July 21, 2025

Sooners Focus on Rebuilding Offense and Defense

News Summary

The Oklahoma Sooners prepare for the upcoming football season by emphasizing the rebuilding of their offense while ensuring their defensive momentum remains strong. Head coach Brent Venables and key players discussed their plans at SEC media days, addressing previous injury setbacks that affected their performance last season. Notable additions and returning players are expected to significantly impact the team’s overall resilience and potential for success. Strategies for improving player wellness and injury management are also being prioritized as the season approaches.

Atlanta – The Oklahoma Sooners are gearing up for the upcoming football season as they focus on rebuilding their offense and maintaining momentum on defense. Head coach Brent Venables along with players John Mateer, R. Mason Thomas, and Robert Spears-Jennings participated in SEC media days, addressing key concerns regarding the team’s performance in light of recent changes in college athletics.

The discussion at media days highlighted the significance of the upcoming season, especially following a challenging year where injuries significantly affected player availability. The Sooners lost all five starting wide receivers due to injuries last season, which raised red flags about their depth and overall resilience on the field.

Key Player Developments

Despite the absence of some notable players during the discussions, insights about a few key additions to the squad captured attention. A McNeese State transfer has generated excitement, with Coach Venables referring to him as a “ball of energy.” This player, who had 37 catches for 537 yards and three touchdowns last season, is anticipated to play a crucial role in addressing the receiver injuries from the previous season. His passion for the game has also earned him admiration from his teammates, particularly quarterback John Mateer, who enjoys the camaraderie they share.

Returning safety Kendel Dolby is on the verge of a comeback after suffering a season-ending injury last year. Prior to his injury, Dolby boasted a Pro Football Focus grade of 77.3, ranking him sixth among OU’s defensive players. According to Spears-Jennings, Dolby is currently at 95% recovery and is expected to reach full fitness by the start of the season.

Running back Keilan Ott, a transfer from Cal, has also generated considerable buzz as a potential starter. Known for his explosive play, Venables praised Ott as a “home-run hitter” with impressive statistics in his previous seasons, including 1,315 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns in 2023. Although he was limited by an injury last season, Ott remains confident in his abilities to contribute significantly to the Sooners’ offense.

Fresh Faces and Key Roles

Freshman wide receiver R. Mason Thomas has garnered attention for his athleticism and natural playmaking ability. His knack for understanding the game has been particularly notable for someone of his age and experience level. Mateer expressed confidence in Thomas’s skills and his potential to become a valuable asset to the team.

The Sooners will also see a new place kicker, Sandell, who joined the team as a late transfer. With a strong track record, including 19 successful field goals out of 23 attempts and an impressive extra point record last season, he is anticipated to become a standout contributor in the kicking department.

Injury Management Strategies

Addressing the injuries that plagued the Sooners last season, an independent assessment of the football training staff led to the hiring of NFL trainer Jonathan Gress as the new head trainer. The team is also creating a new position dedicated to “return-to-play” training, aimed at improving recovery and rehabilitation processes for injured players.

Venables stressed the critical importance of collaboration among various departments, including nutrition, strength and conditioning, sports science, and medical teams, to create a comprehensive approach to player health. Ouahring protocols established for players like Jovantae Barnes and Kendel Dolby are being revisited to adapt to new findings and perspectives on injury management.

Additionally, wide receiver Javonnie Gibson, who faced an ankle injury during spring practice, is reportedly making good progress in his recovery and is ahead of schedule as the team prepares for the new season.

As the Sooners advance towards the start of the 2023 season, they remain focused on strengthening their roster, improving player wellness, and building on the lessons learned from last year’s challenges.

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Additional Resources

Author: STAFF HERE COLLEGE WRITER

The COLLEGE STATION STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECollegeStation.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in College Station, Brazos County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Brazos Valley Fair & Rodeo, Chilifest, and Aggie Muster. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bryan-College Station Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Brazos Valley, plus leading businesses in education, biotechnology, and retail that power the local economy such as Texas A&M University, Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies, and H-E-B. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.

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