Oklahoma Memo

Oklahoma has fired offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle, and Ryan Welton and Clay Horning have plenty of questions.

In this emergency edition of The Long View, the conversation turns quickly from Arbuckle's departure to the bigger issues surrounding Brent Venables, Oklahoma's offensive staff and the program's direction.

Clay argues that firing another offensive coordinator raises serious questions about Venables' judgment. Ryan explores the possibility of a quarterback change, the reported elevation of Jason Witten and the responsibility of general manager Jim Nagy.

Can a new play-caller revive the Sooners' offense? Should John Mateer remain the starter? And who ultimately deserves accountability for Oklahoma's struggles?

Subscribe to Clay's work at OklahomaColumnist.com, and sign up for the daily Oklahoma Memo newsletter at OklahomaMemo.com/subscribe

Oklahoma State put up 49 points, but it wasn't enough in a wild 51-49 loss to Iowa State on Halloween night.

Ryan Welton and Jeremy Cook break down a frustrating night in Ames, where the Cowboys' offense delivered but the defense couldn't close the door.

On this episode of Bedlam Buds:

Plus, the guys discuss the future of OSU football, upcoming basketball and wrestling coverage, and a little NFL talk.

Watch the full conversation on the Oklahoma Memo YouTube channel! https://www.youtube.com/@oklahomamemo

Oklahoma's 42–25 homecoming loss to South Carolina wasn't nearly as close as the final score suggests.

On this episode of The Long View, Oklahoma Memo's Ryan Welton and columnist Clay Horning examine a Sooners program struggling to find consistency five seasons into the Brent Venables era.

The conversation covers OU's offensive failures, LaNorris Sellers' dominant performance, Ben Arbuckle's questionable play-calling and the enormous financial implications of making a head coaching change.

Ryan and Clay also discuss Venables' postgame comments, whether Oklahoma's culture is producing results, and why fan apathy could become the program's next big problem.

Plus, a look ahead to Florida and a spirited debate about whether Bob Stoops could help Venables turn things around.

Be sure you visit OklahomaColumnist.com to plug into Clay's work — covering sports and Oklahoma politics.

With the 2026 midterms just days away, political journalist Grant Hermes joins Ryan Welton to examine an unusually contentious final stretch before Election Day.

They discuss the controversy surrounding Alaska's U.S. Senate race, federal challenges involving voter rolls and election administration, and what could happen if Democrats win control of Congress.

Plus, concerns about cryptocurrency and China, the debate over impeachment and political accountability, and whether a national Democratic wave could make a difference in Oklahoma.

It's a wide-ranging conversation about the November 3 election — and why the political and legal battles may continue long after the polls close.

Democrat Jena Nelson wants to represent Oklahoma's 5th Congressional District, a seat currently held by Republican Stephanie Bice.

In this election-week conversation, Oklahoma Memo founder Ryan Welton talks with Nelson about the issues she believes matter most to voters, including affordability, health care, education and artificial intelligence.

Nelson discusses her proposal to pause new AI data center construction, her opposition to changes at the U.S. Department of Education, and how her 17 years as a teacher have shaped her approach to public service.

They also explore congressional ethics, local journalism, mental health, reproductive rights and the challenge of representing voters across party lines.

Subscribe to Oklahoma Memo's free daily newsletter at https://oklahomamemo.com/subscribe.

Learn more about Jena Nelson at https://jenanelson.com/

Oklahoma moved the football against Mississippi State. But can the Sooners do it again against South Carolina — and actually score touchdowns?

Ryan Welton and Clay Horning break down Saturday's matchup against Shane Beamer's Gamecocks, who arrive with momentum after consecutive wins over Florida and Tennessee.

In this episode:

Plus, a nostalgic detour through some of Oklahoma's greatest quarterbacks, including Jason White, Sam Bradford, Baker Mayfield and Jalen Hurts.

The Long View features Oklahoma football analysis and commentary from Ryan Welton of Oklahoma Memo and sports columnist Clay Horning.

Subscribe to Oklahoma Memo at OklahomaMemo.com/subscribe

And be sure and follow Clay's work at https://www.oklahomacolumnist.com

Oklahoma State heads to Ames as an 8.5-point favorite, but Cowboys fans know better than to take a road game at Iowa State for granted.

On this week's Bedlam Buds, Ryan Welton and Jeremy Cook examine whether Drew Mestemaker and the Cowboys' explosive offense can overwhelm the Cyclones — or whether Iowa State's red-zone efficiency, dangerous running back Aiden Flora and a chilly Halloween night could make things uncomfortable.

In this episode:

Subscribe to Bedlam Buds and share your score prediction!

Tulsa Flyer is one year old, and its founding CEO, Ziva Branstetter, joins the Oklahoma Memo Podcast to reflect on an ambitious first year.

The nonprofit newsroom has grown to nearly 30 employees, reached approximately 120,000 monthly unique visitors and developed partnerships with news organizations across Oklahoma.

Branstetter talks with Ryan Welton about the importance of service journalism, the success of the Tulsa Documenters program, the challenges of financial sustainability and the possibility of bringing Tulsa Flyer's approach to other Oklahoma communities.

The conversation also explores plans to preserve the Oklahoma Eagle's century of journalism and why Tulsa Flyer believes local news should focus on service, accountability and joy.

Subscribe to Oklahoma Memo at https://oklahomamemo.com/subscribe.

And, of course, make the Tulsa Flyer a regular part of your Oklahoma news regimen! Go to https://www.tulsaflyer.com

Oklahoma voters will decide State Question 845 on November 3, but what does it actually mean?

Oklahoma Memo founder Ryan Welton unpacks the proposed changes to the state's Judicial Nominating Commission, established nearly 60 years ago after a Supreme Court corruption scandal.

We explore why supporters want to modernize the commission, why opponents fear greater political influence over Oklahoma's courts, and what changes to attorney eligibility, political-party restrictions and commissioner terms would mean.

Read the reporting behind this episode and subscribe to Oklahoma Memo, a free daily newsletter covering the state's most important news, at https://oklahomamemo.com/subscribe.

What a Homecoming for Oklahoma State!

The Cowboys exploded for 34 unanswered second-half points in a 57-24 victory over Colorado, improving to 5-2 overall and 3-1 in Big 12 play.

Ryan Welton and Jeremy Cook break down the remarkable second-half turnaround, Drew Mestemaker's big evening, Caleb Hawkins' consistency and an offense that has Oklahoma State fans dreaming big.

Plus, the guys debate OSU's path to the Big 12 championship, the strength of the conference, Deion Sanders' future at Colorado and a potentially tricky Halloween night trip to Iowa State.

Is Oklahoma State a legitimate Big 12 title contender? Let's talk about it on Bedlam Buds!