“Sooner Stars Make Big League Leap: Witherspoon Taken 15th Overall, Two More OU Standouts Join Him in Thrilling First Round of MLB Draft”
The MLB Draft is often a moment of realization and reward—a culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and sacrifice. For the University of Oklahoma baseball program, the opening day of the 2025 MLB Draft was not only a celebration of individual achievement but a testament to the program’s development and national relevance. In a dramatic and emotionally charged evening, three Sooners heard their names called in the first round, headlined by star outfielder Cade Witherspoon, who was selected 15th overall. It was a moment that capped off a historic season for the Oklahoma program, one that had seen highs and lows but always carried the quiet assurance that talent would eventually rise to the top.
Cade Witherspoon’s selection at 15th overall was both expected and deeply gratifying for Sooner fans who had watched the dynamic outfielder evolve from a raw, athletic freshman into one of the most complete prospects in college baseball. Witherspoon brought a rare combination of speed, power, and defensive prowess that made him one of the most electrifying players in the college game. Scouts raved about his quick-twitch athleticism, elite base-running instincts, and a glove that could hold up at multiple outfield positions in the big leagues. Offensively, he was a force throughout the season, hitting .331 with 18 home runs, 58 RBIs, and 32 stolen bases. More than the stats, though, it was Witherspoon’s leadership and clutch gene that caught the eyes of MLB front offices.
As he walked onto the stage in front of the national cameras, donning the cap of his new team, Witherspoon reflected the character and discipline instilled in him by the Oklahoma coaching staff. His smile told the story of a journey that began in youth baseball leagues in Texas and had matured on the fields of Norman. The 15th overall pick carries not just the promise of a professional career, but the expectations of a franchise investing in a centerpiece player. Yet for Witherspoon, those expectations seemed to carry the same weight as a centerfield fly ball—handled with ease, grace, and readiness.
But the story of the Sooners on draft night didn’t end with Witherspoon. Just moments later, another familiar name was called: left-handed pitcher Tyler McAlister. Selected 21st overall, McAlister had been the ace of the Sooners’ pitching staff and a workhorse in the truest sense. His fastball clocked in consistently in the mid-90s, and his devastating slider gave batters fits all season. What impressed scouts most, however, was his command and mound presence. McAlister was unflappable under pressure, logging 102 innings this season with a 2.74 ERA and 121 strikeouts. His draft stock had risen significantly during postseason play, where he pitched with a combination of power and poise that reminded many of a young left-handed ace currently dominating in the pros.
McAlister’s selection validated the work put in behind the scenes—by pitching coaches, trainers, and the player himself. Known for his quiet intensity and relentless preparation, McAlister was the kind of player that set the tone not just on game days, but every day of the week. For the program, his first-round selection marked a huge win in showcasing Oklahoma’s ability to produce elite arms that can compete with anyone in the country.
And just when the celebrations seemed to peak, the third Sooner came off the board, catching even some insiders by surprise with how high he went. Shortstop Jordan Ellis, a defensive wizard with growing offensive consistency, was chosen 28th overall. Ellis had long been praised for his glove work—his range, soft hands, and instinctual fielding were considered MLB-ready even before his bat fully caught up. But during his junior season, Ellis made major strides at the plate, batting .301 with 9 home runs and 42 RBIs while significantly improving his on-base percentage. He brought an old-school grit to the field, playing through bumps and bruises, often sacrificing his body for the team. His growth over the last two seasons was a case study in development, something that coaches at Oklahoma take enormous pride in.
The trio of Witherspoon, McAlister, and Ellis represented not only the core of a highly successful Sooners team but the evolution of a program that has quietly become a pipeline to the major leagues. Head coach Skip Johnson was seen beaming with pride as his players were selected, each one a product of a developmental culture that emphasizes fundamentals, mental toughness, and relentless competitiveness. Johnson, who has shepherded numerous players to the next level over his tenure, called the night one of the most rewarding of his career. “These young men have earned every bit of this,” he said. “They’ve put in the work when no one was watching. This is what Oklahoma Baseball is about—building men of character who also happen to be elite competitors.”
Indeed, Oklahoma’s showing on Day One of the MLB Draft made a statement to recruits and rivals alike. It reminded the college baseball world that the Sooners are more than just competitive in the Big 12—they are nationally relevant and capable of shaping future big leaguers. For players considering their next move out of high school, the message was loud and clear: Norman is a place where dreams are built, polished, and realized.
The impact of three first-round picks reverberates far beyond draft night. It enhances the program’s prestige, boosts recruiting, and strengthens relationships with MLB organizations. It also injects a sense of momentum into the team as it prepares for the next season. With key veterans moving on, the door opens for the next wave of Sooners to step up, and there’s no shortage of talent ready to fill those roles. The standard has been raised, and the legacy left by Witherspoon, McAlister, and Ellis will undoubtedly serve as the benchmark for future Sooners.
Beyond the field, the human stories behind these draft picks captivated fans and observers. Witherspoon’s rise from under-recruited high schooler to first-round pick was the stuff of sports fiction. McAlister’s battle back from injury in his sophomore year made his draft moment all the sweeter. Ellis, who nearly transferred after a tough freshman season, turned his perseverance into a professional opportunity. These were not just athletes; they were embodiments of resilience, grit, and self-belief.
Draft night also served as a communal celebration for Sooner Nation. Social media was flooded with congratulatory messages from former players, fans, and university figures. Watch parties broke into cheers and chants. Families of the draftees embraced with tears and laughter, knowing that the sacrifices made—early morning practices, missed holidays, relentless travel schedules—had been worth it. For the players, it was a night of validation, not just of talent, but of identity.
As the dust settled on a thrilling Day One, the attention now turns to the next steps for these three Sooners. They will soon report to their respective MLB organizations, take physicals, and begin life in the minor leagues with dreams of one day stepping onto a big-league diamond. But wherever they go, they will carry the crimson and cream with them. They will serve as ambassadors for Oklahoma Baseball, symbols of what is possible when preparation meets opportunity.
For the coaching staff, the focus will now return to player development, recruiting, and preparing for the next season. But nights like this remind everyone why they do what they do. They remind players of the power of belief and persistence. They remind fans of the unifying magic of sports. And they remind college baseball at large that the Oklahoma Sooners are a force to be reckoned with—not just on the field, but on draft boards, in player development, and in shaping the future of the game.
Cade Witherspoon, Tyler McAlister, and Jordan Ellis will forever be linked not just by the program that developed them, but by the night their names were etched into the annals of professional baseball. They are trailblazers, torchbearers, and representatives of a standard that continues to rise. For Oklahoma Baseball, this draft wasn’t just a milestone—it was a mission statement. And the message was crystal clear: The Sooners are here, and they’re only getting stronger.
