By Tony Thomas
The Oklahoma Sooners are coming off a 10-win season in 2023, capped off with a loss to Arizona in the Alamo Bowl. In 2024, the Sooners return talented and experienced players on both sides of the ball. Defense will be the strength of this team as Oklahoma returns 79% of their production on that side of the ball from a season ago.
Several defensive starters and contributors return on that side of the ball. Most notably LB Danny Stutsman and DB Billy Bowman (six INTs), and the Sooners defense has a chance to rank in the Top 30, a feat that has not been achieved by Head Coach Brent Venables since he was hired to replace Lincoln Riley two seasons ago. Add in an experienced defensive line led by DL Trace Ford, and the Sooners will be a formidable force to stop any opponent’s offensive game plan.
On offense, the Sooners return experience at running back and wide receiver. RB Gavin Sawchuk (744 yards, nine TDs, six yards per carry) returns to the backfield, but there is not much depth behind him on the depth chart. Oklahoma returns five of their top six receivers from a season ago, led by Nic Anderson (38 catches, 798 yards, and 10 TDs).
Jackson Arnold is the presumed starter to take over at quarterback for Dillon Gabriel, who has transferred to the Oregon Ducks. Arnold saw action in seven games in 2023, passing for 563 yards, four touchdowns, 3 INTs, and completed 64% of his passes. In his first collegiate game, Arnold was 11 for 11 passing for 114 yards and a touchdown. He started in the Alamo Bowl, throwing for 361 yards, two TDs, and three INTs in a losing effort.
The offensive line will be an area of concern after the Sooners lost all five of their 2023 starters. Jacob Sexton and Troy Everett are back and have over 2,600 snaps combined, but behind them, the Sooners are short on experience. This will be a crucial position group to watch, a unit that will need to develop quickly and maintain high performance and execution on the field.
In addition, Venables found some much-needed talent and depth in the transfer portal, including three players who will make an impact on Saturdays this season.
More Sports News
RB Samuel Franklin
Previous School: UT-Martin Skyhawks
5’10”, 200 lbs.
An FCS All-American in 2023, Samuel Franklin rushed for 1,386 yards and 11 touchdowns. Franklin was a finalist for the Walter Payton Award, awarded to the most outstanding offensive player in the FCS, and a 1st Team All-Big South-OVC selection.
Samuel Franklin commits to OU from UT-Martin. Solid depth for the RB room.
Franklin rushed for nearly 1400 yards and 11 TDs last season #Sooners https://t.co/PKd3Mfr4NO
— Rives Mitchell (@RivesMitchell) December 13, 2023
In addition, Franklin rushed for over 100 yards seven times last season, including two games of 200 yards or more. Against Missouri State, Franklin rushed for a season-high 259 yards and three touchdowns. Franklin is a significant pickup from the portal for the Sooners, as he provides depth and certainly fills a position of need.
CB Dez Malone
Previous School: San Diego State Aztecs
6’2”, 200 lbs.
In 2023, Dez Malone recorded 47 tackles, intercepted one pass, and forced a fumble. In two seasons with the Aztecs, Malone has 90 tackles, four INTs, and 12 pass breakups to his credit.
Our Defensive Aztec Warrior of the Week is Defensive Back #4 Dez Malone @DezjhonM
The Ball Hawk had himself a night with 4 pass breakups and 1 INT ⚫️🔴🏈🔥 #sdsu @AztecFB pic.twitter.com/8IJviWEsuI— SONS OF MONTEZUMA™ (@SonsOfMonty) September 4, 2023
Malone will battle for playing time with Bowman and Woodi Washington (48 tackles, 7 pass breakups), Peyton Bowen (36 tackles, five pass breakups, and two blocked kicks), Robert Spears-Jennings (38 tackles), and Gentry Williams (three INTs, 30 tackles, and four tackles for loss).
OL Geirean Hatchett
Previous School: Washington Huskies
6’4”, 300 lbs.
A member of the Huskies offensive line unit that won the Joe Moore Award as the top offensive line unit in college football, Geirean Hatchett provides depth and experience to a Sooners offensive line unit that is short on both. Hatchett is versatile and can play any position along the line.
As one of the top high school prospects in the country, Hatchett was highly sought after by all the top programs, including Oklahoma. When Hatchett announced his entry into the transfer portal, Oklahoma offensive line coach Bill Bedenbaugh wasted no time in securing Hatchett’s commitment to the Sooners.
