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Oklahoma at The Voice of College Football

Oklahoma at The Voice of College Football

By: The Voice of College Football Network
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Welcome to Oklahoma at The Voice of College Football Network, your home for In-depth discussion, debate, & analysis on all things Oklahoma. We have you covered from offseason all the way to game day. Join us as we embark on another season!Boomer Sooner!For business inquiries please contact: Markrogerstv@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.The Voice of College Football Network Football Politics & Government
Episodes
  • Spring Football Updates: April 8, 2026 | Oklahoma Sooners LIVE 207

    Spring Football Updates: April 8, 2026 | Oklahoma Sooners LIVE 207
    Apr 9 2026
    Intro & Show Reminders (0:00–2:20) Welcome to Oklahoma Sooners fans and college football fans.Presented by FanDuel; part of the Voice of College Football Network.Follow the show on X and Instagram (links in description); stay active there for updates.Call to action: Like, subscribe, join as a member (as low as $2.99/month via YouTube "Join" or description link), or use Super Chat for live comments.Invite live chat participation. Overall Spring Football Tone (2:20–10:00) Spring ball is underway with ~10 practices completed; exciting but nerve-wracking time due to injury reports.Focus: Team chemistry/meshing, play flow on both sides of the ball (similar to evaluating a spring game).Brent Venables is "very excited" in every media session — high energy, no major negatives.Key positives from Venables: High energy in practices (guys stayed active in offseason, no rust/slumping).Newcomers (freshmen/transfers) have plugged in and meshed well.Competitive/tough mindset; strong depth creating "iron sharpens iron" competition.Young players pushing veterans; bottom of roster challenging the top half.Just finished installing situational football (two-minute offense/defense, third-and-medium, etc.). No spring transfer portal window makes the Red-White Spring Game (April 18 at noon in Norman) more meaningful for evaluating the true depth chart and roster.Busy weekend note: Spring game + OU baseball + OU softball. Position Group Highlights Wide Receivers Injuries opening reps for young/depth players: Trill Harris and Parker Livingstone missing time.Standouts getting praise from Venables: Manny Choice (6'4", 210 lbs, prior hype), McKenzie Alleyne (Washington State transfer), and Jaden Petit (true freshman, former Wisconsin commit who flipped late; size, hands, contested-catch ability shining; standing out in recent practices).Other notes: Elijah Thomas (sophomore, in boot but expected fine); Jer'Michael Carter (in boot/crutches — some concern, limited info).Projected top group still Harris/Livingstone/Isaiah Sategna types, but depth building is crucial.Reminder: Don't overreact to spring injuries — OU often plays it very cautious. Tight Ends (Most transformed position on roster) Venables highlighted how dramatically different/better/deeper/bigger/more talented this room feels vs. last year.Additions via portal + experience upgrades; no true "blocking + receiving" tight ends last season.Jason Witten (new TE coach, NFL legend/Pro Bowler) making a big positive impact — teaching run/pass utilization, intensity, and scheme fit.Key names: Hayden Hansen (6'7"), Rocky Beers (Colorado State transfer), Jack Van Dorselaer (Tennessee transfer with SEC experience).Potential for major role in improved run game and as reliable targets for John Mateer (check-downs, high-percentage throws).Ties into broader offensive goals under new scheme/coaching. Quarterback Room John Mateer drawing buzz for offseason work (mechanics, footwork, decision-making); he's been self-critical and vocal about improvements.Expected big leap in 2026; strong leader who needs to instill confidence in the locker room.Depth: Bo Bentley (freshman) creating competition and seen as likely #2; Whit Newbauer, Jett Niu as reliable options for short-term needs. Injury Report Caution (Around 21:00+) Multiple players limited/out (take with grain of salt — cautious approach common at OU): RBs: Tory Blaylock (out all spring, possible summer return — positive outlook after breakout prior season); Xavier Robinson (banged up).WRs: Harris, Livingstone, Carter (as noted).Defense: David Stone (limited for health reasons); Jaden Jackson (recovering from shoulder surgery). Extra reps going to young/transfer DTs (e.g., James Carrington, Brian Harris, Kenny Oszu, Bishop Thomas).Venables/coaching staff not overly concerned long-term; focus on smart management. Broader Team & Schedule Outlook Venables emphasizing depth, competition, and situational readiness heading into summer/fall.Notable edge: 8 of Oklahoma's 10 "power" opponents have new QB or new OC — advantage for Venables' defense (pressure, forcing mistakes).Exceptions (same QB/OC): Texas (Arch Manning/Steve Sarkisian) and Georgia (Gunner Stockton/Mike Bobo).2026 schedule quick hits (manageable non-cons + winnable SEC games): Easy: UTEP (home), New Mexico (home).Road challenges: at Michigan (new coach/QB Bryce Underwood), at Georgia, at Florida, at Ole Miss, at Mississippi State.Home/Neutral: vs. Kentucky, vs. South Carolina, vs. Texas A&M, vs. Missouri; Red River vs. Texas in Dallas.Bye after Georgia. Host optimistic: 10+ wins possible if OU goes 1-1 (or better) vs. Georgia/Texas; over 7.5 win total (FanDuel) looks good. Sunshine-pumping mode in spring. Recruiting Quick Hits 2027 class: Strong (#1 nationally per some rankings, ~20 commits, high blue-chip ratio ~60%). Headliners include top prospects on both lines; recent adds like Cooper Hackett, Kaeden Penny, Cooper Witten (Jason Witten's son, LB), Seneca ...
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    38 mins
  • Spring Football Is NEAR! | Oklahoma Sooners LIVE 206

    Spring Football Is NEAR! | Oklahoma Sooners LIVE 206
    Apr 2 2026
    Opening & Tone Josh greeted Sooners and college football fans, apologized for the one-day delay due to Oklahoma baseball duties (he covers the team and encouraged following @RealJoshMahler on X).Strong call-to-action: like, subscribe, join as a member ($2.99/month for perks), and engage in live chat/super chats.Rant against April Fool's Day — called it "immoral" and centered on lying/tricking; urged skipping it to avoid wasting one of 365 days. Promised no pranks — "We're not fooling you tonight." Big-Picture Context for 2026 Reflected on 2025 as a "rebuild" year after a 6-win 2024. Expectations were ~8 wins nationally, but the Sooners delivered 10 wins on a tough schedule — a huge success.2026 outlook: Most projections expect Oklahoma to match or exceed 2025. High excitement, but tempered ("don't get hopes too high — it's college football").Full spring game confirmed (true game format, not just scrimmage). Part of a fun "Super Sooner Weekend" with baseball/softball overlap — potential to hit multiple events in one day. How to View Spring Football Not "pointless" — valuable for evaluating energy, scheme evolution, and individual development.Caution advised: Coaches are extra conservative early (weeks 1-2). Injuries often lead to precautionary sit-outs that wouldn't happen in fall.Brent Venables praised high-energy practices with strong carryover from 2025 and the offseason. Injury Report (Early Spring — Take with Grain of Salt) Josh repeatedly urged calm — it's early, and teams are cautious. Key notes: Wide Receiver Room (biggest concern): Jer’Michael Carter and Elijah Thomas seen with crutches/boots. Parker Livingstone (Texas transfer) limited (sideline attention, missed some 1-on-1s). Trell Harris (Virginia transfer) also sidelined (pre-existing issue requiring cleanup; expected short-term).Running Backs: Xavier Robinson in a boot (tweaked ankle). Torrey Blaylock handled carefully (positive reports). Ryan Fodje (Fodje) sidelined. PJ Adebawore out (offseason foot surgery).Others ruled out for spring: Jayden Jackson, David Stone. Safety Markel Ford unavailable (depth concerns at the position).Overall: Long list, but early-spring context matters. Many are likely precautionary. Medical staff keeps details close. Offensive Line Positives Coaches (especially Ben Arbuckle and Bill Biedenboe) sound genuinely bullish — "feeling it" beyond coach-speak.Early practice lineup (with Ryan Fodje out): Michael Fasusi (LT), Eddy Pierre-Louis (LG), Jake Maikkula (C), Hito Zeta/Ozaeta (RG), Imarion/E’Marion Harris (transfer from Arkansas, RT?).Biedenboe being hard on young Fasusi (true freshman starter in 2025 with 676 snaps) seen as a great sign — player handles tough coaching well.Potential flexibility: Harris at tackle could shift Fodje inside to guard (his more natural spot). Excitement for depth and improvement. Offensive Scheme & Emphasis Ben Arbuckle: Focused on evolving the offense — new formations, better player utilization, deeper rotation (especially if WR room gets healthy).Run Game Priority: Venables and Arbuckle both stressing a bigger, more versatile run attack. 2025 ranked ~50th in SP+ offense with only ~3.5 yards per carry — needs balance for a truly effective attack.New tight end room/coach (Jason Witten) getting heavy attention — Witten deeply involved in drills; Venables watching closely. Seen as a potential boost for run game and overall versatility.Experimental looks: Transfer Lloyd Avant (Colorado State) and freshman Jahsiear Rogers occasionally lined up at WR or in backfield for new formations. Quarterback Talk: John Mateer Mixed feelings from fans/media (e.g., Josh Pate's comments). Mateer didn't fully meet 2025 expectations post-injury but showed grit (e.g., Michigan win, playing through broken thumb vs. Auburn).Positive signs: Self-critical this offseason; focused on being better. Working on more over-the-top throwing motion (less sidearm) for consistency, zip, and accuracy. QB coach (John Kuceyeski) involved in gradual mechanical tweaks from the ground up (footwork, platform, eye discipline).Leadership praised by coaches/players. This is his final season — high expectations if confidence and health return to pre-injury levels. Other Notes Owen Heinecke (LB): Fighting for a 6th year of eligibility via lawsuit/injunction against NCAA (denied waiver/appeal). Played limited lacrosse at Ohio State in 2021. Emergency hearing April 16 in Cleveland County (judge is OU Law alum). Support from OU staff/university. Potential impact: Strengthens LB room with Kip Lewis and Cole Sullivan (Michigan transfer) if granted.Recruiting: Setback with 2028 4/5-star RB Micah Rhodes decommitting (heavily tied to former RB coach DeMarco Murray, now with Chiefs). Early class still strong focus on 2027 (No. 1 or top-2 nationally per most services).Basketball sidelight: Mentioned tuning into OU's game in "The Crown" tournament afterward (NIL opportunity). Win Total & Outlook FanDuel set ...
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    42 mins
  • Owen Heinecke Sues NCAA & Spring Football is BACK! | Oklahoma Sooners LIVE 205

    Owen Heinecke Sues NCAA & Spring Football is BACK! | Oklahoma Sooners LIVE 205
    Mar 25 2026
    Opening & Show Format Mahler welcomes Sooners and college football fans, sponsored by FanDuel.He notes technical issues in recent episodes and asks for thumbs-up in live chat to confirm audio.Promotes membership tiers (Sooner Nation at $2.99/mo, Boomer Legends at $4.99, Red River Royalty at $9.99) and podcast availability on Apple/Spotify.Encourages likes, subs, super chats, and live chat interaction. Main Topic 1: Owen Heinecke Sues the NCAA for Extra Eligibility Background: Heinecke (LB) started as a lacrosse player at Ohio State in 2021 (played minimally in 3 games). Transferred to OU in 2022, missed 2022 with a knee injury, and played mostly special teams in 2023–2024. His only full football season was 2025 (74 tackles, 3 sacks, forced fumble, key rotational/starter role, CFP appearance).Issue: NCAA counts the lacrosse participation toward his eligibility clock, denying a 6th year (2026 season). Heinecke's waiver and appeal were rejected in February 2026.Lawsuit: Filed preliminary injunction in Cleveland County (OK) court against the NCAA on March 23, 2026 (reported by Sooner Scoop/George Stoia). Emergency hearing set for April 16 (before NFL Draft on April 23). Assigned to Judge Thad Balkman.Why it matters for Heinecke: He attended the NFL Combine/Pro Day and is draft-eligible (projected late-round pick). An extra year could boost his stock significantly (day 3 → day 2/1 = big pay difference). He’s open to NFL path but betting on himself for more development/scouting attention.Why it matters for OU: Huge boost to linebacker depth in 2026. Linebacker room lost Kobe McKenzie, Sammy Omosego, and Kendall Daniels; retained Kip Lewis and added Cole Sullivan (Michigan transfer). Heinecke brings versatility (outside LB/edge-like role), production, and Venables scheme familiarity. Mahler calls it a "very good case" compared to other waivers granted.Tone: Optimistic but realistic—strongest/easiest case imaginable, yet NCAA has denied it so far. OU (including new AD Roger Denny) fully supports him. 2025 Heinecke stats (for context): 74 tackles, 3 sacks, 1 FF; started as rotational piece and earned bigger role. Main Topic 2: Spring Football is Underway (Started March 24–25, 2026) Weather whiplash in Norman: From freezing to 70–90°F—stay hydrated! Spring doesn't reveal everything but shows who wins/loses positions and earns reps. Key players/position groups Mahler is watching: WR – Elijah Thomas (sophomore): Massive upside, size, speed, athletic freak. High school tape and practice buzz are strong. Could develop chemistry with new QB John Mateer and emerge as a vertical threat/key rotation piece. (Mentioned potential for Jermichael Carter too.)Cheetah (hybrid LB/CB) position (Kendall Daniels & Kendall Dolby gone): Wide open. Watching Reggie Powers (made leaps in 2025, physical tackler) and Jeremiah Newcomb (athleticism/size). Cheetah is critical in Venables' defense—Powers is favorite but competition matters.Freshman OL – Deacon Schmitt (4-star, early enrollee from Windsor, CO; 6'5", 315 lbs): Depth at tackle is thin. Schmitt (versatile, guard/tackle) could contribute immediately or as depth. Offensive line building through stacked recruiting classes (Bedenbaugh style). Core returners: Eddie Pierre-Louis, Ryan Fogey, Michael Fasusi, etc.DL/DE – P.J. (Adepoju) Adebawore (now in year 4, no excuses): Highly recruited 5-star talent who has flashed but never been a full-time starter (injuries/rotation). Best 2025 season yet (17 tackles, 5.5 TFL, 2.5 sacks). Briefly entered portal then withdrew. Must stay healthy and seize starting/rotation role.QB – John Mateer: Biggest storyline. 2025 was a rollercoaster (thumb fracture vs. Auburn, returned too soon vs. Texas, ups/downs). Showed moxie late in season (e.g., dominant stretches before pick-six). Pro Day buzz: more over-the-top throwing motion (could reduce batted balls, add arc/accuracy). Spring will build hype but won't decide everything—focus on health and consistency.Tight End room (entire group): Dramatically improved depth/talent vs. 2025. More true blocking + receiving ability (unlike recent years lacking a full 3-phase TE since Mark Andrews/Braden Willis era). Candidates: Hayden Hansen (likely frontrunner), Jack Vann/Dorsalair, Rocky Beers, Trené Washington (dark horse?). Could add major versatility to offense and help RBs/QB. Overall defense: Mahler has full confidence in Brent Venables—no major worries, even with LB questions. Offense: Positions "up for grabs" in spring; depth at WR/TE helps rotation. Other Notes Live chat highlights: Fans (Drake, Modern Day Caveman, Seatbelt Mafia, Jimmy Satterfield, etc.) discuss Heinecke priority over other returners (e.g., vs. Kip Lewis or Taylor Wine), Mateer health importance, and Bo Bentley as potential future QB.Mahler agrees Heinecke's impact (versatility, power) is massive; Kip Lewis is the defensive "brains"/vocal leader.FanDuel plug: OU ~7th in SEC title odds (+1200).Teases ...
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    37 mins
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