Sooner Nation… the NFL Combine spotlight was shining bright on OU, recruiting momentum is heating up with Future Freaks Weekend, and the Sooners are building the kind of roster that can compete in the SEC, compete for National Championships, and eventually compete on Sundays.

In this episode of Sooner State of Mind, we break down a huge moment for the program as Oklahoma Sooners football sends 10 players to the NFL Combine, the most in years — a massive signal that Brent Venables’ rebuild is turning into a legit NFL pipeline. From freakish measurables to draft risers, we’re talking about which Sooners helped themselves the most in Indianapolis and what it means for OU’s national perception moving forward.

But the future might be even brighter…

Future Freaks Weekend brought elite recruits to Norman, giving Sooner Nation a glimpse at the next generation of SEC monsters who could soon be wearing the crimson and cream. We break down the biggest visitors, recruiting momentum, and which prospects could become the next stars in Oklahoma’s NFL pipeline.

And while football is the main event, the rest of the OU athletic department decided to put on a show too:

Oklahoma Sooners men's basketball gets a huge #BeatTexas rivalry win, sending the Sooners into March with momentum and giving fans one more reason to celebrate a monster weekend for OU athletics.

From Combine buzz to recruiting fireworks to Red River revenge on the hardwood, this episode is packed with everything Sooner fans need to know.

So grab your crimson, fire up the Boomer chant, and join us as we break down the past, present, and future of Oklahoma football.

Subscribe now to Sooner State of Mind on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and Amazon Music for passionate, insider-level coverage of Oklahoma Sooners football, recruiting, and the road to SEC dominance.

Boomer Sooner.

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WHAT IS UP SOONER NATION…
I’m Casey Mallon and you are officially in a SOONER STATE OF MIND.

If you bleed crimson and cream, hit that SUBSCRIBE button on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play, Amazon Music, and YouTube so you never miss breaking Oklahoma Sooners news, recruiting intel, coaching updates, and deep-dive analysis.

This “offseason” hasn’t been an offseason at all. It’s been another nonstop Oklahoma news cycle — and we break down every move.

After losing:

• Jay Valai to the NFL (Buffalo Bills)

• DeMarco Murray to the Kansas City Chiefs

• Jo Jon Finley moving on

Head coach Brent Venables didn’t blink.

Instead, he reloaded.

Jason Witten takes over the tight ends room.
Lamar Morgan arrives from Michigan to lead the defensive backs.
And now — the big one — Deland McCullough replaces Murray as running backs coach.

We break down:

• Why McCullough’s NFL pedigree (including a Super Bowl title with Kansas City) matters.

• What this means for OU’s run game after failing to produce a 1,000-yard back since Eric Gray.

• Whether the criticism of Murray was fair — or misplaced.

• How BV is reshaping this program with precision and purpose.

For losing three prominent coaches in one cycle… this might be Venables’ best offseason coaching performance yet.

Murray now joins Kansas City Chiefs, working alongside Patrick Mahomes in an effort to revive a rushing attack that ranked 24th in the NFL last season.

We unpack:

• Why Kansas City made this move.

• What OU fans should really think about Murray’s legacy.

• And whether this was inevitable.

Oklahoma transitions from longtime AD Joe Castiglione into a new chapter under Roger Denny. What does it mean for facilities, NIL, long-term SEC positioning, and OU’s national brand? We connect the dots.

Ten former Sooners are headed to the NFL Combine. We spotlight:

• The prospects with the most to gain.

• Why Pro Day could be massive for certain under-the-radar players.

• And why this draft cycle matters for OU’s national perception.

Mark it down: Saturday, April 18th.

The full Spring Game returns.

After last year’s fan-fest experiment, Sooner Nation gets what it’s been craving — real football in Norman. With elite talent returning and expectations sky-high following a College Football Playoff heartbreak, this spring will set the tone for 2026.

This is the first real taste of what could be a championship-caliber roster.

And we are READY.

If you want:

• Real analysis (not hot takes)

• Recruiting & coaching breakdowns

• SEC-level insight

• NFL pipeline coverage

• And unmatched Sooner passion

Then you’re in the right place.

Head to BLEAV.com
Search Sooner State of Mind
Watch on YouTube by searching The Football Dudes

Subscribe. Leave a 5-star review. Share with your fellow Sooners.

Because this program is evolving.
The staff is evolving.
The expectations are evolving.

And the future? It’s bright in Norman.

I’m Casey Mallon… and I’ll see you next time… in a SOONER STATE OF MIND. ️

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WHAT IS UP, SOONER NATION — YOU’RE OFFICIALLY IN A SOONER STATE OF MIND.

This episode is an emotional roller coaster, a reality check, and a shot of optimism all wrapped into one wild Sooner night. We open with an instant classic (and near-disaster) in OU men’s hoops, snapping a brutal 9-game losing streak in the most Oklahoma way possible — panic, hope, dread, relief, and just enough chaos to leave your heart rate spiked. Is it too late for Porter Moser? What does “winning” even look like in today’s fully transactional college basketball landscape? We don’t dodge the tough questions — and we don’t sugarcoat the answers.

From there, we pivot straight into major Oklahoma football news that every Sooner fan needs to understand. The NCAA’s baffling denial of Owen Heinecke’s eligibility appeal sparks a bigger conversation about fairness, loopholes, and the broken system governing college athletics. We break down what this means for OU, for players across the country, and why this situation perfectly captures everything that’s gone sideways with eligibility rules.

Then comes the staff shake-up — Jay Valai heads to the NFL, opening one of the most coveted defensive coaching jobs in the country. Is OU worried? Short answer: no. The talent pipeline is loaded, recruiting momentum remains strong, and the Sooners are positioned to reload, not rebuild.

And finally… the big picture win. Oklahoma makes a forward-thinking, future-proof hire at Athletic Director, signaling once again that this program is ahead of the curve. With legal minds, business minds, NFL connections, NIL strategy, and long-term vision all aligning, the Sooners are building something bigger than just next season. Add in new NFL-tied staff hires, Super Bowl Sooner representation, and a program that continues to mirror the pro model — and yeah… there’s plenty to be excited about.

This is real talk, deep analysis, and pure Sooner passion — no fluff, no hot takes for clicks, just the truth from someone who lives it.

SUBSCRIBE NOW on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and Google Podcasts
WATCH on YouTube — search The Football Dudes
Hit LIKE, FOLLOW, and SHARE if you bleed Crimson & Cream

Because whether it’s chaos, controversy, or championships —
I’m Casey Mallon… and I’m in a SOONER STATE OF MIND.

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WHAT IS UP, SOONER NATION…
I’m Casey Mallon — and you are officially IN A SOONER STATE OF MIND.

The long, strange trip of the college football season is finally in the rearview mirror, a first-time national champion has been crowned, and the offseason storylines are already hitting at full throttle. But before we look ahead, this episode brings MASSIVE news for Oklahoma football — the kind of news that changes the entire trajectory of Team 132 and beyond.

THE ANCHORS ARE BACK.
Quarterback John Mateer — the engine of the offense — and linebacker Kip Lewis — the quarterback of the defense — are officially returning to Norman. That’s leadership. That’s continuity. That’s championship DNA. Mateer’s playoff run, Heisman-level start, and toughness through injury paired with Lewis’ dominance on one of the nation’s best defenses gives the Sooners a foundation every program in America envies.

And the good news doesn’t stop there…

We break down the growing list of Sooners choosing stability over the portal, including Isaiah Sategna, Tory Blaylock, Courtland Guillory, David Stone, Jayden Jackson, Ace Hodges, Ben Anderson — and the return of Ivan Carreon, a 6’6 weapon with serious upside who flashed big-game potential in the Armed Forces Bowl. We’ll dive even deeper into portal additions later this offseason, but today is about one thing: retention matters — and OU is winning that battle.

Plus, we recap the College Football National Championship as the Indiana Hoosiers complete a perfect 16-0 season, defeating Miami 27-21, and we react to the final AP Top 25. And yes… we’re already looking ahead to next year’s title game in Las Vegas — Sin City, the Death Roomba, and college football’s biggest stage colliding.

If you love Oklahoma Sooners football, college football chaos, roster news, portal breakdowns, playoff talk, and real fan-driven analysis — THIS IS YOUR HOME.

SUBSCRIBE NOW
Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and Amazon Music
Watch on YouTube — search The Football Dudes
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WHAT IS UP, SOONER NATION!
I’m Casey Mallon, and you are officially IN A SOONER STATE OF MIND.

Before we dive in — SMASH that SUBSCRIBE button on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play, Amazon Music, and YouTube so you never miss an episode. New OU football content, college football playoff breakdowns, and elite-level analysis every week.

Nine mile skid on a ten mile ride… nothing left to do but smile, smile, smile…

The Sooner State of Mind family is eating GOOD on this episode.

We kick things off with massive Oklahoma Sooners football news as OU officially hires Dallas Cowboys legend Jason Witten as the new tight ends coach, replacing Joe Jon Finley. We break down why this move matters, what Witten brings from an NFL résumé that speaks for itself, and how his leadership, character, and football IQ align perfectly with Brent Venables’ vision for the program. From player development to recruiting cachet, this hire has the potential to change the way OU uses the tight end position moving forward.

Then we shift to the College Football Playoff Semifinals recap, starting with an absolute Fiesta Bowl classic between Miami and Ole Miss. Four fourth-quarter lead changes, elite quarterback play, controversial officiating, explosive young stars, and a finish that came down to the final seconds — we break it ALL down. Was it pass interference? Did Ole Miss get robbed? And yes… we address the Lane Kiffin factor.

Next up — the Peach Bowl beatdown.

Indiana vs Oregon was not just a win… it was a statement. The Hoosiers looked like a fully operational machine, dominating from the opening pick-six to the final whistle. We talk Fernando Mendoza’s ridiculous playoff run, Curt Cignetti’s culture, Indiana’s NFL-level discipline, and why this team may be the most complete squad in college football right now.

All of that sets the stage for the College Football Playoff National Championship Preview:
Miami Hurricanes vs Indiana Hoosiers at the Hard Rock.

We break down the matchups, the Vegas spread, what Miami must do to pull the upset, and why Indiana looks like a team on an absolute mission. Physicality, execution, discipline — this game has it all. Plus, ticket prices, atmosphere, and why Monday night is going to be electric.

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Head to YouTube and search The Football Dudes — we’re there.

Every team. Every topic. Everywhere.
And in case you forgot…

My name is Casey Mallon —
and I’m in a SOONER STATE OF MIND.

SUBSCRIBE. LIKE. SHARE. BOOMER SOONER.

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WHAT IS UP, SOONER NATION…

I’m Casey Mallon, and you are officially back in a SOONER STATE OF MIND.

The portal is WIDE open, the NIL landscape is shifting under everyone’s feet, and Oklahoma football is at the center of it all. In this episode, we break down the 21 Sooners currently in the transfer portal, including a few names that absolutely raised eyebrows—and we dig into the uncomfortable but very real truth of today’s game: getting paid now means you have to earn it. The Sooners learned that lesson the hard way with the Jaydn Ott situation, and going forward, every NIL dollar is going to come with expectations and accountability.

We dive deep into OU’s biggest roster needs, starting with a tight end room that—let’s be honest—has been a liability for far too long. From the departure of Joe Jon Finley to the possibility of fresh blood (and fresh ideas) at the position, we talk about why tight end production—at least in blocking—is no longer optional in the SEC. And yes, we give flowers to Jaren Kanak, who somehow became the most productive tight end on the roster after starting the year at linebacker.

It’s also a big-picture episode. We zoom out and talk about Nagy’s first full offseason as GM, why this staff is better positioned than people realize, and why—despite a frustrating ending—this team overachieved against a brutal schedule. A broken-thumb quarterback weeks before Texas, 10 wins, a playoff game, and hosting postseason football in Norman? If you offered that in August, you’d take it every single time.

From there, we jump into the Rose Bowl recap, Indiana’s rise from “afterthought” to national title contender, and the absolute meltdown happening across college football fandom. Notre Dame tears, Texas flexing a Cheez-It Bowl, BYU outrage, playoff expansion chaos—it’s all on the table. And yes, we talk about why playoff byes should come with home-field advantage, because momentum matters.

This one’s passionate. It’s honest. It’s unfiltered. And it’s very, very Sooner.

Head over to BLEAV.com, search Sooner State of Mind, and you’re locked in.
Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play, and Amazon Music.
Want the video version? Find us on YouTube at The Football Dudes.

And in case you forgot…
My name is Casey Mallon — and I’m in a SOONER STATE OF MIND. ️

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WHAT IS UP, SOONER NATION…
I’m Casey Mallon, and you are now in a SOONER STATE OF MIND.

In this episode of Sooner State of Mind, we break down one of the most heartbreaking, gut-punch losses of the season as Oklahoma lets a golden opportunity slip away against Alabama — not because of effort, not because of heart, but because of a brutal series of catastrophic mistakes at the worst possible moments.

The Sooners jumped out early, controlled the game, and had everything right in front of them — but a dropped touchdown, a muffed punt, missed kicks, miscommunication, and a pick-six flipped the script in a matter of minutes. What started as a dominant OU performance turned into a night where special teams betrayed one of the team’s biggest strengths, momentum vanished, and a championship-caliber defense was put in impossible positions.

We talk through:

• The exact moment the game changed

• The sequence of mistakes that compounded into disaster

• Questionable officiating that didn’t help — but wasn’t the reason

• Why this loss hurts more than most

• How this season still shattered preseason expectations

• Why Oklahoma proved the “experts” wrong all year long

• What the transfer portal means for the Sooners’ 2026 outlook

• The reality of the current College Football Playoff format — and why expansion is inevitable

Despite the heartbreak, this team fought. They got off the mat all season long. They battled through injuries, a brutal schedule, and relentless doubt — and that matters. Ride or die means ride or die, and this program is still trending in the right direction.

We also hit the national picture from the weekend, the flawed playoff structure, and why better teams are being left out — setting the stage for major changes ahead in college football.

If you live and breathe Oklahoma football, this is an episode you do NOT want to miss.

Make sure you SUBSCRIBE, RATE, and REVIEW on
Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and Google Play — it’s the easiest way to support the show and keep Sooner State of Mind growing.

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Every team. Every topic. Everywhere.

Search “The Football Dudes” on YouTube to watch Sooner State of Mind and all our exclusive video content.

And if you forgot…
My name is Casey Mallon —
and I’m ALWAYS in a SOONER STATE OF MIND.

Boomer.

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WHAT IS UP, SOONER NATION?!
I’m Casey Mallon, and you are officially locked into a SOONER STATE OF MIND.

We are five days away from Oklahoma playoff football, and the hype is REAL. In this must-listen episode, we set the table for a massive College Football Playoff first-round showdown as the #8 Oklahoma Sooners (10-2) host the #9 Alabama Crimson Tide (10-3) on Friday, December 19th in Norman. The Tide may be slight favorites, but don’t forget — OU already walked into Tuscaloosa in Red November and walked out with a 23–21 win, snapping Alabama’s 17-game home winning streak.

Before we dive headfirst into OU vs Bama, we take care of some big-time Sooner business:

• “Tate the Great” Sandell brings home the Lou Groza Award, capping one of the greatest kicking seasons in Oklahoma history

• A look at Sandell’s clutch kicks vs Michigan, Tennessee, and Alabama — distance and moment matter

• Brent Venables calling Sandell the MVP of the Tennessee win — and he wasn’t wrong

We also touch on the wider college football landscape:

• The increasingly tragic Michigan situation and what it means for the program, the portal, and Bryce Underwood’s future

• Fernando Mendoza wins the Heisman Trophy, becoming Indiana’s first-ever winner and leading the Hoosiers to the CFP as the No. 1 seed

• Could Oklahoma see Mendoza and Indiana in Pasadena? One step at a time…

Then it’s full focus on Oklahoma vs Alabama:

• Why Alabama’s recent play (Georgia loss, offensive struggles) matters — but why you can never sleep on the Tide

• Ty Simpson’s numbers since the OU game and why yards don’t win games — points do

• Brent Venables is 4–0 in same-season rematches as a defensive play-caller, including the legendary Clemson vs Notre Dame shutdown in 2020

• As OU head coach, BV is 2–0 vs Alabama, outscoring them 47–24 with six turnovers and two pick-sixes

We break down the injury report and what it means:

• Gentry Williams and Kendel Dolby out

• Jayden Jackson questionable

• R Mason Thomas still uncertain — and why getting him back would be a massive boost

On the offensive side, we get real:

• The national slander of OU’s offense vs the reality of winning football

• What we liked from the LSU game

• Why Mateer’s footwork is everything

• The importance of establishing any run-game consistency

• Why Kanak needs more targets and why checkdowns are free money

Plus:

• A bold idea for a “Best of the Rest” postseason tournament

• Why the expanded playoff still isn’t perfect

• And why this season still has national championship potential

This episode is about belief, data, defense, and the Sooners doing things the hard way — and doing them right.

The stakes couldn’t be higher. The moment couldn’t be bigger. The vibes couldn’t be stronger.
Sooner Nation, it’s time to lock in.

Subscribe to Sooner State of Mind on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play, and Amazon Music
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Because you already know…

My name is Casey Mallon — and I’m in a SOONER STATE OF MIND.

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