“BUILDING MOMENTUM IN NORMAN: Key Takeaways and Emerging Storylines from Oklahoma Football’s Second Day of Preseason Camp as Sooners Sharpen Focus for 2025 Season”
Oklahoma football returned to the field for its second day of preseason camp on Friday, and while it’s still early in the journey toward the 2025 season, the tone in Norman is already one of urgency, focus, and transformation. Brent Venables and his coaching staff are entering a pivotal year in the program’s evolution, and the early sessions of camp are offering glimpses into how the Sooners might look as they prepare to reintroduce themselves as contenders in the SEC. Friday’s practice wasn’t just another date on the calendar—it was a meaningful step in building the identity of this team, setting the pace for the weeks ahead and offering several insights into both the progress and the work still to be done.
One of the most evident themes emerging from Friday’s action is the speed at which the team is operating. Both on offense and defense, the tempo was fast, the communication crisp, and the competitive edge unmistakable. For a program that knows it must elevate its level of physicality and execution to meet SEC standards, these early signs of urgency were exactly what coaches and fans were hoping to see. With so many new pieces on the field—including transfer portal additions and an influx of freshmen—this period of meshing talent and installing schemes is critical. The coaching staff appears to be attacking the process with deliberate intensity, and it’s resonating across position groups.
Quarterback play naturally draws the most attention, and all eyes remain fixed on Jackson Arnold. The redshirt freshman has stepped into the leadership spotlight with confidence and poise. Though he’s still gaining game experience, Arnold is demonstrating command in the huddle and during drills. His arm strength is apparent, but what stood out Friday was his decisiveness and willingness to push the ball downfield when the opportunity presented itself. He’s beginning to take ownership of Jeff Lebby’s offensive system, and his comfort level is growing. Behind him, the battle for backup quarterback reps remains competitive, with General Booty and Michael Hawkins both having solid moments. While neither seems poised to threaten Arnold’s status as QB1, their presence ensures that the Sooners have capable depth as they brace for the physical grind of an SEC slate.
The running back room continues to generate intrigue, particularly with the physical development of Jovantae Barnes and Gavin Sawchuk. Barnes, coming off an offseason focused on building strength and conditioning, looks quicker through the hole and more willing to finish runs with authority. Sawchuk, whose speed was never in question, seems to be showing better vision and patience behind the line of scrimmage. The competition here is healthy and productive, and with DeMarco Murray overseeing the group, there’s an expectation that Oklahoma will feature a more balanced and aggressive ground attack this season. Redshirt freshman Daylan Smothers also caught attention Friday, showcasing burst and ball security that could earn him situational snaps in the fall.
At wide receiver, the Sooners are still working through some key position battles, but the potential is evident. Nic Anderson continues to emerge as a vertical threat capable of stretching defenses, while Michigan transfer Andrel Anthony showed flashes of why the staff was excited to bring him in. Freshman Zion Kearney impressed observers with his fluid route-running and willingness to block downfield—traits that suggest he could push for early playing time. The coaches have emphasized toughness and consistency in this group, knowing that success against SEC secondaries will require receivers to win physical matchups and deliver in contested-catch situations. Drake Stoops’ leadership, though no longer on the field, is still influencing the mentality of the room, and the young receivers are trying to carry that standard forward.
Defensively, Friday’s camp session underlined a clear commitment to aggression and physicality. Brent Venables has always preached relentless effort and accountability, but this year’s unit seems particularly intent on embodying those principles. Danny Stutsman is the emotional and vocal leader at linebacker, and his range and football IQ were on display again during drills and 11-on-11 situations. He’s taking a hands-on role with younger players like Kip Lewis and Jaren Kanak, reinforcing alignments and techniques between snaps. The linebacker corps looks fast, aggressive, and far more confident in the system than it did a year ago.
The defensive line rotation remains a work in progress, but there are encouraging signs of growth and depth. Transfer additions like Da’Jon Terry (Tennessee) and Trace Ford (Oklahoma State) are providing valuable veteran presence and helping raise the level of competition in the trenches. Jacob Lacey and Isaiah Coe stood out with their ability to disrupt plays in the backfield, a critical trait for a unit that must become more dominant at the point of attack. The Sooners know that controlling the line of scrimmage will determine their success in the SEC, and early efforts to improve physicality and gap integrity are apparent. The interior line looks bigger and stronger, while edge defenders are being challenged to win with both speed and leverage.
In the secondary, the buzz continues to build around the evolution of Billy Bowman, who looks primed to make a national impact. His instincts, ball skills, and versatility allow the defense to disguise coverages and create matchup advantages. Bowman flew around the field on Friday, communicating with teammates and breaking up several passes in team drills. The cornerback battle opposite Gentry Williams remains open, though Jasiah Wagoner and Kani Walker both had solid reps and appear to be in the thick of the race. The safety room also appears deeper, with Reggie Pearson Jr. bringing toughness and experience, while Peyton Bowen’s athleticism continues to turn heads.
Special teams work is often underreported in early camp updates, but it’s been a point of emphasis for the Sooners. Kicker Gavin Marshall was consistent on field goal attempts during Friday’s session, and the return game could be a sneaky strength, with guys like Jalil Farooq and Gavin Freeman working on punt and kickoff returns. Discipline, field position, and hidden yardage will be even more important in tight SEC contests, and the staff appears to be dedicating the appropriate attention to special teams details early in camp.
Off the field, there’s a palpable shift in culture and cohesion. Players and coaches have emphasized the importance of leadership, communication, and accountability. Team chemistry is improving, aided by offseason bonding activities and the leadership of veteran players who have bought into the mission. The energy around the program feels different—more mature, more focused. There’s a sense that the lessons from last season’s inconsistencies have sunk in, and the team is determined not to repeat the same mistakes. Coach Venables has spoken often about creating habits that win games before the first kickoff even takes place, and this group seems to be embracing that message.
There’s also been a noticeable rise in the performance of the strength and conditioning program. Players are visibly more explosive, better conditioned, and physically stronger than they were this time last year. Schmitty’s offseason program is earning praise from both players and staff, and it’s showing up in how the team moves through drills and maintains energy throughout the day. In the heat and intensity of August practices, these physical gains will be crucial for sustaining high-level performance and avoiding preventable injuries.
Friday’s second day of camp was far more than just another practice—it was a critical checkpoint for a team trying to define its identity and sharpen its edge ahead of a defining season. The Sooners are looking to reestablish themselves as a premier national program as they enter SEC play, and every rep, every meeting, and every drill between now and kickoff matters. The early signs are promising. There’s hunger. There’s talent. There’s leadership emerging. And, most importantly, there’s a willingness to do the hard things required to win at the highest level.
What Oklahoma does in these early camp days will echo into the fall. Position battles will be won or lost. Trust between teammates will be built or broken. Habits will be formed that determine whether this team can endure the gauntlet of SEC football. For now, the Sooners are stacking good days and building momentum with discipline and purpose. Day two of camp reflected a group that’s locked in, determined, and eager to prove that Oklahoma football still belongs among the sport’s elite. With many more practices to come, the foundation is being laid brick by brick, and Friday was a key step in what the Sooners hope will be a championship climb.
