Oklahoma is in their final week of spring practice, with their last big behind-the-scenes scrimmage being held last Friday evening under the lights. We have intel on that scrimmage, some standouts and some other practice intel that OUInsider will pass along in this batch of notes:
OFFENSIVE INTEL HEADING INTO FINAL WEEK OF SPRING PRACTICE + OFFENSIVE SCRIMMAGE INTEL
Oklahoma QB John Mateer has continued to have a good spring. There is a lot of comfortability in what is being asked of the veteran QB this time around and with his full understanding of the Sooners OC Ben Arbuckle’s offense.
“[John Mateer] looked really smooth and in control on Friday at the scrimmage,” a source told OUInsider. “I think it might have been one of his better live spring settings so far. Big day for the offense as a whole. Defense played well, but I would give it to Mateer and his guys.”
From even a sourced perspective, the mechanics of Mateer look even more established. One source made note of that instantly when speaking to OUInsider this past weekend.
“I know [John] Mateer is off limits during a scrimmage, but his mechanics looked so much better during the scrimmage [on Friday],” source noted.
Mateer spoke about those mechanics yesterday when he met with the media and was asked if he’s seen a difference and if the work has been worth it this offseason. Mater was also asked if there is a point where you work on it or tweak his throwing too much?
“It’s definitely a balance. I was talking to Coach [Jason] Witten about it a lot, like you go into spring ball and super focused on details technicality and stuff. But at a certain point you play football, you can’t go in there and be too critical, because you need to play ball. So I didn’t put too much on myself, the instincts are still there,” the Sooners starting QB said about his newly found throwing mechanics. “You still play with the instincts. And I don’t think I’ve lost that. I think I’m super hard on myself with the footwork and arm angle and stuff and just being innovative in the way I throw — taking different drops and just trying things out. And coach Kuz and Buck have let me do that. It’s been super productive. So I appreciate them for letting me do that.”
I followed that up with a different angle and question. I asked Mateer if his mechanics and his so-called change in what he his release point has been made in to a bigger deal than he expected. Essentially, are the media and fans harping on it a bit too much? Is he surprised by how much has been made of his, again, so-called ‘tweaks’?
“I probably caused that a little bit, just by the way I put it and phrased it,” Mateer said of why he feels the public optics have been so focused on his throwing motion. “That’s what I think of it. So, I mean, whatever, like I said it, so if I say it, everybody’s gonna latch on to it. I do believe in it, but I don’t think it’s life or death, I know how to throw football. It’s just getting better, every year you get a year better.”
Basically, Mateer is kindly saying that he mentioned his ‘tweaks’ in throwing and that was all the public needed to make a big deal out of something that probably shouldn’t have been made such a big deal of in the end.
During the scrimmage, Mateer made “several big throws,” with guys like Manny Choice making what some called the “catch of the day.” More on WR in a bit, though.
*** QB Bowe Bentley: The Sooners freshman QB has continued to make big, big progress during the spring. As most has already said, there is a lot of buzz that has him trending towards being the number two overall QB on the roster by the time game one rolls around.
That growth has been a lot of trial by fire for the Sooners freshman QB. As the OU defense continues to throw a lot of looks, coverages and disguises at him, the freshman QB had to learn on the fly. All the while, he was going up against a defense that showed more blitzes, fronts and coverages than he will see anywhere else. Oklahoma All-SEC CB Eli Bowen spoke about Bentley’s growth and how hard it’s been learning against Brent Venables’ defense.
“He made a really, really great pass today, but he’s been doing well. He’s been improving. When he first got here, I think our defense is more complicated than anything he’ll see in high school and most places in college, so I think it was an adjustment period,” the Sooners All-SEC CB said of the early enrollee freshman QB.
“But I think he’s getting rolling right now, making some good throws, making good decisions, and being on time.”
Several sources spoke about Bentley’s running ability and said he was trouble when things broke down. One source went into a bit of detail on that exact thing during the scrimmage.
“[Bowe] Bentley is sneaky athletic and has some nice vision in space,” source said. “Of course, he can’t get touched in these scrimmages or practices, but you can see how he can extend plays really well. And he had some very nice runs during the scrimmage [on Friday evening].”
Bentley also had some nice passes in red zone once again and during 7v7 portion of the practice he made what one source called, “an insanely beautiful pass” to fellow freshman WR Jayden Petit.
“That pass might have been the best pass all day. It was pretty special,” source noted of Bentley’s pass to Petit.
*** Not a ton on second-year QB Whitt Newbauer, but was told his scrimmage performance was “Okay. And with no turnovers or picks,” so that is at least good in that Newbauer is playing the role of game manager well right now.
LATEST ON OKPREPS AND RIVALS200 LB CASE ALEXANDER
The running backs have been a bright spot this spring. Youthful talents of former Rivals100 freshmen RB Jonathan Hatton and former four-star RB DeZephen Walker have, both, had really strong scrimmages the last few weeks, along with some strong spring practices.
During the first big scrimmage for OU, DeZephen Walker made some big plays scoring a few times. He has continued to make some strides and impress and surprise overall.
“I will be honest, at first he was starting off a bit slower than some of the other RBs, but he has really gotten used to the physicality and the speed of college football much faster than anyone thought. [Walker] has been impressive the last few weeks and everyone has taken notice,” source said of the freshman RB.
Colorado State transfer RB Lloyd Avant has showed his versatility and leadership. He’s had some good solid days, per sources. He will be the guy that you have highest floor, but likely the lowest ceiling being more of a vet type. Still, Avant adds a ton of depth and experience that will make everyone feel comfortable if he has to be called upon in a big role in 2026.
The player that most look at and say ‘he’s got a chance to be a major contributor in 2026’ is obviously freshman RB Jonathan Hatton. He’s continued to make big runs while also learning everything on fly this spring. So much that fellow freshman QB Bowe Bentley has talked about Hatton as one that has stood out in a big way.
“Jonathan Hatton. He’s a physical runner and he’s fast. When he breaks loose, he’s gone and he’s awesome,” Bentley said Hatton’s play this spring.
On that note about ‘breaking loose,’ sources say that Hatton made a few big runs on Friday night and scored a few times. OUInsider was told that Hatton had a 40+ yard run and 50+ yard run for a TD. A source added, “[Hatton is] so big and physical. He and the RBs looked good on Friday. Really good.” The source went on to add, “Some will think that the defense was owned or the young DL was bullied by all of that, but they weren’t. The DL made some plays and they look the part. Very big unit themselves. Just super young vs a much more experienced OL in the spring.”
More on the DL later in this batch of notes.
Offensive Line:
The Sooners offensive line has been another of the bright spots this spring. So much positive talk about the jump in play that the OL has made from 2025 to spring ball. That jump comes from a lot of bumps and bruises that OU took in 2024 and 2025. Veteran OL Heath Ozaeta spoke of that exact thing when he met with the media on Monday evening.
“Coach B said this earlier in the spring, year to year, guys just mature and you get better as you get older. All of it really comes from us working through the winter, through all last year, through the winter, through now,” Ozaeta said. “You’re going to get a little better, but if you don’t put the work in, that’s really what it’s all about. Every day, coming here, with that mindset. You gotta grind, you gotta work, you’ll get better.”
Sooners QB John Mateer even spoke about how ‘glued in’ the OL has been this spring, along with noting that the offensive line has also upped its physicality in a big way. That goes in line with what we have reported and heard about the success in the run game this spring.
“It’s super powerful when you get a group of men like that. The o-line, universally, is super glued together. They always hang out. And I love to see it, obviously, I love to hang out with them too. But those guys coming back, everybody being together,” Mateer said the OL play and improvement this spring. “We obviously got E’Marion [Harris], they took him in, we all took him in and so it’s been fun. They play together. They play super physical and everybody sets the tone. If one guy’s not really having a day, they’re gonna get after each other. That’s another thing I’ve really seen and it’s been really fun to be behind.”
There has been more praise about Arkansas transfer offensive tackle E’Marion Harris from sources and other players we have interviewed. Harris has fit in almost seamlessly to a group of OL returnees that played a lot of ball in 2025. Some even return from the injury-riddled 2024 season as well.
That said, the talent is what makes the experience even better for Oklahoma. Sources have noted to OUInsider that it’s the size and talent that is almost hard to grasp when you see it in person. One source expounded on that opinion of the Sooners OL.
“Man, in person they are huge. They are talented, too. Probably the most physically gifted OL that [OU] has had in several years,” source said. “They communicate very well. That’s been a big difference from even last year. Everyone understands what they have to do and how to adjust to the defense in ways they didn’t in 2025.”
Sooners veteran OL Heath Ozaeta said the OL communication has been what he has seen as the biggest difference when I asked about it on Monday evening.
“You hit it on the head. The communication, that’s what it’s all about. Gets us all on the same page. I think having that cohesiveness, us all coming back, is super important,” the vet OL said to media on Monday evening. “And bringing new guys in, like E’Marion Harris, he picked it up so quick. Just a freakin’ baller. That dude, just always reliable guy. So having those type of guys is super important for us.
Sources told OUInsider that the OL, Michael Fasusi and a few others have really come a long way. There are some that think it will be a strength come fall camp, but the worry about offensive tackle depth is something that the Sooners will have to watch.
Lastly, the Sooners OL was “very good on Friday night” when OU scrimmaged. Good news there.
QUICK SCRIMMAGE NOTES ON WIDE RECEIVER AND DEFENSIVE SIDE OF THE BALL:
*** More and more buzz regarding freshman WR Jayden Petit. He has made a big jump from the start of spring ball with his play on the field improving a ton. That being said, it’s his physical stature that has every source taking notice and making comments about him. One source even made a note to say he looks like a vet.
“That 13 at WR is impressive. He looks like he’s at least a junior, but was he’s a freshman. He made some really good catches at the scrimmage too. I like him a lot,” source said of freshman WR Jayden Petit.
Another sources called Petit a “grown ass man” that looks like he has been held back a few years.
*** Another young WR that has really stood out is freshman Jahsiear Rodgers. If things keep trending the way they have this spring, he’s another that I could see being a key rotational piece this come fall and the regular season in September.
Freshman QB Bowe Bentley concurs calling Rodgers, “a freak for a freshman.”
*** WR unit as a whole has been what most call “solid” this spring. Naturally, Isaiah Sategna has been more than “solid” and most say he has piggybacked his All-SEC 2025 season with a very strong winter and spring.
*** As noted earlier in the notes, WR Manny Choice has been what some would call the most impressive spring out of any WR so far. Choice looks to be a very big piece of the offense if things trend as is throughout the summer and fall practice. That’s great news for OC Ben Arbuckle and WR coach Emmett Jones, with Trell Harris and Parker Livingstone missing some time due to injury this spring.
Their full-go additions for fall camp will improve things even more so come fall practice.
*** Again, the TE room is vastly improved. During the scrimmage, the TEs didn’t catch many passes but a source did say they were vital to the success of the the Sooners’ run game on Friday night.
“TEs are much better overall. You can see it in everything they do,” source said of the TE position’s play during the Friday scrimmage. “They didn’t catch many passes, but they were a force in the run game. Looked much better run blocking than at any point in 2025.”
That is in line with what Florida transfer TE Hayden Hansen said of the Sooners’ run game so far this spring, along with the TEs part in the upped run game for OU.
“I got some news for you guys: It’s here, and it’s looking good, man,” The transfer, vet TE said to the media last week about the OU run game. “We’re running the rock. We’re pounding the rock every practice. It’s a beautiful thing to see.”
*** Defensively, sources continue to state that the interior of the DL is a bit “thin” right now with veteran and All-SEC DTs Jayden Jackson and David Stone not participating in the spring due to injuries. Source noted how hard the DT, and DL overall, “battled” in last Friday night’s scrimmage.
Another source added to that.
“The young DTs look really good physically. They are big. Look like SEC DTs already, but looking the part and playing the part are two separate things,” source noted of the interior of the Sooners DL. “When the vets get back, it will change things up quite a bit, but going up against that OL has only made that young DT group better. They will be ready and the defense will be good again with them contributing.”
*** At DE, I am told the freshman DE Jake Kreul played well and one source said Kreul “almost had an interception.” Another source said to OUInsider about Kreul, “I am telling everyone that will listen that he will play and be a rotational DE,” source said of the freshman DE. “He’s always rotating with the top guys and in their group. And when given the chance, Kreul makes plays.”
Freshman QB Bowe Bentley also added about the freshman edge rusher, ”Jake Kreul. That dude’s a freak. He’s proved himself. I think he’ll get his opportunity on the field as a freshman and he’s shocked me a lot. He’s real good.”
*** Overall, the DEs have been a bright spot. Transfer DE/DT Kenny Ozowalu has really upped his game as the spring moved along. Also, the usual suspects of Taylor Wein and Danny Okoye have continued to make plays.
*** The second team DL “got after the QBs and offense” and “had a few sacks.”
*** Michigan LB Cole Sullivan was another name that was brought up. Multiple source made it a point to tell OUInsider that he was “making plays” and “had numerous tackles” in last Friday night’s scrimmage.
*** The secondary has been improving. Michael Boganowski had a slow start to the scrimmage, but as usual, the junior safety made plays as the scrimmage moved along and impressed. Peyton Bowen remains a leader and the corners are what most consider a very strong position. The addition of CB coach Lamar Morgan has also been a plus, per a source.
“He teaches the game in a way the kids really understand him. He relates to them all, too. Just a good fit and a coach that has the personality to relate to all. That’s imperative at times,” source noted of Coach Morgan and his coaching acumen.
*** No shock at all to hear that CBs Eli Bowen and Courtland Guillory “popped out” in the scrimmage.
*** At cheetah, Jeremiah Newcombe “made some nice plays in the passing game and run game.”
*** Special teams will be a very strong suit. Everyone knows OU has the Lou Groza winner Tate Sandell returning. However, a source really liked what he saw from Trace Rudd, saying, “That dude has a big leg.”
*** I do want to end this batch of notes with this quote from a source that is a general, but something fans can latch onto in regard to some of the bumps that are taking place with the young defensive linemen.
“The young players [on defense] are getting reps in what some would call a painful way right now now, but the long term benefits (this fall and coming season)will out way the overall ‘stink’ that happens sometimes,” a very football savvy and connected source told OUInsider after the scrimmage on Friday night. “There are some real promising young players on the roster and fans should remain excited. They will be ready come fall. Also, the team is noticeably bigger and it really pops out at you when you’re up close on the field.”
I asked who they thought would be considered the winner of the scrimmage and source said, “I would say the offense, but it wasn’t a butt-kicking or anything like that. The defense was competitive without some it’s better players available at some key spots.”
*** That is it for this batch of OUInsider team, practice and scrimmage notes. Hope you all enjoyed them. Thanks for being members.
