Fresh Faces in the Trenches: Oklahoma Offensive Lineman Owen Hollenbeck Embracing Team Chemistry, Brotherhood, and Sooner Standards in 2025

For Owen Hollenbeck, the transition from high school standout to a freshman offensive lineman in one of college football’s premier programs isn’t just about learning the playbook or adding strength in the weight room—it’s about adapting to a culture, earning trust, and understanding what it means to be a Sooner.

At Oklahoma, offensive linemen are held to a high standard—one set by legends of the past and enforced daily by coaches and teammates alike. It’s a standard Hollenbeck has embraced with a seriousness that belies his freshman status. Though new to Norman, the Texas native is quickly learning that talent alone won’t elevate a player in this program. The expectation is complete buy-in: physically, mentally, and emotionally.

“I knew coming in that Oklahoma wasn’t going to be like anywhere else,” Hollenbeck said recently. “You hear about the tradition, but once you’re actually part of it, you realize how important every detail is—from how you communicate with your teammates to how you attack every rep in practice. It’s all about chemistry and accountability.”

For offensive linemen in particular, chemistry is more than a buzzword. It’s the difference between a clean pocket and a quarterback running for his life. The ability to read and react in unison, to trust the man next to you without hesitation—that kind of bond doesn’t come easily. It’s forged through countless reps, shared sacrifices, and unrelenting communication.

Hollenbeck, who checks in at over 6-foot-4 and north of 300 pounds, certainly looks the part. A powerful, physical blocker with a mean streak on film, he was a highly sought-after recruit before committing to Brent Venables’ Sooners. But in a room filled with returning contributors and veteran voices, Hollenbeck’s path begins with learning—absorbing every detail, mastering technique, and listening more than speaking.

“Owen’s a sponge,” said a staffer close to the offensive line unit. “He asks the right questions. He’s not trying to pretend he has all the answers. He wants to understand how everything fits together. That attitude will take him far.”

Offensive line coach Bill Bedenbaugh, widely respected as one of the top developers of offensive line talent in the country, is a demanding mentor. His groups are known for their toughness, discipline, and execution, and he doesn’t hand out praise freely. For freshmen like Hollenbeck, that means proving themselves in practice before earning the right to compete on Saturdays.

“It’s intense, but it’s the kind of coaching you want,” Hollenbeck said. “Coach B is going to push you every day. He’s not going to let you take shortcuts, and he’ll call you out when you mess up. But it’s because he cares, and he wants you to be great.”

That standard has already begun to shape Hollenbeck’s approach. He speaks like a veteran when discussing footwork, leverage, and line calls. He references upperclassmen who’ve taken him under their wing, highlighting how much he’s learned simply by watching them work.

“You watch guys like [returning starter] Jake Taylor and you see how much pride they take in every rep,” Hollenbeck said. “It’s not just about doing your job—it’s about doing it exactly right. They don’t settle, and they don’t let anyone else settle either. That’s the kind of room we have. It pushes you to raise your level.”

Hollenbeck’s understanding of team chemistry isn’t just about the offensive line. He’s made it a point to build relationships throughout the locker room. Whether it’s in the weight room, the players’ lounge, or team meetings, he’s trying to connect with as many teammates as possible. In an era where the transfer portal and NIL have sometimes created transactional locker rooms, Hollenbeck is a throwback—someone who sees value in brotherhood.

“I’m not here just to play football,” he said. “I’m here to be part of something bigger than myself. These guys are my teammates, but they’re also my brothers. We’re going to go through a lot together—good and bad—and you’ve got to have that bond to get through it.”

That bond is already showing up during spring practices. While Hollenbeck isn’t yet penciled in to start, he’s made his presence felt. Coaches have praised his effort and his willingness to accept coaching. Veteran linemen have noticed his focus and his team-first mentality. There’s a sense that Hollenbeck is exactly the kind of player Oklahoma wants to build around.

“He’s one of those guys who does the little things right,” a teammate said. “He’s early to everything. He stays late. He takes notes. He lifts hard. That stuff matters more than people realize.”

Physically, Hollenbeck brings a rare blend of size and mobility. He played both guard and tackle in high school and brings the kind of versatility Bedenbaugh covets. While his long-term position in Norman has yet to be determined, the coaching staff loves his potential at guard, where his physicality and ability to move defenders in the run game could become an early strength.

Of course, there’s work to be done. The leap from high school to college, especially in the trenches, is steep. Defensive linemen are faster, smarter, and stronger. Schemes are more complex. Mistakes that were forgivable at the prep level are costly now. But Hollenbeck welcomes that challenge.

“You can’t cut corners up here,” he said. “You have to study. You have to prepare. And when it’s time to go, you have to bring it. There’s no easing into it.”

Part of Hollenbeck’s transition has also been mental. He’s working closely with team leaders and mentors on handling the pressure, staying level-headed, and embracing the grind. With Oklahoma heading into the SEC full-time, the spotlight on this program is only getting brighter. And for a young offensive lineman trying to earn his place, that can be overwhelming. But Hollenbeck is staying grounded, focusing on incremental growth.

“You can’t get caught looking too far ahead,” he said. “I’m just trying to win each day. Stack good days, get better, and find ways to help this team.”

That mindset is music to the ears of coaches and teammates alike. In a program where every practice is competitive and every spot on the depth chart is earned, players like Hollenbeck—players who bring humility, work ethic, and team-first focus—are exactly what the Sooners need as they prepare for life in the SEC.

The 2025 season looms large for Oklahoma. The schedule is brutal, and the margin for error is slim. Games will be won or lost in the trenches, and the depth of the offensive line will be tested. While Hollenbeck may not be in the starting five right away, his development will be crucial over the coming months. Injuries happen. Fatigue sets in. Having a freshman ready to contribute, even in limited reps, could be the difference in key moments.

And beyond 2025, the vision is clear: Hollenbeck isn’t here just to fill a jersey. He’s here to compete, to lead, and eventually to anchor the Sooner offensive line.

“My goal is to be the guy they can count on,” he said. “I want to be someone who plays with toughness, plays smart, and makes the guys around me better. That’s what the great ones do.”

For now, Hollenbeck is content grinding in the shadows—earning respect rep by rep, building bonds in the locker room, and soaking up every lesson the veterans and coaches are willing to share. He may be a freshman, but his approach is mature. And in a program built on tradition, toughness, and togetherness, that might be the most important trait of all.

With his combination of size, smarts, and selflessness, Owen Hollenbeck represents the next generation of Oklahoma linemen—a generation that understands greatness begins with chemistry, commitment, and character.

“I’m proud to be a Sooner,” he said. “Now it’s about proving every day that I belong.”