Oklahoma Star Center Raegan Beers Earns National Spotlight With Unforgettable Season Full of Honors, Elevating Sooners’ Program Status

NORMAN, OK — Raegan Beers didn’t just make noise in the Big 12 — she shook the entire women’s college basketball landscape. The Oklahoma Sooners’ dominant center has officially announced her presence as one of the elite players in the country, closing the season with a flourish of awards, national recognition, and a résumé that solidifies her among the best to ever wear the crimson and cream.

After transferring to Oklahoma from Oregon State, Beers entered Norman with high expectations. But what she delivered exceeded even the loftiest projections. The 6-foot-4 post player quickly emerged as the anchor of the Sooners’ frontcourt, leading the team in scoring, rebounding, field goal percentage, and — perhaps most importantly — leadership. Her impact wasn’t merely statistical. She brought a combination of poise, physicality, and basketball IQ that transformed Oklahoma into a legitimate threat on the national stage.

Beers’ dominance this season was both steady and spectacular. Averaging a double-double for the year — 19.3 points and 11.7 rebounds per game — she became a nightly mismatch for opposing defenses. Whether sealing defenders in the post, crashing the boards with relentless energy, or hitting mid-range jumpers with soft touch, Beers was an all-around force. Her ability to command double teams not only opened up shots for her teammates but also allowed head coach Jennie Baranczyk to reimagine the Sooners’ offensive rhythm around a true inside-out game.

Her elite production earned her numerous honors, including First-Team All-Big 12, Big 12 Newcomer of the Year, and a spot on the prestigious Naismith Player of the Year Midseason Team. Perhaps most impressively, Beers was selected as a finalist for both the Lisa Leslie Award, given to the nation’s top center, and the Wooden Award, putting her in the conversation with the very best players in the sport.

“Raegan has completely elevated our program,” Baranczyk said. “She brings such a calm intensity to the court. It’s rare to find someone who can dominate physically while also being one of the smartest players on the floor. Her work ethic and leadership are everything you want in a player. She’s as special as they come.”

What makes Beers’ breakout season even more remarkable is the speed with which she adapted to her new surroundings. With Oklahoma undergoing changes in the frontcourt following the graduation of key players, Beers stepped into a leadership role almost instantly. In practice, her intensity set the tone. In games, she was the engine that powered Oklahoma’s offense — drawing double teams and punishing teams that left her in single coverage. Defensively, she was just as effective, protecting the rim and altering shots with her length and timing.

In a defining stretch in conference play, Beers recorded six straight double-doubles against ranked opponents, helping the Sooners rack up crucial wins and vault into the national rankings. Her 28-point, 16-rebound masterpiece against then-No. 7 Texas was a signature performance that showed just how unstoppable she could be when locked in. That game wasn’t just a career high — it was a statement.

Fans packed the Lloyd Noble Center to witness her brilliance, and Beers delivered in every way. In a season where women’s basketball continued to surge in popularity, Beers became one of the faces of the movement in Norman — signing autographs after games, representing Oklahoma at community events, and embracing her platform as a leader for the next generation.

The national media took notice too. ESPN spotlighted her during prime-time broadcasts. Her name trended after dominant performances. WNBA scouts began circling her name in their notebooks, recognizing a player whose pro potential is not a question of “if” but “when.”

Yet, through all the accolades, Beers remained grounded.

“I came here because I believed in what we’re building at Oklahoma,” Beers said following the team’s final home game. “This team, this staff, this community — it’s all so special. I wanted to be part of something bigger than myself, and I’m just grateful that I’ve had the opportunity to contribute.”

That humility is part of what endears her to fans and teammates alike. Senior guard Skylar Vann, who has shared the court with great players throughout her Oklahoma career, called Beers “the most complete big I’ve ever played with.”

“She’s a beast down low, no doubt,” Vann said. “But what people don’t always see is how smart she is. She knows where everyone needs to be on the floor. She’s calling out coverages, helping everyone get in the right spot. She’s like a second coach out there.”

For Oklahoma, the arrival and emergence of Beers has catalyzed a larger shift. The Sooners made a deep run in the NCAA Tournament this year, and Beers was at the heart of every meaningful possession. With her size, skill, and savvy, she gave Oklahoma an edge few programs could match. The Sooners’ return to national relevance was accelerated by her presence — and their ceiling looks even higher next season.

Recruiting has seen a boost too. High school stars around the country now see Oklahoma as a destination, in part because of Beers’ success. The Sooners have landed two Top-50 recruits for the 2025 class, both citing the opportunity to play with and learn from elite talent like Beers as a major factor in their decision.

Beyond basketball, Beers is earning recognition for her contributions off the court as well. A consistent academic performer and active member of community outreach initiatives, she was recently named to the CSC Academic All-America team — highlighting the balance she maintains between athletic and academic excellence. Whether it’s reading to local elementary school kids or hosting free clinics for aspiring young athletes, Beers embraces her role as a role model.

As she looks toward next season, expectations will be sky-high — and for good reason. She’s already made it clear she isn’t content with individual accolades. Her focus is firmly on bringing a national championship to Norman. With her return, Oklahoma is projected as a preseason Top 10 team and a legitimate Final Four contender.

“Next year, we’re going to finish what we started,” Beers said. “We have the pieces. We have the heart. Now we just have to go out and earn it.”

If her historic season is any indication, Beers isn’t just chasing greatness — she’s leading Oklahoma there, one dominant performance at a time. In a sport where stars often come and go, Raegan Beers has solidified her place among the brightest in the nation — and she’s only just beginning.