The Oklahoma football team is aiming for a standout year under third-year head coach Brent Venables, but the 2024 season might not mark a return to the team’s former glory days with legends like Bob Stoops, Barry Switzer, and Bud Wilkinson. With the Sooners entering their first season in the SEC, they face a particularly tough schedule, and injuries are already taking a toll before the season has even started.
Brent Venables confirmed to reporters that Jayden Gibson, a key wide receiver, will not be returning this season due to injury. Venables expressed regret about Gibson’s early season-ending injury but remains optimistic about the remaining talent in the receiving group.
Gibson’s absence is a significant setback for the Sooners’ offense. The 6’5″ receiver had a standout performance last season, averaging 26.8 yards per catch and scoring on 6 of his 14 receptions. Oklahoma wide receiver JJ Hester lamented Gibson’s injury, noting that it’s a major loss given Gibson’s potential and character.
Jackson Arnold, Oklahoma Sooners still have plenty of talent to work with
Jayden Gibson will redshirt this season with hopes of returning stronger in 2025. In his absence, the Oklahoma Sooners’ wide receiver corps will rely on returning players Jalil Farooq, Nic Anderson, and Andrew Anthony, who together recorded 110 catches for 1,919 yards and 13 touchdowns last season. The team also adds Purdue transfer Deion Burks, who led the Boilermakers last year with 47 receptions for 629 yards and 7 touchdowns.
However, the quarterback position remains a significant question mark. Jackson Arnold, who enters with high expectations but limited experience, will be under the spotlight. In his only start last season—a 38-24 loss to Arizona in the Alamo Bowl—Arnold threw for 361 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 3 interceptions. With a full offseason of practice and the chance to work with the first-string team, Arnold is in a better position to lead the Sooners than he was in December.
Leave a Reply