As of January 2025, the University of Oklahoma (OU) football team has begun preparations for the upcoming season, with several new players already enrolled and making their way to Norman for the spring semester. These early enrollees represent a significant part of the program’s recruiting efforts, as they arrive ahead of the 2025 football season to participate in the spring practices, build chemistry with teammates, and adjust to the rigorous demands of college football.
OU’s coaching staff, led by head coach Brent Venables, has placed a strong emphasis on securing top-tier recruits and developing a program that can compete for national championships in the coming seasons. The recruits who are enrolling early in January 2025 will have an opportunity to participate in practices that will be crucial for their development, as well as gain valuable experience in the college football system before the official start of the fall season.
Early Enrollees for the 2025 Season
As is often the case with top programs like Oklahoma, early enrollees are usually a mix of highly touted high school recruits and transfers who are eager to get a head start on their college careers. Some players arrive with immediate expectations of contributing, while others will use the spring to develop and prepare for more significant roles in the fall.
Here’s a closer look at some of the notable new players for the 2025 season:
1. Jackson Arnold (QB)
Position: Quarterback
Hometown: Denton, Texas
High School: Denton Guyer High School
Jackson Arnold is widely regarded as one of the top quarterbacks in the 2025 class. A five-star recruit and the number one quarterback prospect in the nation, Arnold is an incredibly polished passer with impressive accuracy, arm strength, and mobility. His decision to enroll early gives him the opportunity to learn Oklahoma’s offensive system under head coach Brent Venables and offensive coordinator Jeff Lebby.
Arnold led Denton Guyer to a state championship in Texas, and his recruitment was a hot topic for OU fans for months. His decision to commit to Oklahoma was a significant win for the program, and the coaching staff is eager to see him develop further. While he may face competition for the starting quarterback role, Arnold’s early enrollment should provide him with a leg up in the race for the starting job.
2. Peyton Bowen (S)
Position: Safety
Hometown: Denton, Texas
High School: Denton Guyer High School
Peyton Bowen is another highly coveted early enrollee who played alongside Jackson Arnold at Denton Guyer. A four-star recruit and one of the best safeties in the country, Bowen is known for his excellent ball skills, versatility, and ability to contribute in both coverage and as a tackler. He has the potential to be an immediate impact player for OU’s defense, which will be looking for strong playmakers in the secondary.
Bowen’s commitment to Oklahoma was a major recruiting win, and his early enrollment will help him get up to speed with the defensive schemes Venables likes to run. His presence will be crucial for a secondary that will be looking for stability and playmaking ability as it works to improve on its performance from previous seasons.
3. Deron Mayo (LB)
Position: Linebacker
Hometown: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
High School: Bishop McGuinness High School
Deron Mayo, a four-star linebacker, is a local product who has been a standout at Bishop McGuinness. Mayo is a hard-hitting linebacker who excels in both run defense and pass coverage. He has excellent speed and agility for his position, and his ability to make plays in space is one of his standout traits.
Mayo’s early enrollment allows him to join a linebacker group that is looking to improve in 2025. The Sooners will be looking for Mayo to provide depth and compete for a spot in the starting lineup, as the team lost some key players at the linebacker position in recent years. Mayo’s development will be key to fortifying Oklahoma’s defense.
4. Kendall Jackson (DT)
Position: Defensive Tackle
Hometown: Miami, Florida
High School: Central High School
Kendall Jackson is an explosive defensive tackle who has the size and power to be a disruptive force in the trenches. As a four-star recruit, Jackson has been a highly sought-after defensive line prospect and has already garnered attention for his ability to get after the quarterback and stop the run.
His decision to enroll early gives him the chance to compete for a starting spot along Oklahoma’s defensive line. With the Sooners continuing to focus on improving their defensive line play, Jackson’s development will be crucial in the team’s quest to become more competitive in the Big 12 and on the national stage.
5. Zay Johnson (WR)
Position: Wide Receiver
Hometown: Atlanta, Georgia
High School: Buford High School
Zay Johnson is one of the top wide receiver prospects for the 2025 season. A dynamic playmaker with excellent speed and agility, Johnson is capable of stretching the field and making plays in the open field. He was one of the most heavily recruited receivers in the country and chose Oklahoma for its up-tempo offense and strong track record of developing wide receivers.
Johnson’s early enrollment will help him adjust to the speed of college football and work on his route running, ball tracking, and overall technique. With the Sooners looking to reload at the receiver position, Johnson’s potential to make an immediate impact is high. He will look to impress during the spring and fight for playing time in the fall.
6. Chris McClellan (OL)
Position: Offensive Line
Hometown: Kansas City, Missouri
High School: Rockhurst High School
Chris McClellan is a highly ranked offensive lineman who should be an important part of the future for Oklahoma’s offensive line. Standing at 6’5″ and 310 pounds, McClellan brings size, strength, and versatility to the position. He’s capable of playing multiple positions along the offensive line and will be tasked with solidifying the Sooners’ front as they continue to build one of the most effective and powerful offensive lines in the country.
His decision to enroll early gives him an edge as he transitions to the college game. With key pieces returning to Oklahoma’s offensive line, McClellan will have a chance to learn from experienced players and coaches during the spring semester.
7. Trey Ford (DB)
Position: Defensive Back
Hometown: Atlanta, Georgia
High School: Newton High School
Trey Ford is another promising defensive back who will compete for a role in Oklahoma’s secondary in 2025. Ford is known for his ability to play both cornerback and safety, and his ball skills and athleticism will help shore up the defensive backfield. With the Sooners focused on improving their pass defense, Ford will have an opportunity to showcase his talents during spring practices.
8. Jordan McDonald (RB)
Position: Running Back
Hometown: Charlotte, North Carolina
High School: Providence Day School
Jordan McDonald is a dynamic running back who combines size and speed. At 6’1″ and 220 pounds, he has the ability to pound the ball between the tackles but also possesses enough quickness to break off big runs. McDonald’s early enrollment means that he’ll be able to compete for playing time in a running back room that will be looking for contributors in 2025.
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