Skip to main content
Oklahoma

Crimson Countdown: No. 18 Kaden Helms

Bob Przybyloby: Bob Przybylo08/12/25BPrzybylo
Kaden Helms
Oklahoma tight end Kaden Helms during OU fall camp. Photo - Carey Murdock/SoonerScoop

The Crimson Countdown is officially on for the 2025 Oklahoma football season. Everybody wants to forget about 2024 and move forward.

Head coach Brent Venables and staff have attempted to do that. New face calling the offense (Ben Arbuckle). Venables calling the defense, it’s now or never for this regime at OU in the SEC. No beating around the bush.

Every day as we get closer to kickoff, SoonerScoop.com will count down the days with you. Starting with No. 99 and working our way to No. 0, we’ll be there every step of the way.

Crimson Countdown: No. 18 Kaden Helms

2024 stats: Two catches for 19 yards, first-career touchdown

2025 outlook:

When you see Helms out at practice a day after he suffered a bad injury, you get an idea of how much he wants it. Puts that cast on his right hand and went right back to work.

The last thing Helms is about to do is miss more time, not if he can help it. Not after what 2023 was. And 2024 did see Helms catch his first touchdown, but you know he’s wanting a whole lot more.

This season could be that season. Because if there’s any position where there isn’t a set starter, it’s tight end. There are a lot of guys vying to become that guy and anybody could be when it’s all said and done.

Helms is no longer just a blown-up wide receiver. Those injuries did allow him to bulk up and become a true tight end. Everybody wants to see those positive results in 2025.

2025 tight end outlook

OU has to find some sort of production from this group going forward. It has been the one spot, since after the 2022 season, where you have not seen any signs of positive development. That must change in 2025, or OU is going to have to take a look in the mirror. Between guys like Carson Kent and Will Huggins, maybe OU has been able to find the answer? Or maybe it’s in the development of guys who were already on campus? Either way, it’s up to Joe Jon Finley to get this room going once again.

You may also like