5 Key Position Battles Shaping Oklahoma’s Spring Football
As Oklahoma gears up for the 2025 football season, spring practices provide a critical opportunity to assess talent and settle key position battles. The Sooners are coming off a season of growth, and several position groups are undergoing intense competition to ensure the team remains a contender in the Big 12. Here’s a closer look at five key battles that could define Oklahoma’s spring football.
- Quarterback
After Dillon Gabriel’s departure, the quarterback position is wide open. Redshirt freshman Jackson Arnold, who showed flashes of brilliance last year, faces stiff competition from transfer QB, Davis Beville. With a potent offense in mind, head coach Brent Venables is keen on finding a leader who can execute his vision. - Running Back
The departure of Eric Gray leaves a significant hole in the backfield. Sophomore Jovantae Barnes is considered the front-runner, but the arrival of incoming freshmen, like Trey Bradford, and the potential for last season’s role players to step up, could make this a dynamic battle through the spring. - Wide Receiver
With Marvin Mims off to the NFL, Oklahoma’s receiving corps needs new stars to emerge. Jalil Farooq and Andrel Anthony are the prime candidates, but players like Drake Stoops and other underclassmen are poised to challenge for key spots in the rotation. - Offensive Line
The Sooners’ offensive line will need to be revamped after some key departures. Veterans like Tyler Guyton will likely hold down a few spots, but newcomers and younger players will battle for playing time in an attempt to provide better protection for whichever quarterback takes the helm. - Defensive Line
Oklahoma’s defensive line, which was once a strength, now faces a rejuvenation. With the loss of key contributors, a number of players are stepping up in the race for starting spots. This battle will be pivotal in the Sooners’ push for defensive dominance.
These position battles are crucial to Oklahoma’s success this season, and spring football will be the stage for players to prove they deserve a spot on the field.
