Oklahoma Sooners Hit the Ground Running: Fall Camp Practice Photos Reveal Energy, Focus, and Rising Stars in Norman on Wednesday
The August sun blazed down on Norman, Oklahoma, but it was the intensity on the practice field that truly brought the heat. On Wednesday, the Oklahoma Sooners opened up a fall camp session to photographers, giving fans a vivid preview of what Brent Venables and his team have been working on behind closed doors.
Each frame captured during the Sooners’ midweek practice painted a picture of grit, hunger, and transformation—a program determined to make waves in the upcoming season. As OU transitions into the SEC era, the urgency to elevate every rep, every drill, every moment is palpable.
The quarterback position naturally draws eyes, and Wednesday’s practice was no different. Redshirt freshman Jackson Arnold, widely seen as the future of the program, looked calm and sharp in the pocket. His footwork has noticeably improved, and the ball zipped out of his hand with authority. In several photos, Arnold is seen working closely with offensive coordinator Seth Littrell, dissecting play sheets and reviewing coverage reads during breaks in action.
Veteran signal-caller Dillon Gabriel, returning with confidence and leadership, displayed poise and familiarity with the system. One photo shows Gabriel mid-throw on a rollout, eyes downfield, receivers streaking across the frame. His chemistry with receivers Jalil Farooq and Andrel Anthony seems to be building, a crucial development for a team that’s seeking more explosive plays in 2025.
Farooq looked the part of WR1, hauling in several acrobatic catches during position drills. In one stunning frame, he’s fully extended in mid-air, fingertips barely brushing the tip of a spiraling pass. His explosiveness off the line of scrimmage and crisp route-running were on full display, with defensive backs often a step behind.
Freshman phenom Zion Kearney also made an impression. Photos captured him running precision routes and catching contested balls in the red zone, showcasing the physicality and raw talent that had recruiters buzzing. With his 6-foot-3 frame and long arms, he presents a matchup nightmare—a theme evident in several one-on-one images where defenders could only watch the ball sail over their heads into his hands.
Photos from the backfield drills revealed the depth and versatility of Oklahoma’s running back corps. Gavin Sawchuk, in particular, looked sleek and explosive. In one frame, he’s captured bursting through a hole with defenders lunging helplessly in his wake. Sawchuk’s blend of speed and vision has him poised for a breakout year.
Redshirt sophomore Jovantae Barnes looked equally dangerous, flashing power between the tackles and catching balls out of the backfield. One image shows Barnes flattening a blitzing linebacker in pass protection, earning loud cheers from his teammates.
Perhaps the most intense and gritty photos came from the battles in the trenches. The offensive line—anchored by veteran guard McKade Mettauer and transfer center Branson Hickman—showed a renewed focus on physicality. In one snapshot, left tackle Jake Taylor drives a defensive lineman back with textbook leverage and hand placement, drawing praise from offensive line coach Bill Bedenbaugh.
The defensive line, meanwhile, showed signs of the aggression and depth Venables has been working to instill. Photos of edge rusher R Mason Thomas flying off the line, and interior linemen like Da’Jon Terry clogging up run lanes, showed a unit ready to disrupt.
Linebackers were also a highlight, especially Danny Stutsman, the emotional leader of the defense. One photo captured him barking out pre-snap adjustments while aligning the front seven—a reflection of his experience and role as the quarterback of the defense. Another action shot showed him flying downhill on a run fit, wrapping up a back for a loss, intensity etched into his face.
The DBs didn’t have an easy day, and that’s a good thing. The competition was fierce, and the photos told the story—receivers and defensive backs in tight coverage battles, hands fighting for leverage, eyes locked on the ball.
Gentry Williams, returning from an offseason injury, looked smooth in coverage and aggressive at the point of attack. He’s pictured breaking up a pass in the end zone, timing his jump perfectly to swat the ball away from a much taller receiver. Safety Billy Bowman also turned heads, snagging an interception during team drills, then sprinting toward the sideline with teammates in hot pursuit.
Freshmen like Mykel Patterson-McDonald showed flashes as well. A couple of photos show the young DB going through footwork drills with extreme focus, absorbing coaching tips from Jay Valai between reps. It’s clear the staff is putting pressure on the underclassmen to grow up quickly—and the youngsters are responding.
The energy of the coaching staff is always a key element in fall camp, and the photos captured it brilliantly. Head coach Brent Venables was in perpetual motion—blowing whistles, yelling encouragement, and standing directly behind the defense during scrimmage reps, hands on his knees, eyes laser-focused.
Offensive coordinator Seth Littrell and quarterbacks coach Joe Jon Finley were constantly in motion, diagramming routes, correcting mechanics, and pulling players aside for one-on-one coaching. On the defensive side, co-defensive coordinator Ted Roof could be seen reviewing film on a tablet between periods, emphasizing immediate feedback.
The practice had a rhythm to it. Every player knew where to go, every coach had a purpose, and every frame showed a program that’s functioning with cohesion and clarity.
Even the often-overlooked specialists had their moment in the spotlight. Kicker Gavin Marshall was seen drilling field goals from various distances, while punter Luke Elzinga showed off both power and placement in his boots.
One particularly striking image captured long snapper Kasey Kelleher mid-snap, the ball frozen in the air between his fingers and the punter’s hands—emphasizing the precision required at every level of the game.
While Wednesday’s session wasn’t open to the public, the presence of media and photo releases on social platforms sparked a wave of excitement across Sooner Nation. Social media quickly flooded with reposts of acrobatic catches, high-effort drills, and shots of players dripping in sweat under the Oklahoma sky.
The growing anticipation for the season opener—especially with SEC competition looming—was almost tangible in the way fans responded. There’s a clear sense that this isn’t just another fall camp. It’s the prelude to a pivotal chapter in OU football history.
More than just the on-field performance, some of the most heartwarming images from the day came during downtime. One photo showed a trio of players—Stutsman, Farooq, and Gabriel—laughing together under the shade of a tent, sweat pouring off their jerseys. Another frame caught freshman defensive back Eli Bowen being mentored by senior Woodi Washington, pointing out positioning tips while standing together on the sideline.
Moments like these remind everyone that fall camp isn’t just about preparing for a game. It’s about building something greater—trust, camaraderie, and belief in the man next to you.
Wednesday’s photos from fall camp practice painted the full picture of a team on the rise. Yes, there’s talent—plenty of it. But what these frames truly captured was intent. The intention to be better, faster, stronger. The intention to represent Oklahoma with pride as it enters the gauntlet of SEC play.
There are battles to be won on both sides of the ball, and positions still very much up for grabs. But there’s also a sense of momentum. The foundation is set. The talent is maturing. And with each rep in camp, the Sooners are inching closer to an identity that could surprise the college football world.
The photos didn’t just show athletes—they showed a brotherhood. A team. A mission in progress.
Fall camp is only the beginning. But for Oklahoma, it’s already clear: this team isn’t just preparing for the season ahead—they’re preparing to leave a mark.
