In this episode of the Champion Standard Podcast, Rob and Brad break down Oklahoma’s latest transfer portal moves, why the tight end room has completely changed, and how Jason Witten’s arrival could reshape the Sooners’ run game, recruiting pipeline, and long-term development.

They discuss Oklahoma’s portal losses vs additions, remaining roster needs, and why retention wins like Kip Lewis, Satonia, and Mateer returning matter just as much as splashy transfers. The conversation expands into the NIL Wild West, why the current system is unsustainable, and what real solutions could look like in college football’s future.

Plus, Rob and Brad preview the College Football Playoff National Championship, break down Indiana vs Miami, discuss roster age, physicality, and why experience is becoming the biggest edge in modern college football.

Topics include:

00:00 – Champion Standard intro

Oklahoma just flipped the transfer portal on its head.

On this episode of Champion Standard, we’re joined by Charlie from The Football Brainiacs for a no-BS, insider breakdown of OU’s massive portal haul, the truth behind the exits, and what still has to happen before spring ball.

We cover:

No fake smoke. No click-farm rumors. Just real football talk from people who actually know.

👉 LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and TURN ON NOTIFICATIONS

Boomer.

0:00 Portal week explodes with rapid-fire OU commitments

Portal chaos is here. The season is over, but the most important two weeks of Oklahoma’s offseason are just beginning.

In this episode of The Champion Standard Podcast, Brad and Rob:

Break down all of OU’s current transfer portal entries (21 and counting), with a position-by-position look at who left and why some departures hurt more than others.

Pull up the updated depth chart and show how thin OU has become at offensive line, wide receiver, and in the defensive back room, even as the 2026 signing class starts to plug a few holes.

React live to OU’s first portal addition at tight end, Hayden Hansen from Florida, and explain why his size, experience, and fit in Arbuckle’s tight end-friendly scheme make him a priority get for 2026.

Lay out the “must get” list from the portal:

4 offensive linemen (including a center and at least one tackle)

2 wide receivers, including a potential alpha WR1

A pass-rushing defensive end to replace R Mason Thomas’ impact

A defensive tackle with real interior rush juice

Linebackers to protect against a possible Kip Lewis departure

A hybrid Cheetah and a couple of veteran DBs.

Talk NIL strategy: why OU should prioritize proven P4 vets with high floors (Big Ten/SEC experience) at OL, EDGE, and Cheetah instead of rolling the dice on FCS or G5 flyers when the goal is a playoff run.

They also compare OU’s retention plan to programs like Indiana, discuss whether OU needs a portal QB after losing Michael Hawkins, and preview which names to watch as visits and commitments heat up before the window closes.

⏱ Topics:

Hit subscribe, drop your portal questions in the comments, and let us know which positions you think OU must fix before this window closes.

Brad and Rob look back at the Alabama playoff loss and unpack the hard lessons that only postseason football teaches. This was a game defined by missed opportunities, unforced errors, and moments that never fully made sense in real time. Oklahoma did not play with the same edge or intent that defined the previous four weeks. Instead of dictating terms, the Sooners absorbed pressure, retreated into their shell, and allowed the game to tilt away snap by snap. Playoff football does not wait for you to settle in, and this game was a reminder that when your mentality slips even slightly, the margin disappears entirely.

From there, the conversation turns forward. A hard look at the depth chart. Where Oklahoma is built to survive playoff football and where it is not. Which positions need immediate upgrades, where depth failed to hold, and how this loss clarified the difference between being a good team and being a championship-level roster. The offseason now has a clear purpose, and this episode lays out what has to change.

🔥 The transfer portal reality

This is what building looks like.

📖 Full long form breakdowns and offseason analysis

🐦 Join the conversation on X

0:00 Fast start false comfort OU jumps out early

Episode Description

Oklahoma and Alabama meet again, this time in the College Football Playoff and under the lights in Norman. In this Trench Warfare episode of the Champion Standard Podcast, we break down why rematches favor defense, how Brent Venables attacks familiarity, and why this Oklahoma team is built for January football. From Alabama’s offensive identity and explosive reliance to Oklahoma’s defensive discipline, quarterback execution, and the physical reality of playoff football, this is a full film-room and mentality discussion with no shortcuts. If this game turns grimy, uncomfortable, and physical, that’s exactly how Oklahoma wants it.

Timestamps

00:00 – Friday Night in Norman and why this rematch is different

The College Football Playoff bracket is finally set — and the Oklahoma Sooners are IN. Now it is officially a Playoff Party on the Prairie as OU draws Alabama in Norman for a Friday night primetime showdown. Can Brent Venables beat Kalen DeBoer again and turn this into a full-blown rivalry? Did the Selection Committee get it right with Indiana, Georgia, Tech, Miami and the rest of the field?

Rob and Brad react live as the rankings are revealed, fill out the bracket in real time, talk OU’s path to the title, debate blue bloods, and even start planning the Bama tailgate menu.

Jump in the chat, drop your take, and ride with us as the bracket is revealed in real time.

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The Oklahoma Sooners escaped with a 17-13 win over LSU in Norman, and Brad has thoughts.

The defense once again delivered turnovers and big-moment stops, but the offense struggled to find rhythm and protect the football. Three Mateer interceptions and stalled drives kept LSU in the game late. 

In today’s episode, Brad breaks down:

🔥 Join the Champion Standard crew as we dive into the tape, stats, and what’s next for the Sooners.

👇 Drop your thoughts in the comments:

📍 Subscribe for more Sooners film, analytics, and postgame reactions!

#OklahomaSooners #BeatLSU #CFBPlayoff #BoomerSooner #ChampionStandard

The Oklahoma Sooners just stacked another ranked win — and the defense did it with straight violence.

We cover:

If you want real talk, film-driven insight, and no sugar coating — this is your spot.

Oklahoma just walked out of Tuscaloosa with season defining win. 

In this episode, Brad jumps on to share his takeaways, we check in on the advanced numbers, and then walk through the defensive plays that kept OU in control.

Nothing fancy. Just football talk, numbers and film..

What we hit in the show:

If you love film, stats, and OU football, you’ll feel right at home.

Drop your questions or your own takeaways!

This episode is a midweek Game Lab preview for the critical Tuscaloosa matchup: playoff implications, X‑factors (turn red‑zone FGs into TDs, commit to the run, pressure Ty Simpson), injury notes, and a film/stat breakdown of Alabama's cover‑3 defense and perimeter tendencies. Tempered optimism but a clear game plan for the Sooners.

Welcome to Strategic Showdown, where Brad and Rob break down the biggest matchup of the week with clear talk, real football insight, and a deep dive into what actually decides games.

In this episode, we take a hard look at Oklahoma vs Alabama, one of the most important tests of the season. Brad lays out his X-Factors for both teams, we pull up the advanced metrics that tell the real story behind the numbers, and we walk through key moments on film to show how each team matches up on the field.

You will hear:

🔥 Brad’s X-Factors and why this game comes down to pressure, explosives, and third down

If you love deep football talk without the fluff, this one is for you.

👍 Like, subscribe, and drop your score prediction in the comments.