Épisodes

  • Recruiting Wins, SEC Rivals & Power Ranking Reality Check

    Recruiting Wins, SEC Rivals & Power Ranking Reality Check
    Sep 26 2025
    On this packed edition of the Sooner Nation Podcast, we cover a morning in Norman that flipped the recruiting script and a week in the SEC that reshaped the Power Rankings. First, host Matt Hofeld breaks down Bill Bedenbaugh’s monster Thursday haul — flipping five-star offensive tackle Cooper Hackett from Texas Tech and landing four-star interior lineman Kaeden Penny from Bixby over LSU and Ohio State. We’ll explore why these two trench prospects matter far beyond the 2027 class, how they signal a deliberate return to Oklahoma’s tradition of line dominance, and what their versatility means for the future of the Sooners’ offense. Then we zoom out to the SEC as a whole. With Oklahoma sitting at No. 2 in Matt’s latest SEC Power Rankings — behind only Georgia and ahead of LSU, Texas A&M, Texas, and Alabama — we examine what the gritty home win over Auburn revealed about Brent Venables’ defense, how the Sooners are shedding their “Big 12 transplant” label, and why staying consistent in SEC play is more important than style points. Finally, we connect it all to OU’s upcoming permanent conference opponents — Texas, Missouri, and Ole Miss — and explain how these matchups will shape the program’s identity and recruiting footprint for years to come. If you want an honest, big-picture look at Oklahoma’s roster building, conference standing, and road map to SEC success, this is the episode for you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    44 min
  • Next Man Up: John Mateer’s Injury and OU’s Road Ahead

    Next Man Up: John Mateer’s Injury and OU’s Road Ahead
    Sep 24 2025
    In this episode of the Sooner Nation Podcast, Matt dives into the shockwave that hit Norman when Brent Venables announced quarterback John Mateer will undergo surgery on his throwing hand. After a 4–0 start and a Heisman-level September, OU suddenly faces a month without its leader. What does this mean for the Sooners’ playoff hopes? How ready is Michael Hawkins Jr. to step into the spotlight? Matt breaks down Mateer’s impact, Hawkins’ growth, the adjustments offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle must make, and why OU’s defense could keep them afloat through the toughest stretch of the SEC schedule. Plus: the ripple effects on the Heisman race, Red River Rivalry stakes, and why this moment might be the ultimate test of Venables’ culture-first rebuild. Whether you’re feeling nervous or optimistic, this episode will give you the context, numbers, and storylines you need heading into the bye week. #SoonerNation#BoomerSooner#OklahomaFootball#JohnMateer#MichaelHawkinsJr#RedRiverRivalry#SECFootball#CollegeFootballPlayoff#OUFootball#SoonersPodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    52 min
  • Predictions vs. Reality: Oklahoma vs. Auburn Recap

    Predictions vs. Reality: Oklahoma vs. Auburn Recap
    Sep 22 2025
    Oklahoma left the field against Auburn with a statement win — but how did it stack up against what we predicted? In this episode, Matt and Caleb revisit their pre-game expectations and break down where they nailed it and where Auburn surprised them. General Thoughts: Our first impressions from the Sooners’ first SEC test. True or False Recap: Did OU’s offensive and defensive fronts hold up without Troy Everett and R. Mason Thomas? Did the defensive schemes really rattle Jackson Arnold, or was it the other way around? Discipline Over Star Power: We discuss whether fundamentals and focus proved more important than big names. Over/Under Results: 150+ rushing yards? A Kanak touchdown? More than 2.5 turnovers? We run through all of our pre-game numbers and see how they panned out. SEC Power Rankings: Caleb teased moving OU to #1 — after this win, did the Sooners do enough to climb the top spot? Score Predictions & Satisfaction Meter: Matt said 28-17, Caleb said 27-17. Were our scores close to reality, and what left us satisfied on Saturday? Officiating Chat: Because no game recap is complete without it. Whether you’re looking for analysis, accountability, or just a good Sooner talk, this episode brings you inside the game and our predictions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    40 min
  • Alright Sooner Nation, Gather 'Round | The Play Everyone’s Talking About

    Alright Sooner Nation, Gather 'Round | The Play Everyone’s Talking About
    Sep 22 2025
    “Alright Sooner Nation, Gather ’Round…” In this episode, we dig into the play that set college football Twitter on fire. Was Isaiah Sategna’s ‘walk-off’ route against Auburn clever tempo or illegal trickery? We break down the controversy, what the refs actually ruled, and why the real story is Auburn’s own self-inflicted wounds. Plus, we look at Oklahoma’s 4-0 start under Brent Venables, the areas still needing polish, and why the bye week could be perfectly timed for a top-10 Sooner squad. This monologue is a mix of hard facts, sharp opinion, and a dose of Sooner pride—perfect for fans who want more than headlines and hot takes. #Sooners #WarEagle #SECFootball Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    7 min
  • Sooners vs. Tigers: Discipline, Depth, and the Jackson Arnold Factor

    Sooners vs. Tigers: Discipline, Depth, and the Jackson Arnold Factor
    Sep 19 2025
    In this episode of The Sooner Nation Podcast, Matt and Caleb break down Oklahoma’s 3-0 start and what it means heading into the biggest test yet — the SEC opener against Auburn and former OU quarterback Jackson Arnold. They discuss the Sooners’ lingering turnover issues, how the loss of center Troy Everett and the first-half absence of R. Mason Thomas could affect both sides of the line, and whether Brent Venables’ emphasis on fundamentals and toughness will help OU win the discipline battle. The guys tackle a True-or-False segment about Arnold’s efficiency, OU’s front-seven depth, and which team’s discipline matters more, then move into Over/Under picks and fresh SEC power rankings. They close with their “I’ll be satisfied if…” takes and score predictions for Saturday’s showdown. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    39 min
  • Depth, Discipline, and the Auburn Test

    Depth, Discipline, and the Auburn Test
    Sep 17 2025
    In this episode of the Sooner Nation Podcast, we set the stage for one of the most pivotal Saturdays of Brent Venables’ tenure. We break down the season-ending injury to senior center Troy Everett and what his absence means for Oklahoma’s offensive line heading into the SEC opener. We discuss how Jake Maikkula and the rest of the unit are stepping into expanded roles after a dominant 42–3 win over Temple, and why the Sooners’ depth and summer preparation could pay off now more than ever. We also examine the return of former OU quarterback Jackson Arnold, who leads an undefeated Auburn team into Norman, and explain why this matchup is as much a test of leadership and communication as it is of talent. Finally, we outline the keys to surviving and thriving without Everett — from starting fast to staying disciplined and finishing strong — and why this game could show the SEC what Oklahoma football is really becoming. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    1 h et 2 min
  • Alright Sooner Nation, Gather 'Round | Oklahoma’s Climb Back to National Respect

    Alright Sooner Nation, Gather 'Round | Oklahoma’s Climb Back to National Respect
    Sep 16 2025
    In this week’s Alright Sooner Nation, Gather ’Round, we break down how Oklahoma’s 42–3 win over Temple solidified the Sooners’ status as more than just a September story. Sitting at 3–0 and now ranked No. 11 in the AP Poll, Brent Venables’ team has combined a suffocating defense with an emerging cast of offensive playmakers like John Mateer, Tory Blaylock and Jaren Kanak. We’ll talk about why national analysts are finally buying in, how OU’s “recess but disciplined” culture is showing up on Saturdays, and what’s at stake in the upcoming top-25 showdown with Auburn. By the end, you’ll see why Oklahoma isn’t just creeping up the polls — they’re forcing their way back into the playoff conversation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    9 min
  • Sooners Dominate Temple & Eye Auburn: Surprises, Standouts, and Defensive Mastery

    Sooners Dominate Temple & Eye Auburn: Surprises, Standouts, and Defensive Mastery
    Sep 15 2025
    Oklahoma’s 42-3 rout of Temple gave Sooner Nation plenty to celebrate — and even more to dissect — and our latest podcast episode dives straight into all of it. We break down how Jaren Kanak has emerged as the surprise weapon on the offensive side of the ball, hauling in four catches for 86 yards (and three of those on third down) to keep drives alive. We talk Tory Blaylock’s breakout 100-yard, two-touchdown performance at 7.1 yards per carry, and why John Mateer’s steady day still sets him up for an even bigger passing outing against Auburn. We also revisit our own predictions for the Temple game — the over/unders we set for Mateer’s touchdowns, Kanak’s production, and Oklahoma’s turnover drought — and how each of them played out on the field Saturday. But it wasn’t just the offense that stole the show. In this episode we also spotlight a defense that held Temple to 105 total yards, forced 12 punts, and racked up 11 tackles for loss while allowing just one yard per rush and 2.9 yards per pass. We discuss the near-miss turnovers and what those moments say about the Sooners’ attacking mindset. Finally, we give our first thoughts on next week’s showdown with Auburn and why it could be Mateer’s biggest passing game yet. Tune in to hear the full breakdown, plenty of laughs, and our honest takes on where Oklahoma stands heading into SEC play. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    41 min