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SEC Road Trips: 2024

OUInsider subscribers:

We are just over a month away from the Sooners' 2024 season getting underway and after a four-game home stand to begin the year, Oklahoma will take its first-ever SEC road trip to Auburn (AL) to take on the Tigers.

While I'm certain that some of you are more familiar with SEC country, this season will provide a plethora of firsts for Sooner Nation. With new destinations comes new experiences (new places to stay, eat, hang out), and I wanted to give this community a place to share, ask, post, etc., anything that might pertain to those upcoming road trips.

So, with that said, who is planning on hitting the road this fall, and to which games?

OU Road Games for 2024

at Auburn (Sep 28) — Auburn, AL
at Ole Miss (Oct 26) — Oxford, MS
at Missouri (Nov 9) — Columbia, MO
at LSU (Nov 30) — Baton Rouge, LA

Of course, the OUInsider team will be on the road at those games as well, so make sure and keep us in the loop so we can catch you guys on Gameday!

Football Position group overview: Interior defensive line

Next up in the position group series is the interior D-line. Here's a glimpse at OU's options in fall camp:

OU announces Kimrey Family donation of 20 million to OU athletics | 10 million to baseball and 10 million to football

This is the large donation that I alluded to when Skip Johnson stayed with the Sooners as their baseball head coach.

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Link below is in Skip Johnson thread where I hinted to a huge donation changing the L Dale Mitchell Park renovations potentially speeding up a bit:

Post in thread 'Skip Johnson staying at OU after premature report of his departure'
https://oklahoma.forums.rivals.com/...e-report-of-his-departure.196350/post-4884957

The hope is that this will entice more donations toward the Sooners’ baseball program moving forward as they are much, much closer to being able to move on their stadium renovation plans.

OU President Joe Harroz spoke about what this means for the Sooners baseball program and facilities upgrades in the OU Athletics press release.

“The Kimreys have been pivotal to the success of OU Athletics for many years, and this unprecedented contribution toward state-of-the-art facilities is a game-changer for our baseball and football programs,” said OU President Joseph Harroz Jr. “Generations of student-athletes and Sooner fans will be able to experience the transformative impact of their gift, inspiring greatness as OU Baseball sets its sights on Omaha and our football program continually excels among the nation’s elite. Brian and Kim’s dedication embodies the true spirit of the OU Family, and our gratitude is endless for their trust and support.”

I have not heard, nor have I asked, what The Kimreys’ gift is being used for in the Sooners’ football program, but Oklahoma head football coach Brent Venables spoke on what their buy-in to the program means.

"Our program is beyond thankful for this amazing gift from the Kimrey family. There's no doubt about it — Brian and Kim are 'all in.' This donation exemplifies their gracious support and genuine love of OU Athletics, and comes at an important time as we embark on our exciting new journey as a member of the SEC. Their astounding generosity will help us continue to compete at the highest level."

The Kimrey Family has now donated a total 25.1 million to OU Athletics.


Full press release from OU here: https://soonersports.com/news/2024/...ily-contributes-historic-gift-to-ou-athletics

Just Wanted to Share This

Many of you have seen this video already. If so, well, watch it again. LOL. He lays it out. He covers the disrespect of OU. Got me fired up. I’m ready to run through a brick wall for the Crimson and Cream, if I hadn’t had 9 different operations and procedures on my back, dang it I would! LOL Hope you enjoy!


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Player Analysis: Cortez Mills

Today we take a look at Cortez Mills. There is a ton to like about his game and I think he has the potential to develop into a 3rd Down ace, “Get to the sticks”-type player for Oklahoma. His frame looks like he can hold some more quality weight and develop into a more physical prospect which will need to happen in order to handle the more physical SEC defensive backs.

Here a few of the key takeaways you notice from him athletically as a High School Prospect.

➡️ Seems, from the tape, to have pretty large hands or at the very least, really strong hands. The ball stops when it hits his gloves and he makes very difficult catches look extremely easy. Has the instincts to make minor body adjustments to the ball while it’s in the air and at the last minute.

➡️ Explosive out of his stance on some of the deeper routes, even the shallow crosses where he needs to create separation within 7-15 yards. Drops his hips really well, and fast, then has the low shin angle to create that horizontal force and produce faster acceleration.

➡️ In the open field, he is extremely fluid when it comes to dropping low, getting in and out of hips going to the right or to the left. He assesses space really well and knows how to secure the catch in traffic before moving into the evasive maneuvers.

➡️ Has some nice footwork at the LOS but in the full games I watched, he feels incomplete there (as most young prospects are) and will need to improve his ability there, develop a bigger bag to beat press in the SEC.

He is a really strong four-star in my opinion and someone who can develop into a future NFL guy.

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Another 2SportU Star in Oklahoma’s sights?

Your resident #TwoSportU enthusiast is back with another target to keep an eye on if you’re a Sooner fan.

I’m told baseball/basketball star Alec Blair could be nearing a decision and Oklahoma feels good about where they stand.

Blair is a 6’6 wing/outfielder out of De La Salle in Concord, California that is an incredibly highly touted baseball prospect while also ranking as a Top 100 basketball recruit. He’s regarded by some nationally as the best two sport college prospect in the 2025 cycle.

His list of baseball offers is your typical who’s who of the big time programs (LSU, Arkansas, Oregon, TCU, Oklahoma, etc), but despite being a Top 100 basketball prospect, his basketball offer list is short (Cal, Clemson, Oklahoma). This is due to many thinking he won’t play both sports and will ultimately choose baseball. That’s where Oklahoma’s specialty comes in. I’m told the staff spoke with the Blair family at length recently and were exceptionally detailed and thorough in laying out their plan for Alec to excel in both sports. I believe that if he truly does choose to play both sports that the Sooners will be incredibly hard to beat. Porter Moser is aiming to add his 5th Top 100 signee in Blair.

Imagine the possibilities of him and OU target Jonah Williams in the same outfield… sounds fun, right? Also, if Skip pulls off ANOTHER two sport star.. it may be time to let him take over peace talks with warring nations in his down time.

I’ll continue to keep you updated.

Football Position group overview: Defensive ends

The fourth installment in the position group overview series focuses on the defensive end spot. And man, does OU have options there.

Recruiting DrummBeat: 2026 Potential 5-star DT set visit Oklahoma for Sooners Under the Stars (Monday 5:00 pm)

We have hinted about it for a month, but the number 28th overall player in the 2026 class, Deuce Geralds, reconfirms to me today that he will be in Norman for Sooners Under the Stars.

That’s a HUGE visit and will Geralds’ second visit to OU in as many years, he says.

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You’ll also love what Geralds’ mother told OUinsider about Todd Bates, saying, “Anyone of my kids can go and play for that man,” she said. “We love Coach [Todd] Bates. That’s a good man right there.”

UGA has yet to offer the GAPreps DT, but he is an Ole Miss legacy and has a ton of SEC and national interest. Oklahoma has hit the ground running and will be a major player for Geralds.

We have full list forthcoming.
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