Brent Venables raves about younger Oklahoma Sooners stars in the making who could have bigger roles than expected in 2025

We all know about the superstar players that the Oklahoma Sooners boast heading into the 2025 season. Quarterback John Mateer, running back Jaydn Ott, wide receiver Deion Burks, pass rusher R Mason Thomas, and defensive backs Eli Bowen and Robert Spears-Jennings are the unquestioned leaders of the team. 

However, the Sooners have plenty of young talent on the roster ready to breakout, thanks to ripping off three straight top ten classes under Venables. 

At SEC Media Days, Venables highlighted several young players he feels are poised to be immense contributors for the Sooners in 2025 and beyond.

"Yeah, up front on offensive line, I would say a couple of the guys you'll see a lot of Eddy Pierre-Louis, who didn't get to campus until last summer. I think you'll see Daniel Akinkunmi. I think you'll see Mike Fasusi, Ryan Fodje, freshmen offensive linemen that are mature beyond their years mentally and physically.

On the defensive side of the ball, I would think a few names that you may or may not know. Danny Okoye, pound for pound might be the best athlete on our football team. I think Reggie Powers is also someone that has great position flexibility, plays a lot of different positions for us.

Courtland Guillory, a young man from Houston that showed up on campus. A corner that loves to compete. That's probably his best quality and trait. Long, super athletic. He loves to compete, shows up every day. He's a dog. Plays with tremendous effort, lets you coach him hard. I love that about Courtland. Inside I think you'll see a lot more of David Stone. Trent Wilson has had a really nice transition from high school, as well. Then Omarion Robinson is a guy that got here in January that has tremendous range, great instincts, natural safety as well."

On the offensive line, it will be fascinating to see how the Sooners stack up those guard spots. Pierre-Louis came on strong last season, and Akinkunmi has drawn nothing but praise from the staff and people around the program, but the Sooners return their starting two guards from last year in Heath Ozaeta and Febechi Nwaiwu. Additionally, four-star freshman Ryan Fodje has been practicing inside at right guard as well. Suddenly, the depth of that room has gone from rags to riches, and how that plays out will be fascinating to watch.

The praise for those young defensive backs is notable. Powers has bounced around from deep safety to in the box and out in the nickel as well, and Venables highlighted that. He might be a contributor at Cheetah as well, which would only help their depth at a crucial position. 

Courtland Guillory and Omarion Robinson becoming reliable players would also be huge for the Sooners' depth. Both cornerback and safety are unproven units after the starters, so Oklahoma finding steady depth contributors for this season would go a long way in easing some concerns there. 

This also applies to Trent Wilson. If he hits, the future of the Sooners' defensive line feels set. He likely won't play a huge role this season, as Oklahoma has their top-four spots set, but heading beyond 2025, Wilson becoming a contributor would help ensure their continued dominance up front on the defensive line.