In 2024, the Oklahoma Sooners had a pair of true freshmen earn starting roles on the defensive side of the ball. Jayden Jackson was a day-one starter at defensive tackle, while Eli Bowen emerged throughout the season to become a starter at cornerback. Both players were considered freshman All-Americans by one service or another and earned selections to All-SEC freshman squads.
Other true freshmen like Michael Hawkins, Zion Ragins, Zion Kearney, Ivan Carreon, Taylor Tatum, and Xavier Robinson received opportunities to play on the offensive side of the ball, but the results were mixed. Ragins, Kearney, and Carreon struggled to make an impact in a passing game that struggled to get going all season long. Taylor Tatum struggled with ball security despite showing the vision and athleticism that made him the No. 1 running back in the 2024 class. Robinson ran for over 100 yards in the win over Alabama but struggled to get going in the season finale against LSU. Michael Hawkins flashed his potential in relief of Jackson Arnold during the Tennessee game and in the road win over Auburn but turned the ball over three straight drives to start the game against South Carolina.
As the Oklahoma Sooners get set to wind down spring ball, several true freshmen have stood out in spring ball and look primed for an opportunity to make an impact in 2025. Here are the five most likely to contribute for the Oklahoma Sooners this season.
1. Elijah Thomas, WR
Thread: Got to watch some one-on-ones today at #Sooners practice.
— Colton Sulley (@colton_sulley) April 1, 2025
Here’s Elijah Thomas vs Jacobe Johnson. pic.twitter.com/rtGTs3OQ4x
With the injury to Javonnie Gibson, that may keep him out of fall camp and part of the 2024 season, the Sooners will need someone to step up on the outside. Keontes Lewis, Zion Kearney, Ivan Carreon, and Isaiah Sategna figure to factor in at wide receiver along with Deion Burks in the slot but there's an opportunity for true freshman Elijah Thomas to earn some snaps.
The former top 100 prospect out of Checotah has been one of the players that's stood out in spring ball. His size, route running, and ability to make plays after the catch make him an intriguing option in Ben Arbuckle's offense. He'll have to continue to develop in the strength and conditioning program and carry over his spring success to fall camp, but he's off to a really nice start in his Sooners career.
2. Tory Blaylock, RB
Tory Blaylock stood out to @TedLehman11 this weekend. pic.twitter.com/4HTRJ4f9z1
— The Oklahoma Breakdown with Ikard and Lehman (@OK_Breakdown) March 31, 2025
Jovantae Barnes has been limited during spring ball as Oklahoma takes caution with the ankle he injured in the Maine game. That leaves Gavin Sawchuk, Xavier Robinson, Taylor Tatum, and true freshman Tory Blaylock to receive the bulk of the work at running back.
Blaylock is truly a game-breaker at running back. He has incredible speed that he combines ...
