Sooner State of Mind

WHAT IS UP SOONER NATION… YOU ALREADY KNOW THE VIBES.

The 2026 NFL Draft is in the books, and Oklahoma showed up in a big way—sending a loaded class of seven Sooners into the league, tying its largest draft haul since 2022. From R Mason Thomas landing with the Kansas City Chiefs to a wave of Day 3 steals and intriguing undrafted signings, Casey breaks down where each Sooner landed, which fits could turn into serious NFL impact, and why this class might be flying under the radar nationally.

But as the draft dust settles, reality creeps in… the long offseason drought is officially here. Don’t worry—Casey’s got you covered with a countdown to kickoff, a look ahead at the next wave of NFL-bound Sooners (and the NIL factor that could shake it all up), plus a quick tour through the sports landscape to help pass the time… even if we all know nothing hits like Oklahoma football.

From future stars to present pride, this episode keeps Sooner Nation locked in, fired up, and counting down the days until September.

ONE TEAM. ONE STATE. ONE SOONER STATE OF MIND.

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WHAT IS UP SOONER NATION…
I AM CASEY MALLON AND YOU ARE NOW IN A SOONER STATE OF MIND!

Make sure you subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play, and Amazon Music…

Sooner Nation, we’ve got a loaded episode that hits every corner of the crimson and cream universe. We kick things off with the big news surrounding Owen Heinecke winning his appeal against the NCAA—a massive development with ripple effects for player eligibility and the future of college athletics. Then it’s all gas, no brakes as we break down the Oklahoma spring game: who flashed, who made a statement, and what it all means for Brent Venables’ squad heading into the 2026 season.

And with the NFL Draft right around the corner, we spotlight the Sooners looking to hear their names called this week. Who’s rising up boards? Who’s flying under the radar? And which Oklahoma stars are about to make that leap to Sundays?

From breaking news to on-field takeaways to draft dreams—this episode has it all. Buckle up, Sooner Nation… because the future is forming right now in Norman.

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WHAT IS UP SOONER NATION… I AM CASEY MALLON AND YOU ARE NOW IN A SOONER STATE OF MIND!

Spring has officially sprung in Norman, and you can feel it—Sooner football is BACK. In this episode, we dive headfirst into the electric return of spring ball as Oklahoma hits the practice field, the countdown to the Spring Game is ON, and the hype is building with every rep, every route, and every snap flooding social media. From the trenches to the skill positions, the energy around this team feels different… and Sooner Nation is here for ALL of it.

But let’s talk about what has everyone buzzing—Jason Witten coaching up the tight ends. Yes, THAT Jason Witten. One of the greatest to ever do it now pouring knowledge into a position that’s needed a spark? That’s not just big…that’s program-shifting. Add in high-level recruiting momentum, and suddenly OU becomes a no-brainer destination for elite tight end talent. It’s another sign that something special is building in Norman.

We also take a real look at quarterback Mateer—a guy who went through the fire last season. From handling the pressure of being “the guy” at Oklahoma to battling through a broken thumb on his throwing hand, he showed toughness, grit, and leadership. It wasn’t always pretty, but it was gritty—and now? The reports out of spring practice say he’s putting in the work and leveling up. If that’s true, Sooner Nation could be looking at a major leap heading into 2026.

On the hardwood, we unpack the frustration of men’s basketball getting left out of March Madness despite a late-season surge—and why keeping Porter Moser might be the right move, especially with new AD Roger Denny promising to elevate resources, NIL, and overall program support. The future of OU hoops may be brighter than it feels right now.

We also hit:

OU women’s basketball’s strong run and back-to-back Sweet 16 appearances

March Madness chaos, insane comebacks, and Final Four storylines

The Sooners heading to Vegas for the College Basketball Crown

And of course… some real-life talk—daylight savings struggles, Easter candy debates, and why kids these days have it WAY too easy

This episode is all about momentum—football, basketball, and the entire Oklahoma program trending upward. The vibes are high, the expectations are rising, and Sooner Nation is LOCKED IN.

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Sooner Nation… the NFL Combine spotlight was shining bright on OU, recruiting momentum is heating up with Future Freaks Weekend, and the Sooners are building the kind of roster that can compete in the SEC, compete for National Championships, and eventually compete on Sundays.

In this episode of Sooner State of Mind, we break down a huge moment for the program as Oklahoma Sooners football sends 10 players to the NFL Combine, the most in years — a massive signal that Brent Venables’ rebuild is turning into a legit NFL pipeline. From freakish measurables to draft risers, we’re talking about which Sooners helped themselves the most in Indianapolis and what it means for OU’s national perception moving forward.

But the future might be even brighter…

Future Freaks Weekend brought elite recruits to Norman, giving Sooner Nation a glimpse at the next generation of SEC monsters who could soon be wearing the crimson and cream. We break down the biggest visitors, recruiting momentum, and which prospects could become the next stars in Oklahoma’s NFL pipeline.

And while football is the main event, the rest of the OU athletic department decided to put on a show too:

Oklahoma Sooners men's basketball gets a huge #BeatTexas rivalry win, sending the Sooners into March with momentum and giving fans one more reason to celebrate a monster weekend for OU athletics.

From Combine buzz to recruiting fireworks to Red River revenge on the hardwood, this episode is packed with everything Sooner fans need to know.

So grab your crimson, fire up the Boomer chant, and join us as we break down the past, present, and future of Oklahoma football.

Subscribe now to Sooner State of Mind on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and Amazon Music for passionate, insider-level coverage of Oklahoma Sooners football, recruiting, and the road to SEC dominance.

Boomer Sooner.

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WHAT IS UP SOONER NATION…
I’m Casey Mallon and you are officially in a SOONER STATE OF MIND.

If you bleed crimson and cream, hit that SUBSCRIBE button on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play, Amazon Music, and YouTube so you never miss breaking Oklahoma Sooners news, recruiting intel, coaching updates, and deep-dive analysis.

This “offseason” hasn’t been an offseason at all. It’s been another nonstop Oklahoma news cycle — and we break down every move.

After losing:

Jay Valai to the NFL (Buffalo Bills)

DeMarco Murray to the Kansas City Chiefs

Jo Jon Finley moving on

Head coach Brent Venables didn’t blink.

Instead, he reloaded.

Jason Witten takes over the tight ends room.
Lamar Morgan arrives from Michigan to lead the defensive backs.
And now — the big one — Deland McCullough replaces Murray as running backs coach.

We break down:

Why McCullough’s NFL pedigree (including a Super Bowl title with Kansas City) matters.

What this means for OU’s run game after failing to produce a 1,000-yard back since Eric Gray.

Whether the criticism of Murray was fair — or misplaced.

How BV is reshaping this program with precision and purpose.

For losing three prominent coaches in one cycle… this might be Venables’ best offseason coaching performance yet.

Murray now joins Kansas City Chiefs, working alongside Patrick Mahomes in an effort to revive a rushing attack that ranked 24th in the NFL last season.

We unpack:

Why Kansas City made this move.

What OU fans should really think about Murray’s legacy.

And whether this was inevitable.

Oklahoma transitions from longtime AD Joe Castiglione into a new chapter under Roger Denny. What does it mean for facilities, NIL, long-term SEC positioning, and OU’s national brand? We connect the dots.

Ten former Sooners are headed to the NFL Combine. We spotlight:

The prospects with the most to gain.

Why Pro Day could be massive for certain under-the-radar players.

And why this draft cycle matters for OU’s national perception.

Mark it down: Saturday, April 18th.

The full Spring Game returns.

After last year’s fan-fest experiment, Sooner Nation gets what it’s been craving — real football in Norman. With elite talent returning and expectations sky-high following a College Football Playoff heartbreak, this spring will set the tone for 2026.

This is the first real taste of what could be a championship-caliber roster.

And we are READY.

If you want:

Real analysis (not hot takes)

Recruiting & coaching breakdowns

SEC-level insight

NFL pipeline coverage

And unmatched Sooner passion

Then you’re in the right place.

Head to BLEAV.com
Search Sooner State of Mind
Watch on YouTube by searching The Football Dudes

Subscribe. Leave a 5-star review. Share with your fellow Sooners.

Because this program is evolving.
The staff is evolving.
The expectations are evolving.

And the future? It’s bright in Norman.

I’m Casey Mallon… and I’ll see you next time… in a SOONER STATE OF MIND. ️

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WHAT IS UP, SOONER NATION — YOU’RE OFFICIALLY IN A SOONER STATE OF MIND.

This episode is an emotional roller coaster, a reality check, and a shot of optimism all wrapped into one wild Sooner night. We open with an instant classic (and near-disaster) in OU men’s hoops, snapping a brutal 9-game losing streak in the most Oklahoma way possible — panic, hope, dread, relief, and just enough chaos to leave your heart rate spiked. Is it too late for Porter Moser? What does “winning” even look like in today’s fully transactional college basketball landscape? We don’t dodge the tough questions — and we don’t sugarcoat the answers.

From there, we pivot straight into major Oklahoma football news that every Sooner fan needs to understand. The NCAA’s baffling denial of Owen Heinecke’s eligibility appeal sparks a bigger conversation about fairness, loopholes, and the broken system governing college athletics. We break down what this means for OU, for players across the country, and why this situation perfectly captures everything that’s gone sideways with eligibility rules.

Then comes the staff shake-up — Jay Valai heads to the NFL, opening one of the most coveted defensive coaching jobs in the country. Is OU worried? Short answer: no. The talent pipeline is loaded, recruiting momentum remains strong, and the Sooners are positioned to reload, not rebuild.

And finally… the big picture win. Oklahoma makes a forward-thinking, future-proof hire at Athletic Director, signaling once again that this program is ahead of the curve. With legal minds, business minds, NFL connections, NIL strategy, and long-term vision all aligning, the Sooners are building something bigger than just next season. Add in new NFL-tied staff hires, Super Bowl Sooner representation, and a program that continues to mirror the pro model — and yeah… there’s plenty to be excited about.

This is real talk, deep analysis, and pure Sooner passion — no fluff, no hot takes for clicks, just the truth from someone who lives it.

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Hit LIKE, FOLLOW, and SHARE if you bleed Crimson & Cream

Because whether it’s chaos, controversy, or championships —
I’m Casey Mallon… and I’m in a SOONER STATE OF MIND.

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WHAT IS UP, SOONER NATION…
I’m Casey Mallon — and you are officially IN A SOONER STATE OF MIND.

The long, strange trip of the college football season is finally in the rearview mirror, a first-time national champion has been crowned, and the offseason storylines are already hitting at full throttle. But before we look ahead, this episode brings MASSIVE news for Oklahoma football — the kind of news that changes the entire trajectory of Team 132 and beyond.

THE ANCHORS ARE BACK.
Quarterback John Mateer — the engine of the offense — and linebacker Kip Lewis — the quarterback of the defense — are officially returning to Norman. That’s leadership. That’s continuity. That’s championship DNA. Mateer’s playoff run, Heisman-level start, and toughness through injury paired with Lewis’ dominance on one of the nation’s best defenses gives the Sooners a foundation every program in America envies.

And the good news doesn’t stop there…

We break down the growing list of Sooners choosing stability over the portal, including Isaiah Sategna, Tory Blaylock, Courtland Guillory, David Stone, Jayden Jackson, Ace Hodges, Ben Anderson — and the return of Ivan Carreon, a 6’6 weapon with serious upside who flashed big-game potential in the Armed Forces Bowl. We’ll dive even deeper into portal additions later this offseason, but today is about one thing: retention matters — and OU is winning that battle.

Plus, we recap the College Football National Championship as the Indiana Hoosiers complete a perfect 16-0 season, defeating Miami 27-21, and we react to the final AP Top 25. And yes… we’re already looking ahead to next year’s title game in Las Vegas — Sin City, the Death Roomba, and college football’s biggest stage colliding.

If you love Oklahoma Sooners football, college football chaos, roster news, portal breakdowns, playoff talk, and real fan-driven analysis — THIS IS YOUR HOME.

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WHAT IS UP, SOONER NATION!
I’m Casey Mallon, and you are officially IN A SOONER STATE OF MIND.

Before we dive in — SMASH that SUBSCRIBE button on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play, Amazon Music, and YouTube so you never miss an episode. New OU football content, college football playoff breakdowns, and elite-level analysis every week.

Nine mile skid on a ten mile ride… nothing left to do but smile, smile, smile…

The Sooner State of Mind family is eating GOOD on this episode.

We kick things off with massive Oklahoma Sooners football news as OU officially hires Dallas Cowboys legend Jason Witten as the new tight ends coach, replacing Joe Jon Finley. We break down why this move matters, what Witten brings from an NFL résumé that speaks for itself, and how his leadership, character, and football IQ align perfectly with Brent Venables’ vision for the program. From player development to recruiting cachet, this hire has the potential to change the way OU uses the tight end position moving forward.

Then we shift to the College Football Playoff Semifinals recap, starting with an absolute Fiesta Bowl classic between Miami and Ole Miss. Four fourth-quarter lead changes, elite quarterback play, controversial officiating, explosive young stars, and a finish that came down to the final seconds — we break it ALL down. Was it pass interference? Did Ole Miss get robbed? And yes… we address the Lane Kiffin factor.

Next up — the Peach Bowl beatdown.

Indiana vs Oregon was not just a win… it was a statement. The Hoosiers looked like a fully operational machine, dominating from the opening pick-six to the final whistle. We talk Fernando Mendoza’s ridiculous playoff run, Curt Cignetti’s culture, Indiana’s NFL-level discipline, and why this team may be the most complete squad in college football right now.

All of that sets the stage for the College Football Playoff National Championship Preview:
Miami Hurricanes vs Indiana Hoosiers at the Hard Rock.

We break down the matchups, the Vegas spread, what Miami must do to pull the upset, and why Indiana looks like a team on an absolute mission. Physicality, execution, discipline — this game has it all. Plus, ticket prices, atmosphere, and why Monday night is going to be electric.

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Every team. Every topic. Everywhere.
And in case you forgot…

My name is Casey Mallon —
and I’m in a SOONER STATE OF MIND.

SUBSCRIBE. LIKE. SHARE. BOOMER SOONER.

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WHAT IS UP, SOONER NATION…

I’m Casey Mallon, and you are officially back in a SOONER STATE OF MIND.

The portal is WIDE open, the NIL landscape is shifting under everyone’s feet, and Oklahoma football is at the center of it all. In this episode, we break down the 21 Sooners currently in the transfer portal, including a few names that absolutely raised eyebrows—and we dig into the uncomfortable but very real truth of today’s game: getting paid now means you have to earn it. The Sooners learned that lesson the hard way with the Jaydn Ott situation, and going forward, every NIL dollar is going to come with expectations and accountability.

We dive deep into OU’s biggest roster needs, starting with a tight end room that—let’s be honest—has been a liability for far too long. From the departure of Joe Jon Finley to the possibility of fresh blood (and fresh ideas) at the position, we talk about why tight end production—at least in blocking—is no longer optional in the SEC. And yes, we give flowers to Jaren Kanak, who somehow became the most productive tight end on the roster after starting the year at linebacker.

It’s also a big-picture episode. We zoom out and talk about Nagy’s first full offseason as GM, why this staff is better positioned than people realize, and why—despite a frustrating ending—this team overachieved against a brutal schedule. A broken-thumb quarterback weeks before Texas, 10 wins, a playoff game, and hosting postseason football in Norman? If you offered that in August, you’d take it every single time.

From there, we jump into the Rose Bowl recap, Indiana’s rise from “afterthought” to national title contender, and the absolute meltdown happening across college football fandom. Notre Dame tears, Texas flexing a Cheez-It Bowl, BYU outrage, playoff expansion chaos—it’s all on the table. And yes, we talk about why playoff byes should come with home-field advantage, because momentum matters.

This one’s passionate. It’s honest. It’s unfiltered. And it’s very, very Sooner.

Head over to BLEAV.com, search Sooner State of Mind, and you’re locked in.
Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play, and Amazon Music.
Want the video version? Find us on YouTube at The Football Dudes.

And in case you forgot…
My name is Casey Mallon — and I’m in a SOONER STATE OF MIND. ️

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WHAT IS UP, SOONER NATION…
I’m Casey Mallon, and you are now in a SOONER STATE OF MIND.

In this episode of Sooner State of Mind, we break down one of the most heartbreaking, gut-punch losses of the season as Oklahoma lets a golden opportunity slip away against Alabama — not because of effort, not because of heart, but because of a brutal series of catastrophic mistakes at the worst possible moments.

The Sooners jumped out early, controlled the game, and had everything right in front of them — but a dropped touchdown, a muffed punt, missed kicks, miscommunication, and a pick-six flipped the script in a matter of minutes. What started as a dominant OU performance turned into a night where special teams betrayed one of the team’s biggest strengths, momentum vanished, and a championship-caliber defense was put in impossible positions.

We talk through:

The exact moment the game changed

The sequence of mistakes that compounded into disaster

Questionable officiating that didn’t help — but wasn’t the reason

Why this loss hurts more than most

How this season still shattered preseason expectations

Why Oklahoma proved the “experts” wrong all year long

What the transfer portal means for the Sooners’ 2026 outlook

The reality of the current College Football Playoff format — and why expansion is inevitable

Despite the heartbreak, this team fought. They got off the mat all season long. They battled through injuries, a brutal schedule, and relentless doubt — and that matters. Ride or die means ride or die, and this program is still trending in the right direction.

We also hit the national picture from the weekend, the flawed playoff structure, and why better teams are being left out — setting the stage for major changes ahead in college football.

If you live and breathe Oklahoma football, this is an episode you do NOT want to miss.

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And if you forgot…
My name is Casey Mallon —
and I’m ALWAYS in a SOONER STATE OF MIND.

Boomer.

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