Heading into the 2024 season, the Oklahoma Sooners’ wide receiver room was expected to be one of the most talented and deepest position groups in the SEC. However, what unfolded was nothing short of a disaster. Despite the excitement surrounding a talented group of wideouts, injuries decimated the depth chart and left the Sooners scrambling to fill gaps all season long. The result? A disappointing year for a position that was supposed to be a strength, with the Sooners finishing ranked 119th in passing offense, averaging just 175 yards per game.
Injuries struck early and often, leaving Oklahoma without many of their key players for extended periods. The top five expected to contribute—Jayden Gibson, Nic Anderson, Andrel Anthony, Jalil Farooq, and Deion Burks—combined to appear in just nine games and play a mere 317 snaps. Burks was the only one to see any real action, accounting for 276 of those snaps and five of the nine games played. This created a monumental challenge for the Sooners as they tried to salvage their passing game. Ultimately, the wide receivers combined for just 123 receptions, 1,371 yards, and eight touchdowns.
Let’s break down the individual performances and how each wide receiver contributed to this underwhelming campaign.
Key Players and Performance Breakdown
Deion Burks
Burks, before injuries struck, was a beacon of hope in a wide receiver room that struggled to stay healthy. Through four games, he was exactly what Oklahoma had hoped for: dynamic, productive, and poised to make a big impact. He was on pace to finish with 78 receptions, 603 yards, and nine touchdowns. Even after missing eight games, Burks led the team in touchdowns and ranked second in receiving yards. His return next season will be critical for the Sooners, as he has the potential to be an explosive slot receiver in offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle’s system.
JJ Hester
Hester had his moments, totaling 14 receptions for 315 yards and a touchdown. However, his production was inconsistent, and he wasn’t able to provide the level of stability needed in the offense. Despite his flashes, including a notable 97-yard touchdown against Maine, his overall impact didn’t match the expectations set at the beginning of the season. Hester played 467 snaps, ranking among the top receivers, but his statistics and overall effectiveness left much to be desired.
Jacob Jordan
Jordan was perhaps the most consistent wide receiver for Oklahoma in 2024. He wasn’t part of the regular rotation to start the season, but after the injuries piled up, Jordan became a reliable option. He played 283 snaps, and while he only recorded 27 receptions for 234 yards and one touchdown, his ability to create separation and his consistent effort made him a valuable asset. Jordan’s performance in the bowl game was particularly notable as he led the team with seven receptions and 72 yards. His improvement throughout the season showed that he could be a key contributor moving forward.
Zion Ragins
Ragins, one of the freshmen thrust into the spotlight due to the injuries, had a season filled with promise and frustration. He played the third-most snaps among wide receivers but didn’t have a single game with more than one catch during the regular season. His 10 receptions for 68 yards don’t paint a full picture, as his speed was a clear asset, but he struggled to create separation against larger cornerbacks. There were also instances where he was open but simply didn’t get the ball thrown his way. Despite the lack of production, Ragins showed enough potential to remain optimistic about his future, especially with the additions of Isaiah Sategna and Burks returning next season.
Zion Kearney
Another freshman thrust into action, Kearney showed his potential in flashes, including a 57-yard touchdown reception against Navy. However, his overall contribution was limited, and like Ragins, he struggled with consistency. His speed and athleticism are undeniable, but Kearney also had a costly drop in the Navy game, underscoring the growing pains he experienced throughout the year. With more development, Kearney could become a bigger part of the offense, but he’ll need to improve his overall consistency.
Ivan Carreon
Carreon was another player who found himself thrust into action unexpectedly. While his regular-season stats were modest—just three receptions for 17 yards—he had a standout performance in the bowl game. He led the Sooners with seven receptions and 72 yards, showcasing his 6-foot-6 frame and ability to make plays. Carreon’s size and length could be extremely useful in Arbuckle’s system, and if he continues to grow, he may emerge as a key weapon in the future.
Brenen Thompson
Thompson was another player who contributed to the wide receiver rotation, with 19 receptions for 230 yards and two touchdowns. His speed was expected to be an asset, but like many others, he couldn’t quite find consistency. Thompson played 545 snaps and contributed in certain moments, but he was never able to break out as one of the leading receivers.
Jaquaize Pettaway
Pettaway’s time on the field was minimal, with only 91 snaps and no significant impact. He couldn’t crack the regular rotation, which is a telling sign that he wasn’t quite ready to contribute at the SEC level. Pettaway’s future at Oklahoma remains uncertain, but he’s another player who could potentially develop with more time.
Summary and Outlook
The 2024 season for Oklahoma’s wide receivers was filled with highs and lows, but overall, it was a year to forget. Injuries wreaked havoc on the depth chart, forcing freshmen and unproven players into prominent roles before they were ready. The Sooners were left scrambling for answers, and while some individuals like Burks, Jordan, and Carreon showed promise, the overall lack of consistency was troubling.
Despite the struggles, there is reason for optimism moving forward. With Burks returning from injury, and other young players like Ragins, Kearney, and Carreon showing flashes of potential, the Sooners could have a much more reliable and dynamic receiving corps in the 2025 season. Additionally, with quarterback John Mateer joining the team and offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle’s new system in place, the passing game should be poised for improvement.
In summary, while the 2024 wide receiver group at Oklahoma was a disaster in many ways, the lessons learned, along with the return of key players and the influx of new talent, should give Sooners fans hope for a stronger showing in 2025. The road ahead is challenging, but the pieces are in place for Oklahoma to return to prominence in the SEC.
