Oklahoma Sooners fans, the countdown is on! We are officially just 7 DeMarco Murrays away from kickoff as OU prepares to take on Illinois State to open the 2025 season. But before we preview next week’s matchup, we’ve got breaking news that shakes the entire college football landscape: the SEC is moving to a nine-game conference schedule starting in 2026.

In this episode of Sooner State of Mind, Casey Mallon dives deep into what this historic shift means for the SEC, Oklahoma football, and the entire college football playoff picture. We break down:

• The impact of a nine-game SEC schedule on rivalries, strength of schedule, and bowl eligibility.

• What this move means for the Big Ten, Big 12, and ACC, and how it changes the Power 5 balance.

• The playoff implications in the new 12-team CFP era, where strength of schedule could matter more than perfection.

• Who Oklahoma’s likely three permanent SEC rivals will be — from Texas and Texas A&M to Arkansas, LSU, Missouri, and even Florida.

Casey also opens the floor to Sooner Nation: who do YOU want OU’s three annual SEC opponents to be? Share your thoughts in the YouTube comments or hit us up on X @FootballDudesLA.

With SEC expansion, college football realignment, and the Sooners set to make noise in their new conference, this is a must-listen for every Oklahoma fan gearing up for 2025 and beyond.

🎙️ Don’t forget to subscribe to Sooner State of Mind on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play, Amazon Music, and YouTube for all things Oklahoma Sooners football.

🏈 Sooner State of Mind – 17 Days ‘Til Kickoff & the John Mateer Story

What’s up, Sooner Nation?! Casey here, and you are now IN A SOONER STATE OF MIND! We’re just 17 days—that’s 17 Marvin Mims Jrs.—away from the 2025 Oklahoma Sooners storming into Memorial Stadium to curb stomp the Illinois State Redbirds, and the stoke level is officially off the charts.

This episode, we’re talking:

• The John Mateer Venmo rumors – the late-night screenshots, Pete Thamel’s report, Mateer’s official statement, and where things stand with OU and the NCAA.

• Brent Venables’ young defensive playmakers – Kendal Daniels, Reggie Powers III, Robert Spears-Jennings, Jaydon Jackson, David Stone, Damonic Williams, Gracen Halton – and why BB says they just need to “be consistent” before locking down starting spots.

• Why this offseason has felt non-stop, even in the so-called “dead period,” and how we’re about to hit the greatest stretch of the year: college football every day from August 28 through Labor Day Monday.

Plus, I’ll give you my “get stoked” philosophy, why this Saturday is the perfect day to knock out those last pre-season to-dos, and how to catch all our content on Bleav.com and The Football Dudes YouTube channel.

It’s almost time, folks. Wave that flag. Stay stoked. And get ready—Sooner football is here.

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Sooner State of Mind: Joe Castiglione's Farewell, Big Recruiting Wins, and Game Day Upgrades!

In this can't-miss episode of Sooner State of Mind, we dive into the monumental news out of Norman: legendary Oklahoma Athletic Director Joe Castiglione will step down in 2028 after a historic run that reshaped Sooner athletics. We break down his legacy, from 26 national championships to OU’s bold move to the SEC—and the ripple effect it left across college sports.

🏈 We also talk Sooner football future—including:

• The commitment of 4-star TE Tyler Ruxer and 5-star kicker Trace Rudd to the 2026 class

• The buzz around dual-threat QB Bentley, who’s drawing comparisons to John Mateer

• The reaction to Jaden O'Neal's flip to Florida State and what it means for QB depth

🔥 Plus: OU is changing the tailgating game with free public tailgating on the iconic North Oval, starting August 30. We cover everything fans need to know about this game day upgrade—including performances, food trucks, giveaways, and more!

And don’t forget: SEC Media Days are just around the corner—get ready for the sights, sounds, and Sooner energy as we head into an electrifying 2025 season.

📲 Subscribe now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play, and Amazon Music, and don’t miss a beat of the Sooner action.

💻 Visit BLEAV.com, search Sooner State of Mind, and lock in.
📺 Want to watch? Find us on YouTube by searching The Football Dudes!

Boomer Sooner, baby. You’re in a Sooner State of Mind.

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