
Michael Fasusi, a 5-star offensive tackle from Lewisville, Texas, committed to the Sooners on Wednesday, according to Hayes Fawcett of On3, choosing the team over Texas and Texas A&M.
"Y'all saw it coming, let's work," he told Fawcett.
Fasusi is considered the No. 12 player overall in the Class of 2025, the No. 3 offensive tackle and the No. 5 player from the state of Texas, according to 247Sports' Composite Rankings.
The site's Gabe Brooks called Fasusi a "gifted O-lineman with true book-end tackle potential" in his May scouting report, noting that he "possesses excellent physical tools and promising athletic context in track and field and combine testing categories" and that he "looks like one of the nation's top 2025 offensive tackle prospects. Projects as a high-major multi-year starter with physical and athletic specs that suggest early-round NFL Draft upside."
His head coach at Lewisville, Michael Odle, also spoke highly of Fasusi.
"The why is pretty simple with him," he told On3. "He's 6'5 1/2" and 300 pounds, and he runs a 5.0-flat 40. He has itโeverything coaches look for. The numbers talk about how great of a player he is, but he's an even better person. He's an unbelievable kid to be around. It's just a complete joy. He takes his academics very seriously. He's a very gifted young man."
The presence of Oklahoma offensive line coach Bill Bedenbaugh likely played a major role in Fasusi's decision.
"He's the best," he told OUInsider's Brandon Drumm in June regarding Bedenbaugh. "He cares so much about you and it shows in how hard he coaches you. [It's] why he is so good at developing offensive linemen. And Coach Bedenbaugh's track record speaks for itself. Look at all the OU guys that are in the NFL or All-Pro's right now. He coaches you hard, but he cares about you more than just as a player. That's why I called him the GOAT."
Oklahoma, which is joining the SEC for the first time in 2024, is putting together a strong 2025 class. That group currently ranks eighth in the nation, according to 247Sports' Composite Rankings.
Fasusi is the crown jewel of the 23-player class thus far and the only 5-star, with 13 4-stars behind him, including fellow offensive tackle in Ryan Fodje.
Oklahoma CFB Unveils Throwback Uniforms in Photos, Video; Will Be Worn vs. Houston
Aug 8, 2024
MOBILE, AL - JANUARY 31: A general view of an Oklahoma Sooners helmet during the American Team practice for the Reese's Senior Bowl on January 31, 2024 at Hancock Whitney Stadium in Mobile, Alabama. (Photo by Michael Wade/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
The Oklahoma Sooners are embarking on a new era as they transition to the SEC this year, but they will also be honoring the past in a special way.
On Thursday, Oklahoma unveiled its throwback uniforms for the upcoming season in social media photos and a video. The uniforms will make their debut during the Sooners' Sept. 7 home game against the Houston Cougars.
According to a press release, the throwback uniforms will honor the Oklahoma teams from 1946-56. The Sooners posted a combined record of 102-11-3, won three national championships (1950, 1955 and 1956) and won a conference title each year over those 11 seasons. The team was led by College Football Hall of Famer Bud Wilkinson for most of that stretch after he took over as head coach in 1947.
"The ensemble features crimson jerseys with white numerals, white tri-stripes on the shoulder sleeves and SEC and Jordan Brand patches," the press release stated. "The uniform also includes crimson striping on the sides of the white pants and on the top of logo-free white helmet."
The Sooners will have their work cut out for them in their first season in the SEC. In a preseason poll voted on by the media, Oklahoma was picked to finish eighth in the conference.
Report: Oklahoma, Brent Venables Agree to 6-Year Contract with 'Significant Raise'
Jun 21, 2024
NORMAN, OKLAHOMA - NOVEMBER 24: Head coach Brent Venables of the Oklahoma Sooners questions a referee after an unsportsmanlike penalty against the TCU Horned Frogs on a touchdown in the second quarter at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on November 24, 2023 in Norman, Oklahoma. Oklahoma won 69-45. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images)
Oklahoma and football head coach Brent Venables have agreed to a new six-year contract that offers him a "significant raise," Pete Thamel reported for ESPN.
The deal still requires approval from the OU Board of Regents, per Thamel.
Venables still had four years remaining on the fully-guaranteed $43.5 million deal he signed with the program in 2022.
Sources: Oklahoma has agreed to a new six-year contract for coach Brent Venables. The new six-year deal includes a significant raise for Venables, and thereโs been an uptick in overall program commitment as OU heads to the SEC. pic.twitter.com/Poq859eg40
Venables joined the Sooners in 2022 after previously working with the program's defense from 1999 to 2011.
He coached Oklahoma to a 10-3 record during their final season in the Big 12 and will now lead the team through their debut SEC campaign this fall.
That won't be the only change for the Sooners heading into 2024, with Jackson Arnold slated to take over as starting quarterback in an offense run by new quarterback coach and offensive coordinator Seth Littrell.
The OU board voted to approve contracts for both Littrell and new defensive coordinator Zac Alley through 2027 in March, per AllSooners' John E. Hoover, locking in the coaching staff the board hopes will lead Oklahoma to its first bowl victory since the 2021 Alamo Bowl.
The board also extended defensive line coach Todd Bates and offensive line coach Bill Bedenbaugh, who has helped developed a dozen offensive lineman into NFL prospects during his 11 seasons in Oklahoma.
According to Thamel, OU allotted the raise to Venables in part due to "an uptick in overall program commitment" during his tenure.
The Oklahoma recruiting classes for both 2024 and 2025 both rank among the top 10 in college football, according to 247Sports.
The 2024 class is headlined by five-star defensive lineman David Stone, whom 247Sports ranks as one of the top 20 prospects in the nation.
Venables already led the Sooners to improve from a 6-7 record in his first season as head coach to a 10-3 slate, including a 7-0 start to the season in 2023.
With historic recruiting classes set to address key defensive weaknesses and the Sooners hoping Arnold can come into his own as a starter, Oklahoma has every season to hope for another wins increase this fall. That trajectory was enough to encourage the program to make sure Venables sticks around in Norman.
Baby Gronk Flips Commitment to Oklahoma After Mizzou, Texas Tech Pledges
Jun 13, 2024
MOBILE, AL - FEBRUARY 03: A general view of an Oklahoma Sooners helmet during the 2024 Reese's Senior Bowl on February 3, 2024 at Hancock Whitney Stadium in Mobile, Alabama. (Photo by Michael Wade/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Youth football player and social media personality Baby Gronk unofficially "committed" to Oklahoma on Thursday, continuing his recent stretch of switching schools.
The 11-year-old, named Madden San Miguel, has announced commitments to a variety of schools over the past two months. In fact, Baby Gronk previously committed to Missouri and Texas Tech on Wednesday, Penn State on Tuesday, Clemson on Monday, and Texas A&M on Sunday.
Other schools that he's "committed" to include Kentucky, USC, South Carolina, Texas, Colorado, Auburn, Alabama, and Florida among others.
The verbal commitments don't mean much, as San Miguel has not received any college offers (via On3.com). He's also currently too young to make any binding commitments regarding his collegiate future.
The social media personality has gained popularity primarily on Instagram, boasting 521,000 followers. His accounts are ran by his father, Jake San Miguel, who claimed that his son has a "verbal offer" from Arizona in a June 2023 interview (via Ari Wasserman of The Athletic).
Despite San Miguel's most recent commitment to Oklahoma on Thursday, he'll likely flip the decision sometime over the coming days.
Report: Oklahoma's General Booty Enters CFB Transfer Portal After 2 Seasons with Team
May 2, 2024
NORMAN, OK - SEPTEMBER 10: Quarterback General Booty #14 of the Oklahoma Sooners throws a pass before a game against the Kent State Golden Flashes at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on September 10, 2022 in Norman, Oklahoma. Oklahoma won 33-3. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images)
Oklahoma quarterback General Booty is reportedly entering the transfer portal after two seasons with the Sooners.
Pete Nakos of On3 Sports reported Thursday on Booty's decision to explore a transfer two years after he transferred to OU from Tyler Junior College.
During his time at Oklahoma, Booty served in a backup capacity and did not accrue any stats.
The 22-year-old Booty threw for 3,115 yards and 25 touchdowns in his one junior college season, per Nakos, which was enough to pique the interest of Sooners head coach Brent Venables.
Booty comes from an athletic family, as his uncles John David Booty and Josh Booty played sports at a high level.
John David starred collegiately at USC as a quarterback, throwing for 6,125 yards, 55 touchdowns and 21 interceptions in four seasons. He was a fifth-round pick of the Minnesota Vikings in the 2008 NFL draft.
He spent 2008 on the Vikings' 53-man roster and much of 2009 on their practice squad. John David also had a practice squad stint with the Tennessee Titans.
Josh was also a collegiate quarterback, throwing for 3,951 yards, 24 touchdowns and 34 interceptions in two seasons at LSU. Despite his pedestrian numbers, he was selected in the sixth round of the 2001 NFL draft by the Seattle Seahawks.
Before football, Josh was a baseball star who was the fifth overall pick in the 1994 MLB draft by the then-Florida Marins.
Primarily playing third base, Josh appeared in 13 games for the Marlins from 1996 to 1998, hitting .269 with no home runs and four RBI.
While General Booty hasn't yet received the same opportunities his uncles did to play meaningful snaps at a prestigious program, entering the transfer portal will allow him to see if there is playing time to be had at another FBS school.
