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Crimson Countdown: No. 66 Derek Simmons

Bob Przybyloby:Bob Przybylo•06/25/25•

BPrzybylo

Derek Simmons
OU transfer commit Derek Simmons. (from Simmons' social media).

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. 66 Derek Simmons

2024 stats: Started 10 games at Western Carolina, 612 snaps

2025 outlook:

Every year, there are a couple of those lower-level school guys that feel like are going to be the portal darlings of their cycle.

Simmons was one of them, especially at a spot like offensive tackle. If you can find someone that can make an instant impact, you try to make that play.

According to PFF, Simmons did not allow a sack during the 2024 season. And you started to hear his name more and more toward the latter part of spring.

Again, tackle is a logjam. It feels like a good logjam where the two guys who get the nod will have really earned it. Simmons is in the mix.

2025 offensive tackle outlook

There is depth at the spot for OU. The question is about the quality. How good will some of these guys be? Whether it’s the development of guys like Logan Howland and Jacob Sexton, or the transfer additions of Derek Simmons and Luke Baklenko. Then, of course, there is the freshman stud waiting in the wings with Michael Fasusi. You feel confident the Sooners are going to find two guys to be the pillars for 2025. The legitimate question is simply how long will it take for OU to find the right two at tackle and right five with the line?

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