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.

🎧 Subscribe now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play, and Amazon Music so you never miss a Sooner State of Mind episode!

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.

#OklahomaSooners #JoeCastiglione #BoomerSooner #OUFootball #CollegeFootball #SEC #RecruitingNews #SoonersTailgating #SoonerStateOfMind #TylerRuxer #TraceRudd #JohnMateer #OU2026Class #Big12ToSEC #CollegeGameday #SoonersPodcast

In this episode of Sooner State of Mind, the Sooners continue to build for the future as GM Jim Nagy makes another key hire and Oklahoma lands a massive 2026 commitment in 6'4", 290-pound DT Brian Harris. We dive into the latest College Football Playoff reseeding chatter and the ongoing arms race across programs, including Steve Sarkisian's denial that Texas shelled out $40 million on its roster. Meanwhile, Kirby Smart wants to close one of the portal windows—find out why. And it’s championship season: Patty Gasso and her OU softball dynasty are just steps away from a historic fifth straight national title. So much Sooner goodness! It's time to get into a Sooner State of Mind! footballdudesla footballdudeslaIG footballdudesfacebook

In this episode of Sooner State of Mind, stoke levels are rising. The NFL Draft has come and gone. While only two Sooners, Danny Stutsman and Billy Bowman, heard their names called, it had been well over twenty years since OU had that few players drafted. That is something Brent Venables and Jim Nagy are expected to change, and change quickly. The good news is that several other Sooners did score camp invites with various NFL teams. We will let you know who is going where. The Sooners are also coming off a transfer portal scare. David Stone's brief entrance into the portal had Sooner Nation losing their collective minds, however, Stone quickly exited the portal and will remain with the Sooners. Unfortunately, Gavin Sawchuk was one of eight Sooners to also enter the portal. The good news is Jaydn Ott traded in his California address for an Oklahoma addy. Ott joins John Mateer as the two biggest portal wins for the 2025 Oklahoma Sooners. Speaking of portal wins, Porter Moser has been cooking in the portal with some big-time gets for the Oklahoma basketball team. Speaking of big time, Patty Gasso and her crew are coming off a 3-game sweep of the Longhorns to reclaim their spot on top of the SEC, with their sights set on a 5th straight National Championship. So much Sooner goodness! It's time to get into a Sooner State of Mind! footballdudesla footballdudeslaIG footballdudesfacebook

In this episode of Sooner State of Mind, stoke levels are rising. Well, stoke levels are at least a little higher than they were last year at this time. Some unwelcome familiarity is rearing its ugly head once again. It is only April, but injuries are piling up for Sooner receivers. The word out of spring camps is that Javonnie Gibson suffered a long-term injury. How long is long-term? We are not quite sure, but it might need to be addressed in the upcoming transfer portal. Unfortunately, the Sooners might need to dip into the portal for a tight end as well. Former Sooner Davon Mitchell has entered the outgoing portal after an abbreviated and disappointing stay at OU. At least there is some good news for Porter Moser and OU basketball. No, not Jeremiah Fears going to the NBA, it's Trae Young coming back to OU to be the assistant general manager. We also go through ESPN's list of the top 90 quarterbacks of the 2000s. A list with a heavy OU presence. Including a Sooner ranked in the #1 spot. It's time to get into a Sooner State of Mind! footballdudesla footballdudeslaIG footballdudesfacebook

In this episode of Sooner State of Mind, stoke levels are rising. Spring Ball is here, and we get John Mateer's thoughts on his new team and how tough it is going up against that Sooner defense in practice every day. Could a Bedlam return be closer than we think? If it is up to Oklahoma State coach Mike Gundy, the answer is yes. We will tell you all about it. Porter Moser and the Sooners did finally make it back to the dance, but were unable to dethrone the defending champs, as OU lost to UConn 67-59. Leaving lots of questions to be answered as to the future of Jeremiah Fears and the program as a whole. Jennie Baranczyk has the women's team in the Sweet 16 with a huge matchup against Paige Bueckers and the UConn Huskies. Can her Sooners keep the dance going? Either way, come next season, Baranczyk's Sooners will be led by Aaliyah Chavez, the #1 recruit in the country. Not only is it a massive weekend for college basketball, but Bob Stoops, the Arlington Renegades, and the UFL are back to give us some spring football goodness to get us that much closer to college football. It's time to get into a Sooner State of Mind! footballdudesla footballdudeslaIG footballdudesfacebook

In this episode of Sooner State of Mind, stoke levels are rising. With so much activity surrounding the program, every little bit of news gets us that much closer to football season. A familiar face is back with the program. Kevin Wilson makes his way to Norman via Tulsa. If he picks up where he left off, there just might be another Heisman Trophy winner playing quarterback for the Sooners. OU hasn't played a game yet, but it already feels like they are winning with the hiring of their new General Manager. Jim Nagy left his position with the Senior Bowl to lead the Sooners through this ever-changing landscape of collegiate football. We will talk about his credentials and why he is the right fit for the job. Even though we are completely stoked about spring practice, Sooner Nation did get some bad news regarding the annual Spring Game. As many other colleges have done, the cancellation of the OU Spring Game is part of the fallout from this new era of NIL and the wide-open transfer portal. We will get into why it happened as well as its replacement. We also check in with the NFL Combine as well as OU's Pro Day as the NFL Draft is just over a month away. We also take a quick look at OU's NCAA Tournament hopes for both men's and women's hoops. To wrap things up, we show a little love to the dominant start for Coach Gasso and the Sooners' attempt at a ridiculous 5-peat. It's time to get into a Sooner State of Mind! footballdudesla footballdudeslaIG footballdudesfacebook