Oklahoma head coach Brent Venables just dropped a clear message about what it takes to be a Sooner, directly calling out sophomores Manny Choice and Elijah Thomas in his Friday press conference. He said, “For the Oklahoma Sooners to be the team that we want to be, that we’ve talked about wanting to be, it includes Manny and Elijah Thomas being dudes. Not being freshmen, who, you know, are forgotten. They’re now sophomores, like being dudes. Showing up and having some purpose to what they’re doing.” This isn’t just coach-speak, folks, it’s a direct challenge for an offense that desperately needs to level up.
From #92 to “Dudes”: The Path Ahead
Last season was tough to watch for the Sooners’ offense, clocking in at a dismal No. 92 in total offense. A massive part of that struggle? A serious lack of playmakers beyond the reliable Isaiah Sategna. So, the coaching staff went hard in the transfer portal, reeling in Virginia Cavaliers wide receiver Trell Harris and Texas Longhorns wide receiver Parker Livingstone. Both those guys have generated a ton of buzz this offseason, and rightly so. They’re expected to contribute immediately, but Venables’ recent comments prove the coaching staff knows they need more than just a few big names to turn the tide. The SEC schedule ahead is brutal, and relying on only a handful of players just won’t cut it.
The Sophomore Surge is Real for Choice and Thomas
Now, the spotlight is firmly on Choice and Thomas. Venables noted that fall camp has “been good for those guys” and they’ve “taken another step” from where they were in the spring. Choice, a former four-star recruit, has shown flashes and continues to get opportunities with the younger receivers. Thomas is another player the Sooners are banking on to develop into a legitimate contributor. This isn’t just about depth, either. If these sophomores can actually turn all this camp attention into real production on Saturdays, imagine what that does for quarterback John Mateer. It gives him more weapons, spreads out opposing defenses, and takes pressure off Sategna, Harris, and Livingstone, who are going to see plenty of double teams.
The expectations are clear. Venables has made his demands public: be “dudes.” Now, the ball’s in Choice and Thomas’s court. Can they step up and prove they’re ready to become the playmakers this Oklahoma offense needs for a meaningful step forward in 2026? We’ll start finding out soon enough when the season kicks off. Get ready to see if these sophomores answer the call.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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