Fearless 20: Sooners Ending Streaks

In 2024 the Sooners are facing plenty of change. Beyond a new quarterback, offensive line, defensive and offensive coordinators is a far more massive change. That’s the Sooners long-awaited entry into the SEC and a schedule the likes of which few have seen in recent memory. And with all of that in mind it is time to take a look at this year’s Fearless 20. Our co-publisher, Josh McCuistion‘s, annual guesses – educated or otherwise – at what the upcoming year could look like.

Who could be a breakout star? What game is the key to the season? We start today with the first five.

20. Oklahoma Has It’s First Consensus Defensive AA Since 2010

Breakdown: It’s hard to believe that a program that has produced names like Lee Roy Selmon, Gerald McCoy, Roy Williams, Brian Bosworth, and numerous other national award winners has come so short over the last 15 years. However, the Sooners have two legitimate contenders to be consensus first-team All-American lists for the first time since Quinton Carter. While Billy Bowman more than deserves to be on the list and wouldn’t be surprising to be included he doesn’t seem the most likely scenario. Danny Stutsman thanks to his talent, and personality, is a household name in college football. So often All-American teams are not only about on-field production but general notoriety. Stutsman is a well-known linebacker that figures to gain loads of recognition with another great year. A Butkus finalist, and perhaps more, also seems very possible.

19. OU Has a Return Game Touchdown in 2024

Breakdown: After last year this may not seem that crazy with the Sooners having a season opening punt return for touchdown from Gavin Freeman in 2023. However, prior to that the last return touchdown was when Dede Westbrook was still on the Sooners roster in 2016. But with the addition of Doug Deakin and all of the top-end talent the Sooners have in the return game it’s hard to ignore names like Peyton Bowen, Jaquaize Pettaway, and even true freshman Eli Bowen. Don’t be shocked to see the Sooners far more potent in the return game.

18. Sooners End Near Decade Long Streak

Breakdown: Oklahoma’s offense is going through as much change, in a single season, as any year in memory. And the last time one might make the case, 2015, and much like that season the Sooners are facing a new quarterback and new offensive coordinator partnership. With Seth Littrell and Jackson Arnold the Sooners have plenty of reason for hope but they are also far from the only unproven elements. Oklahoma has the look of a team returning three clear cut starters. None of those starters come along the offensive line and it’s safe to assume some hiccups could be en route. Make no mistake there’s too much talent for a major regression but finishing outside of the top 10 offensively in SP+ seems entirely possible.

17. No Defender Gets 7 Sacks

Breakdown: Another year of Oklahoma hoping to see a star emerge on the edge of their defense. There’s reason for hope with young players like P.J. Adebawore and Danny Okoye but neither seem fully ready to be the tip of the spear for the Sooners pass rush. Meanwhile Oklahoma will be leaning heavily on the highly experienced duo of Ethan Downs and Caiden Woullard as well as explosive R Mason Thomas. None seem ready to be snap in and snap out gamechangers though in the aggregate Oklahoma has its most complete defensive end room and it seems the unit as a whole is more ready than at any point in the Brent Venables era to be productive. But I’m not expecting anyone to be a singular force just yet.

16. Sooners Have Second 1,000 Yard Receiver Since 2019

Breakdown: There are, honestly, two receivers that have a case for this stat but it feels like Nic Anderson may be a year away from being ‘the man’ and 2024 may be the Deion Burks show. The big-time receiver flashed what may be to come in a spring game where he just went wild. He well fits the mold of other receivers in recent years that have shone in Norman. His big-time speed and ability after the catch could see him work his way onto a first team All-SEC list.

Coming tomorrow…15-11.