Sooner State of Mind

Welcome to Sooner State of Mind...

Boomer Sooner! After a bye week filled with chaos across college football, the Oklahoma Sooners jump to No. 5 in the AP Top 25 without even taking the field. In this week’s episode of Sooner State of Mind, Casey Mallon breaks down all the upsets that shook the top 10, from Florida State falling to Virginia in OT to Lane Kiffin’s Ole Miss knocking off LSU and Oregon spoiling Penn State’s White Out.

We also dive into the biggest storyline in Norman: Michael Hawkins steps in as QB1 for the Sooners as John Mateer recovers from surgery. Can the talented sophomore lead OU past Kent State and keep momentum heading into the Red River Rivalry with “Texass”? We’ll talk Hawkins’ growth, what to expect from the Sooners’ offense, and why the defense is primed to dominate.

Other highlights this week include:

The Sooners’ 45.5-point favorite matchup vs. Kent State

Key injury updates, including  the return of Eli Bowen and Javonnie Gibson

Why OU’s run game must find consistency before SEC play

A look ahead at OU’s brutal upcoming SEC schedule: Texass, South Carolina, Ole Miss, Tennessee, Alabama, Missouri, and LSU

The celebration of the 1985 National Championship team at Owen Field

Recruiting buzz as OU adds elite 2027 commits to move to No. 1 in early rankings

Plus, we preview some of the best Week 6 matchups around college football: Iowa State vs. Cincinnati, Texass vs. Florida, Vanderbilt vs. Alabama, Miami vs. Florida State, and more.

If you’re a die-hard Sooner, college football fan, or just love the energy of Saturdays in the fall, this episode has you covered.

👉 Don’t forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play, and Amazon Music, and watch on YouTube at The Football Dudes.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

WHAT IS UP SOONER NATION… Casey Mallon here, and you are now officially in a Sooner State of Mind!

This week was supposed to be all about how the Sooners wrecked Jackson Arnold’s homecoming—9 sacks, 14 TFLs, holding Auburn to just 67 yards on the ground, and Jayden Jackson earning Outland Trophy National Player of the Week honors. Oh, and let’s not forget John Mateer’s perfect clutch passing and go-ahead TD run on the game-winning drive!

But instead… heartbreak hit Norman. Brent Venables confirmed that Mateer will undergo hand surgery after finishing the Auburn game 11-for-11 with a broken throwing hand. Now it’s up to Michael Hawkins Jr. to step into the spotlight as OU’s QB1 when the Sooners (4-0, 1-0 SEC) get back after the bye.

We break it all down:

🏈 Mateer’s injury & 4-week timeline — can OU survive this gauntlet without him?

🔥 The rise of David Stone, R Mason Thomas, and the war daddies on defense.

💥 OU’s rushing woes — will Tory Blaylock, Barnes, or Ott step up?

🎤 Fan reactions: from F-U-Arnold chants to Auburn crying over “deception.”

🐂 Looking ahead to Texass (yes, with two S’s), South Carolina, Ole Miss, Tennessee, Bama, Mizzou, and LSU.

📢 Plus: Mike Gundy is OUT at Oklahoma State — what’s next for the Pokes?

⚡ SEC just dropped its new 9-game conference format and permanent rivalries — OU locked in with Texas, Ole Miss, and Mizzou.

And as always… we finish with a look at the biggest games in college football Week 5: USC vs Illinois, Oregon vs Penn State, Alabama vs Georgia, and more.

👉 Subscribe now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play, and Amazon Music.
👉 Watch on YouTube: The Football Dudes.
👉 Hit up Bleav.com for every team, every topic, everywhere.

Because no matter what—through Mateer’s injury, Hawkins’ rise, and the SEC grind—we’re all living in a Sooner State of Mind.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

WHAT IS UP SOONER NATION!
Casey Mallon here, and you are locked into another episode of Sooner State of Mind! The Oklahoma Sooners are coming off one of the most satisfying wins in recent memory — a 24–13 victory over the Michigan Wolverines. From John Mateer’s Baker-like grit to Jaren Kanak’s Stoops-style energy, this game had everything: hustle plays, punishing blocks, highlight catches, and a defense that suffocated Bryce Underwood all night long.

I’ll break down every moment that mattered — from Mateer’s clutch start-and-stop runs to Barnes’ punishing blocks, Sategna’s hustle plays, and Owen Heinecke flashing as a defensive enforcer. Plus, we’ll talk about what this OU defense is becoming, why this team feels different, and how the mental toughness of the Sooners is setting the stage for a special season.

Then, we turn the page to the next challenge: OU hits the road to face Temple at The Linc. Can the Sooners avoid the dreaded “trap game” before Auburn rolls into Norman? We’ll scout the Owls, break down their offensive weapons, and discuss what Brent Venables’ squad needs to do to stay sharp.

And because this is Sooner State of Mind, we’ll also dive into the biggest Week 3 college football matchups:

#6 Georgia at #15 Tennessee – Can the Vols finally snap their skid vs. the Dawgs?

#18 USF at #5 Miami – Are the Bulls for real after knocking off two ranked opponents?

Florida at #3 LSU – Is the heat on Billy Napier about to boil over?

#16 Texas A&M at #8 Notre Dame – Will the Aggies flip the script in South Bend?

Vanderbilt at #11 South Carolina – Can Shane Beamer’s squad avoid an early season landmine?

It’s all here — Sooners, SEC battles, playoff implications, and the kind of passion that only college football delivers.

🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play, and Amazon Music. And if you want to watch the show, head over to YouTube and search The Football Dudes.

Keywords for SEO: Oklahoma Sooners vs Michigan recap, OU football podcast, John Mateer highlights, Jaren Kanak NFL potential, Brent Venables defense, OU vs Temple preview, Week 3 SEC matchups, Georgia vs Tennessee, USF vs Miami, Florida vs LSU, Texas A&M vs Notre Dame, Vanderbilt vs South Carolina.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

WHAT IS UP SOONER NATION! Casey Mallon here, and you are officially in a Sooner State of Mind!

This week’s episode dives deep into Oklahoma’s statement win, the rise of John Mateer at quarterback, and why Jaren Kanak looks like the next big thing at tight end. From Brent Venables’ defense tightening up in the second half, to Tory Blaylock’s punishing runs and injury update, we’re breaking down every angle of the Sooners’ early season storylines.

Then, we shift to one of the biggest showdowns in college football: #15 Michigan vs. #18 Oklahoma. We revisit the history of these two blue blood programs—nearly 2,800 combined games, 19 national championships, 10 Heisman winners, and over 800 NFL draft picks—and preview what’s at stake this Saturday. Michigan’s five-star freshman QB Bryce Underwood brings NFL traits, while Oklahoma’s offense showed chemistry and explosiveness in Week 1. Can the Sooners slow down Justice Haynes and the Wolverines’ rushing attack?

We also spotlight players to watch, including Kendal Daniels, Gentry Williams, and Isaiah Sategna, who feels destined to break a huge return in a big game. Plus, we take a national look at Week 2, from Texas’ shocking stumble to FSU’s defensive dominance, and give a rundown of other marquee matchups across the SEC and beyond.

If you love Oklahoma football, the SEC, and the College Football Playoff race, this episode is packed with analysis, history, and passion you won’t want to miss.

Subscribe to Sooner State of Mind on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play, and Amazon Music. Watch on YouTube with The Football Dudes, and find us on BLEAV.com for even more great content.

Because right now, Sooner Nation, we are ALL in a Sooner State of Mind.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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

This Saturday at 3 PM PST, the wait is finally over as the #18 Oklahoma Sooners open the 2025 season at Gaylord Family–Oklahoma Memorial Stadium against the Illinois State Redbirds. Vegas has OU as 35.5-point favorites, and I’ll tell you why I’m still taking the points.

We’ll break down everything you need to know:

Illinois State Preview – Head coach Brock Spack’s 10-win Redbirds return QB Tommy Rittenhouse, RB Wenkers Wright, and WR Daniel Sobkowicz after a deep FCS playoff run. Ranked No. 6 nationally, ISU brings confidence but faces an uphill climb.

Oklahoma Depth Chart Surprises – Courtland Guillory and Jacobe Johnson emerge as starters at corner alongside Gentry Williams, with Brent Venables promising another leap forward for his defense.

John Mateer’s Debut – The new QB1 brings over 3,100 passing yards and 29 TDs from Washington State, plus 800+ rushing yards. Can he elevate OU’s receivers and run game in Year 1?

Defensive Expectations – Venables’ defense is set to dominate third downs, stop the run, and bring the heat. This unit could be OU’s biggest weapon.

Recruiting Win – Three-star DL T-Ron Richardson commits to the Sooners over Penn State, Maryland, Virginia Tech, and Syracuse, continuing OU’s defensive line reload.

And it’s not just OU Football this week—College Football fans are eating:

No. 1 Texas vs No. 3 Ohio State – A playoff rematch with Arch Manning and Julian Sayin in the spotlight.

No. 4 Clemson vs No. 9 LSU – The Bayou Bengals haven’t won an opener since 2019. Can Brian Kelly flip the script?

No. 6 Notre Dame vs No. 10 Miami – “Catholics vs Convicts” renewed with freshman QB CJ Carr leading the Irish against transfer Carson Beck and a fierce Canes defense.

Plus, the end of an era: Lee Corso’s final College GameDay episode.

Sooner Nation, it’s time—football is BACK. Subscribe to Sooner State of Mind on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play, and Amazon Music, and watch on YouTube with The Football Dudes.

I’m Casey Mallon, and I’m in a SOONER STATE OF MIND.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Oklahoma Sooners fans, the countdown is on! We are officially just 7 DeMarco Murrays away from kickoff as OU prepares to take on Illinois State to open the 2025 season. But before we preview next week’s matchup, we’ve got breaking news that shakes the entire college football landscape: the SEC is moving to a nine-game conference schedule starting in 2026.

In this episode of Sooner State of Mind, Casey Mallon dives deep into what this historic shift means for the SEC, Oklahoma football, and the entire college football playoff picture. We break down:

The impact of a nine-game SEC schedule on rivalries, strength of schedule, and bowl eligibility.

What this move means for the Big Ten, Big 12, and ACC, and how it changes the Power 5 balance.

The playoff implications in the new 12-team CFP era, where strength of schedule could matter more than perfection.

Who Oklahoma’s likely three permanent SEC rivals will be — from Texas and Texas A&M to Arkansas, LSU, Missouri, and even Florida.

Casey also opens the floor to Sooner Nation: who do YOU want OU’s three annual SEC opponents to be? Share your thoughts in the YouTube comments or hit us up on X @FootballDudesLA.

With SEC expansion, college football realignment, and the Sooners set to make noise in their new conference, this is a must-listen for every Oklahoma fan gearing up for 2025 and beyond.

🎙️ Don’t forget to subscribe to Sooner State of Mind on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play, Amazon Music, and YouTube for all things Oklahoma Sooners football.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

🏈 Sooner State of Mind – 17 Days ‘Til Kickoff & the John Mateer Story

What’s up, Sooner Nation?! Casey here, and you are now IN A SOONER STATE OF MIND! We’re just 17 days—that’s 17 Marvin Mims Jrs.—away from the 2025 Oklahoma Sooners storming into Memorial Stadium to curb stomp the Illinois State Redbirds, and the stoke level is officially off the charts.

This episode, we’re talking:

The John Mateer Venmo rumors – the late-night screenshots, Pete Thamel’s report, Mateer’s official statement, and where things stand with OU and the NCAA.

Brent Venables’ young defensive playmakers – Kendal Daniels, Reggie Powers III, Robert Spears-Jennings, Jaydon Jackson, David Stone, Damonic Williams, Gracen Halton – and why BB says they just need to “be consistent” before locking down starting spots.

Why this offseason has felt non-stop, even in the so-called “dead period,” and how we’re about to hit the greatest stretch of the year: college football every day from August 28 through Labor Day Monday.

Plus, I’ll give you my “get stoked” philosophy, why this Saturday is the perfect day to knock out those last pre-season to-dos, and how to catch all our content on Bleav.com and The Football Dudes YouTube channel.

It’s almost time, folks. Wave that flag. Stay stoked. And get ready—Sooner football is here.

🎧 Subscribe now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play, and Amazon Music so you never miss a Sooner State of Mind episode!

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Sooner State of Mind: Joe Castiglione's Farewell, Big Recruiting Wins, and Game Day Upgrades!

In this can't-miss episode of Sooner State of Mind, we dive into the monumental news out of Norman: legendary Oklahoma Athletic Director Joe Castiglione will step down in 2028 after a historic run that reshaped Sooner athletics. We break down his legacy, from 26 national championships to OU’s bold move to the SEC—and the ripple effect it left across college sports.

🏈 We also talk Sooner football future—including:

The commitment of 4-star TE Tyler Ruxer and 5-star kicker Trace Rudd to the 2026 class

The buzz around dual-threat QB Bentley, who’s drawing comparisons to John Mateer

The reaction to Jaden O'Neal's flip to Florida State and what it means for QB depth

🔥 Plus: OU is changing the tailgating game with free public tailgating on the iconic North Oval, starting August 30. We cover everything fans need to know about this game day upgrade—including performances, food trucks, giveaways, and more!

And don’t forget: SEC Media Days are just around the corner—get ready for the sights, sounds, and Sooner energy as we head into an electrifying 2025 season.

📲 Subscribe now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play, and Amazon Music, and don’t miss a beat of the Sooner action.

💻 Visit BLEAV.com, search Sooner State of Mind, and lock in.
📺 Want to watch? Find us on YouTube by searching The Football Dudes!

Boomer Sooner, baby. You’re in a Sooner State of Mind.

#OklahomaSooners #JoeCastiglione #BoomerSooner #OUFootball #CollegeFootball #SEC #RecruitingNews #SoonersTailgating #SoonerStateOfMind #TylerRuxer #TraceRudd #JohnMateer #OU2026Class #Big12ToSEC #CollegeGameday #SoonersPodcast

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of Sooner State of Mind, the Sooners continue to build for the future as GM Jim Nagy makes another key hire and Oklahoma lands a massive 2026 commitment in 6'4", 290-pound DT Brian Harris. We dive into the latest College Football Playoff reseeding chatter and the ongoing arms race across programs, including Steve Sarkisian's denial that Texas shelled out $40 million on its roster. Meanwhile, Kirby Smart wants to close one of the portal windows—find out why. And it’s championship season: Patty Gasso and her OU softball dynasty are just steps away from a historic fifth straight national title. So much Sooner goodness! It's time to get into a Sooner State of Mind! footballdudesla footballdudeslaIG footballdudesfacebook 

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of Sooner State of Mind, stoke levels are rising. The NFL Draft has come and gone. While only two Sooners, Danny Stutsman and Billy Bowman, heard their names called, it had been well over twenty years since OU had that few players drafted. That is something Brent Venables and Jim Nagy are expected to change, and change quickly. The good news is that several other Sooners did score camp invites with various NFL teams. We will let you know who is going where. The Sooners are also coming off a transfer portal scare. David Stone's brief entrance into the portal had Sooner Nation losing their collective minds, however, Stone quickly exited the portal and will remain with the Sooners. Unfortunately, Gavin Sawchuk was one of eight Sooners to also enter the portal. The good news is Jaydn Ott traded in his California address for an Oklahoma addy. Ott joins John Mateer as the two biggest portal wins for the 2025 Oklahoma Sooners. Speaking of portal wins, Porter Moser has been cooking in the portal with some big-time gets for the Oklahoma basketball team. Speaking of big time, Patty Gasso and her crew are coming off a 3-game sweep of the Longhorns to reclaim their spot on top of the SEC, with their sights set on a 5th straight National Championship. So much Sooner goodness! It's time to get into a Sooner State of Mind! footballdudesla footballdudeslaIG footballdudesfacebook 

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.