Why Expectations Are SKY HIGH For Oklahoma State Football

This week on The Jones Report, Sooners Roundtable publisher Tyler Jones, and OkState Roundtable editor Thomas Bridges break down the top headlines out of Norman and Stillwater.

As spring practices wrapped up for both schools this week, after last Saturday’s spring games, the vibes are very good for both programs.

With Oklahoma State, Bridges sees potential in quarterback Drew Mestemaker. Many analysts are already projecting that with Mestemaker under center, the Cowboys could take the biggest leap forward of any program in college football.

But it isn’t just Mestemaker. 

Head coach Eric Morris has rejuvenated the excitement of the fanbase with actually having a spring game. Joining Morris and Mestemaker from North Texas are running back Caleb Hawkins, along with wide receiver Wyatt Young, who are both expected to make a high impact right away.

Football isn’t the only thing getting the folks in Stillwater hyped up. Three-time All-Big 12 selection Audi Crooks from Iowa State announced her commitment to Oklahoma State this past week.

Crooks is the biggest addition ever to the Oklahoma State women’s basketball roster under Jacie Hoyt. Bridges made a bold prediction that Crooks will be what the Pokes need to push them over the top to make the NCAA Women’s Final Four next season.

For Oklahoma, Jones believes this is the most complete team that Brent Venables has ever had. He emphasized that the Sooners may not be the most talented team by any means, but it is hard to point to any weaknesses on the roster.

Bob Stoops was in attendance for the Sooners’ spring game, and he pointed to the strength of the tight ends. Jones believes that the 12-personnel packages with Hayden Hansen and Rocky Beers will be a big benefit for quarterback John Mateer.

The point Jones made was he believes that Mateer doesn’t need to be a superstar, he just needs to limit mistakes, while making big-time plays in big-time moments. He added that Hansen and Beers’ presence will allow Mateer to exploit defenses in the middle of the field.

Jones also expressed optimism about the defense. Although they are a young group, he says there should be excitement about what Cole Sullivan has done so far, and that getting Owen Heinecke will be a big-plus as well.

Also on this week’s show, former FOX23 Tulsa sports anchor Luke Slabaugh joins the program.

Don’t miss out on this week’s episode of The Jones Report, available now on Apple, Spotify, and all major podcast platforms. Enjoyed the show? Subscribe for free for weekly episodes.