Oklahoma Sooners face playoff skepticism as ESPN’s early 2026 predictions leave them outside the 12-team field. Can Brent Venables adapt his approach and push OU back into contention? John Williams and Jay Smith uncover how changes in strength and conditioning—rumored departures, fresher practices, and recruitment of tougher, more physical players—could be key to surviving a grueling SEC schedule.

2026’s top 100 players list sparks debate: David Stone, Kip Lewis, Taylor Wein, and Isaiah Sategna earn recognition, but are stars like Jaden Jackson and Courtland Guillory underrated? Analysis compares Taylor Wein’s production to national standouts, revealing overlooked impact. The duo breaks down the Sooners’ path—highlighting depth concerns, SEC matchups against Georgia, Texas, and Texas A&M, and explaining why OU might need to go 4-1 against elite opponents to make the playoff cut. Will Oklahoma turn doubters into believers?

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In this episode of Locked On Sooners, your hosts John Williams and Jay Smith we dive into Running Back Coach DeMarco Murray gets suspended for one game due to recruiting violations, what are the charges, and does this change anything for the Oklahoma Sooners:

Next, what the DeMarco Murray Suspension means for the Temple Owls game and the Oklahoma Sooners welcome a new addition to the trenches.

Later, we recap Brent Venables weekly press conference and how he raves about two new starters on the depth chart with one of them being a freshman!

Tune in for all this and more on today's episode of Locked On Sooners—your go-to podcast for all things Oklahoma Sooners football and basketball!

Keywords: Oklahoma Sooners, Sooners Football, 2024 Depth Chart, Jayden Jackson, Nick Saban, SEC, Texas Longhorns, Brent Venables, Oklahoma Sooners Podcast

Hashtags: #OklahomaSooners #SoonersFootball #boomersooner #NickSaban #SEC #soonerfootballpodcast #CollegeFootball #LockedOnSooners #Big12 #SoonersBasketball

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Locked On College Conferences, HBCU, Basketball & More

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For your next listen, check out the Locked On College Football podcast! From NIL deals to never ending conference realignment rumors, Spencer McLaughlin gets you ready for an exciting season on the gridiron! Click HERE to listen now. Part of the Locked On Podcast Network. Your Team. Every Day.

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Can Kentucky or Vanderbilt become the SEC’s Indiana and stun college football with a national title run? Chris Gordy and a panel of Locked On hosts debate which SEC underdog could rise next, spotlighting the paths for Kentucky, Vanderbilt, Florida, Auburn, and dark horses like South Carolina and Mississippi State. The crew analyzes the impact of coaching hires like Pete Golding and John Sumrall, the transfer portal’s influence, and why quarterback evaluation—highlighting names like Trinidad Chambers, Deuce Knight, and Lenora Sellers—defines championship potential. The conversation also unpacks top SEC portal additions, including Cam Coleman and Jaheim Otis, examines flawed transfer rankings, and reacts to On3Sports’ way-too-early Top 25. Can Texas, Georgia, or Lane Kiffin’s LSU live up to preseason hype? With offensive lines, star quarterbacks, and coaching strategy in the spotlight, the SEC landscape looks more unpredictable than ever.

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Oklahoma Sooners earn national respect as Scott Van Pelt praises Brent Venables' squad for overcoming a brutal schedule and establishing themselves as true College Football Playoff contenders. Can John Mateer’s anticipated second-year leap elevate Oklahoma’s high-octane offense and wide receiver group even further in 2026?

John Williams and Jay Smith break down key storylines, including Stewart Mandel’s latest top-10 ranking, the offensive line’s development, and what the return of stars like Trell Harris and Isaiah Sategna means for the Sooners’ attack. The conversation explores how NIL, eligibility waivers, and portal moves shape the team’s future, plus why a stronger running game could be the difference-maker. With Texas, BYU, and Notre Dame looming, do the Sooners have what it takes for another playoff run? Join the debate on Oklahoma’s path forward in the ever-evolving college football landscape.

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If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub

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FanDuel
Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Football season is around the corner, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now.

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Oklahoma Sooners football transforms player development with the Jim Nagy effect, letting coaches devote more time to film sessions and hands-on growth. Can Brent Venables’ evolving culture and roster continuity propel the Sooners into national championship contention? Owen Heinecke’s breakout season—fueled by increased tape study with Wes Goodwin and Nate Dreiling—spotlights how a targeted front office approach is paying dividends.

John Williams and Jay Smith break down the Sooners’ defensive strides, the impact of veteran leadership, and the urgent need for improvement along the offensive line. Discussion covers the potential leap for Michael Fasusi, Eddy Pierre-Louis, and other young linemen after another year with Oklahoma’s strength and conditioning program. Get analysis of AP and Coaches Poll controversies, upcoming SEC matchups against Georgia and Ole Miss, and which transfer portal moves could reshape Oklahoma’s run game. Can the Sooners build on their playoff success and cement their spot in college football’s elite?

Everydayer Club
If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub

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Gametime
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Turbo Tax
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Oklahoma Sooners fortify their defensive backfield with the addition of Prince Ijioma from Mississippi Valley State, promising fresh competition and upside for Brent Venables’ unit. With established starters like Peyton Bowen and Cortland Guillory, can this new recruit push for a breakout role or remain a key depth piece in the Sooners’ SEC transition?

John Williams and Jay Smith break down Oklahoma’s strategic approach in the transfer portal, the importance of developing versatile players like Dakota Fields, and the Sooners’ roster construction heading into the new season. Hot topics include targets for linebacker and cheetah roles, the value of continuity on defense, and the potential impact of portal additions on recruits like Bowe Bentley and Elijah Thomas. The episode wraps with a spirited preview of the National Championship matchup between Indiana and Miami—can Indiana’s dominance outlast Miami’s underdog surge? Don’t miss insider analysis on Oklahoma’s roster strategy and playoff predictions.

Everydayer Club
If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub

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Gametime
Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.

Turbo Tax
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FanDuel
Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Football season is around the corner, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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Oklahoma Sooners gear up for a dominant run as key leaders announce their return and legendary Dallas Cowboys tight end Jason Witten joins the coaching staff. Can this new combination spark unprecedented results in Norman? John Williams and Jay Smith spotlight the return of Kip Lewis, Isaiah Sategna, and quarterback John Mateer—an experienced trio primed to anchor Oklahoma’s offense and defense while fostering critical continuity.

The hosts break down Witten’s immediate recruiting impact, including the pursuit of Tennessee freshman tight end Jack Van Dorsalaer, and examine strategic portal moves that fortify the Sooners' roster. Insights include wide receiver room upgrades, linebacker development, and potential coaching staff longevity with Ben Arbuckle. With leadership, experience, and new talent converging, Oklahoma’s offensive and defensive units are prepared to make waves in the College Football Playoff and the SEC. Will the Sooners capitalize on their momentum and ascend to elite status?

Everydayer Club
If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub

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Gametime
Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.

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FanDuel
Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Football season is around the corner, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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