
Thunder take Game 1, expect Suns 'to get better'
Thunder take Game 1 against Suns with a 119-84 victory
The Oklahoma Sooners showcased several breakout players in their spring game, enhancing their depth for a potential College Football Playoff run. These performances indicate a promising roster rebuild for the upcoming season.
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The Oklahoma Sooners had quite a few players put up a strong performance in their spring game, potentially giving them the championship depth theyâve long needed
The Oklahoma Sooners have had a tumultuous few seasons. A rocky 2024 destabilized what looked like a fast-rising program. 2025 saw them make the College Football Playoff, but a shaky offense ultimately undid their championship hopes.
However, their efforts to rebuild their roster have begun bearing fruit. Spearheaded by general manager Jim Nagy alongside Oklahomaâs coaching staff, several transfers and young players have been brought in and begun to breakout for the Sooners.
If what we saw in the spring game was any indication, a number of new Sooners could be the difference-maker Oklahoma needs to elevate their championship hopes for 2026.
I wrote about the Soonersâ improved run game yesterday, but itâs worth bringing up again just how much true freshman running back DeZephen Walker looked the part, blowing everyone away at the spring game with his explosiveness to pick up 81 yards on eight carries. Depth at running back was costly down the stretch for Oklahoma. Having multiple players they can rely on there is a huge change for them next year.
Sticking with offense, how about the play of true freshman wide receiver Jahsiear Rogers and transfer Mackenzie Alleyne? Despite working mainly with the second team, Rogers was smooth and explosive, putting up 70 yards on just five catches, including a highlight reel snag early on. Alleyne has been the talk of spring ball, and has quickly formed a connection with John Mateer. Iâm not sure how much impact heâll have, but heâs carving out a role for the Sooners in 2026.
For one last brief bit on the offense, it sounds like the Sooners have their offensive line set. From left to right, Iâd imagine their starting offensive line looks like Michael Fasusi-Eddy Pierre-Louis-Jake Maikkula-Ryan Fodje-and EâMarion Harris. The right guard spot is evidently the only spot with a real battle between Fodje and Heath Ozaeta.
Flipping sides here, the Soonersâ defensive line looks like it wonât skip a beat. Defensive tackle Nigel Smith II has taken the opportunity with David Stone and sitting out the spring to snatch a role, and he was awesome on Saturday. I wouldnât be surprised if he takes âs snaps for the Soonersâ rotation.
Several breakout players delivered strong performances, indicating their potential impact on the team's success.
The Sooners had a tumultuous 2024 season, which destabilized their previously fast-rising program.
The Sooners' roster was rebuilt with several transfers and young players, aiming to enhance their championship prospects.
Jim Nagy is the general manager for the Oklahoma Sooners, overseeing roster improvements and player acquisitions.

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What more can we say about Danny Okoye? He looks like a monster and was all over the field at their spring game. Feels like the safest bet for any Sooner to breakout in 2026.
Thereâs been some concerns about replacing Robert Spears-Jennings, but I donât think those concerns have any weight anymore. Michael Boganowski and Omarion Robinson were everywhere on Saturday. It seems like Boganowski might have first dibs at replacing RSJ, but Iâm buying as much Robinson stock as I can.
Oklahoma's DeZephen Walker (28) rushes as Trystan Haynes (14) chases him during the University of Oklahoma Sooners Spring Game at the Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday April 18, 2026.
Oklahoma Sooners News
AJ Schulte 23 hours ago