As fall camp nears for the Oklahoma Sooners, anticipation is building for what could be a transformative season. Set to kick off on July 30, the Sooners’ 2025 campaign begins with a wave of optimism fueled by a strong recruiting haul, smart transfer additions, and renewed energy under head coach Brent Venables. Even after finishing a disappointing 6-7 last season, Oklahoma enters the fall with one of the top blue-chip ratios in college football — a clear signal that elite talent is spread across the roster.
While only three Sooners were selected to the preseason All-SEC teams, expectations remain high for the squad heading into a critical first season as full members of the Southeastern Conference. With a competitive SEC title race looming, Oklahoma needs contributions from everyone — not just the returning veterans, but also the newcomers, especially true freshmen.
History has already shown that Oklahoma is not afraid to give early opportunities to first-year players. In 2024, true freshmen like Jayden Jackson and Eli Bowen made significant impacts early, earning meaningful snaps and rising through the depth chart. That same formula may play out again in 2025, as the incoming freshman class includes several players ready to compete for immediate roles. Here’s a closer look at five true freshmen who could emerge as difference-makers in fall camp and beyond:
1. Elijah Thomas – Wide Receiver
Elijah Thomas is the type of dynamic talent that could shift the trajectory of Oklahoma’s offense. A top-100 national prospect in the 2025 class, Thomas is already drawing praise for his athleticism, playmaking ability, and football IQ. He’s electric with the ball in his hands and dangerous in the open field — traits that make him a threat to score from anywhere on the field.
The Sooners’ wide receiver room is dealing with some uncertainty heading into the fall. Both Javonnie Gibson and Jayden Gibson are recovering from injuries, leaving an opening for someone like Thomas to make a strong impression in camp. His early connection with quarterback John Mateer has not gone unnoticed, and Mateer has reportedly been impressed with Thomas’ early grasp of the offense and his relentless offseason training.
Thomas has all the tools to not just contribute in 2025, but to possibly become a breakout star. If he continues to develop chemistry with the quarterbacks and shows he can handle the physical demands of SEC football, he may see the field early and often.
2. Danny Okoye – Edge Rusher
While not detailed in the excerpt above, another name to watch is edge rusher Danny Okoye, who came to Norman with plenty of hype. At 6-foot-4 and nearly 250 pounds, Okoye has the size and athletic profile Brent Venables loves in a pass rusher. Given Oklahoma’s tradition of strong defensive play under Venables, Okoye could be developed into a premier SEC pass rusher in the near future.
Okoye arrives with impressive high school tape that shows off his explosiveness, pursuit speed, and instincts off the edge. If he adapts quickly to the defensive schemes and shows maturity during fall camp, he could earn a rotational role in year one — particularly in third-down or obvious passing situations.
With Oklahoma looking to bolster its defensive front against SEC competition, Okoye’s presence could be a key factor in revitalizing a pass rush that struggled with consistency last season.
3. Jaydan Hardy – Safety
Another freshman with potential to break through in 2025 is Jaydan Hardy, a rangy and physical safety with a nose for the football. Hardy possesses excellent instincts and is not afraid to play downhill in run support, while also showing the versatility to drop into deep coverage.
With the secondary looking to rebuild after losing some key veterans, Hardy could be in line to earn significant playing time. His high football IQ and leadership traits have already been noted by coaches, and he has a chance to climb the depth chart quickly with a strong showing in camp.
Hardy’s ability to diagnose plays and react quickly could help solidify the backend of Oklahoma’s defense, especially against the pass-heavy attacks common in the SEC.
4. Devon Jordan – Cornerback
Devon Jordan is a physical, lockdown cornerback with excellent technique and competitive fire. His man-to-man coverage skills are already well-polished for a freshman, and he brings a swagger to the defensive backfield that Oklahoma fans will appreciate.
In today’s SEC, where elite receivers are everywhere, reliable cornerback play is crucial. Jordan’s aggressiveness and athleticism could give him a leg up as he competes for early snaps. He’s also a willing tackler, which is a must in Venables’ system that asks a lot from corners in both coverage and run support.
If Jordan impresses in fall camp, don’t be surprised to see him used in nickel packages or even start by midseason — especially if injuries or inconsistency arise in the secondary.
5. Josh Aisosa – Offensive Line
Josh Aisosa is another freshman who could make an impact — this time in the trenches. Offensive line play has always been a pillar of Oklahoma football, and Aisosa’s blend of size, strength, and technical refinement makes him one of the most promising young linemen in the program.
At 6-foot-5 and over 300 pounds, Aisosa has the build to compete in the SEC immediately. He’s a mauler in the run game and holds up well in pass protection. While cracking the starting lineup as a true freshman offensive lineman is rare, Aisosa could be a valuable depth piece or swing lineman who’s ready to step in at guard or tackle if needed.
Given the physicality of SEC play and the likelihood of injuries throughout the season, Aisosa’s readiness could be crucial. If he shows consistency in camp and earns the coaches’ trust, he may be called upon sooner rather than later.
Final Thoughts
With fall camp just around the corner, the Sooners are looking to take the next step in their evolution under Brent Venables. The 2025 season marks a new chapter as Oklahoma fully enters SEC play, and the expectations — both internal and external — are as high as ever. The team is stacked with blue-chip talent, and the energy around the program is palpable.
To reach their full potential, the Sooners will need contributions from every corner of the roster, including their incoming freshman class. Players like Elijah Thomas, Danny Okoye, Jaydan Hardy, Devon Jordan, and Josh Aisosa could be instrumental in shaping Oklahoma’s season — whether as rotational pieces, spot starters, or even breakout stars.
In a league as unforgiving as the SEC, depth and talent matter more than ever. Fortunately for Oklahoma, this freshman class looks ready to answer the call.
