Man, something’s different in Norman this August. You can hear it—pads smacking, coaches hollering, guys actually looking like they want to be there. After last year’s snooze-fest offense (yeah, 24 points a game—no thanks), Brent Venables seems fired up about what he’s got cooking for 2025. He even rattled off six names he says are basically the heartbeats of this whole thing: QB John Mateer, RB Jovantae Barnes, WRs Keontez Lewis and Jer’Michael Carter, and TEs Carson Kent and Jaren Kanak. Venables loves their “juice.” I mean, who doesn’t want a little juice after last year’s dry spell?
John Mateer – New Kid, Big Arm
So, Mateer rolls in from Washington State, and honestly, this dude can sling it. Last year? 3,139 passing yards, 29 TDs, only seven picks. Plus, he ran wild for 826 yards and 15 touchdowns. OU’s passing game was straight-up sad last year—like, bring-a-tissue bad. But with Mateer and some new toys at receiver, maybe we’re getting a little flashback to the Kyler/Baker show. Here’s hoping.
Jovantae Barnes – Still Got That Grit
Barnes was the guy before he got busted up (thanks, ankle). He still managed 577 yards and five scores in just nine games. And sure, they brought in Jaydn Ott from Cal, but Barnes isn’t just fading into the background. Not with that running back room, anyway. Depth wins in the SEC, and Barnes is still a big piece.
Keontez Lewis – Big Dude, Big Hopes
Fourth school, but who’s counting? Lewis showed up at Southern Illinois and basically did whatever he wanted—813 yards, five TDs. Now he’s already running with the first team in Norman. Six-two, almost 200 pounds, and he goes up and gets it. OU needs a guy who can win those 50/50 balls, especially in the SEC jungle.
Jer’Michael Carter – Mr. Smooth
Another transfer—shocking, right? Carter came from McNeese State, and he’s one of those “just get open” dudes. Put up 537 yards and three scores last season, but what’s really popping is how he practices. Relentless. Venables has basically been gushing about him, so that’s gotta mean something.
Jaren Kanak – Swapping Helmets
This is wild: Kanak was out there blowing dudes up at linebacker (62 tackles, two sacks in 2023), now he’s lining up at tight end. Not exactly normal, but he’s picking it up quick. At 233 pounds, you know he’s not afraid of a little contact. Could be a fun wrinkle for the offense.
Carson Kent – Tough as Nails
Kent’s the new tight end from Kennesaw State. The numbers aren’t eye-popping (217 yards, three touchdowns), but the guy’s a fighter. Venables already loves how he competes, and in a crowded TE room, that’s half the battle. Sometimes you just need a dog in the trenches.
Bottom line? This offense feels alive again. It’s younger, faster, and finally has a pulse. If these six guys actually bring that camp “juice” to real games, “Oklahoma football offensive leaders 2025” might not just be a headline—it could be the story of the year.
FAQ
Who’s QB1 for Oklahoma in 2025?
John Mateer. Dude can run, throw, probably even catch his own passes if you let him.
Which receivers should we actually care about?
Keontez Lewis and Jer’Michael Carter. Transfers, yes, but they’re already making noise.
Wait, Kanak’s playing tight end now?
Yep. Switched from linebacker. First real crack at offense, and so far, he’s not screwing it up.
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