Advertise on podcast: Oklahoma at The Voice of College Football

Roger Denny Segment (0:00–30:00) Introduction & Channel Plug: Standard opener encouraging likes, subscribes, memberships ($2.99+/month), and merch at vocfb.com/shop to support the Oklahoma channel and network. Initial Reaction: Host initially neutral/skeptical (no prior opinion, surprised by the hire as an unknown name). Early "doom and gloom" due to limited college athletics experience (only ~4–5 years, mostly at Illinois as Deputy AD/Chief Operating Officer, focused on football). Background & Positives: Former corporate attorney (15+ years, expertise in contracts, executive compensation, legal matters). At Illinois: Managed ~$200M budget, led NIL strategy, secured record $100M donation (fall 2025), key in coaching contracts/negotiations, drove facility upgrades/modernization. Hire rationale: Legal/NIL expertise for evolving landscape (revenue sharing, collectives); "dog mentality" (per OU President Joe Harroz); forward-thinking vs. tradition-bound. Outside hire (no OU ties) seen as bold/"out of the box" — positive for progress in modern college athletics (NIL, future changes). Concerns: Short tenure in athletics; big shoes to fill after Castiglione's era (26 national championships, 117 conference titles across OU sports). Denny's Press Conference Quotes/Themes (host highlights these positively): Understands OU's standard/tradition ("there's only one Oklahoma"). "Not here to play small" — aggressive, championship-driven (not progress-focused). Winning matters; championships over progress. Committed to building dynasties (not just one title); won't shy away from dynasty talk. Full buy-in from coaches/players/management. NIL commitment; won't fall behind. Potential Impact (especially football): NIL infrastructure overhaul (retain stars like Mateer, Lewis, Sategna). Facilities modernization (like Illinois upgrades). Stronger contract negotiations (coaches, emerging player deals). Empower Venables/Nagy; support "all-in" mentality. 3–5 year horizon: Multiple CFP appearances, SEC titles, dynasty building (beyond one title, like Saban/Patty Gasso). Grade: B+ (strong modern fit/NIL/legal skills; needs to prove results; could rise with championships/dynasties). Fan Interaction: Asks for impressions in chat/comments; notes mixed reactions (some excited by quotes/aggression, others see hype). Mid-Episode Notes: Women's basketball update (OU leading big, 60–36); hopes for men's basketball coach search under Denny.2026 Roster Lookahead Segment (~30:00–end) Overall Optimism: 2026 roster potentially better than 2025 (strong returns, additions); defense slight dip possible but Venables' track record strong. Key Defensive Returners: LB Kip Lewis (defense "quarterback," leadership/veteran anchor). S Peyton Bowen (DB room cornerstone/leader). DE Taylor Wienke (solid starter). DTs Jayden Jackson & David Stone (interior anchors; Stone's return after portal drama praised). CBs Eli Bowen & Courtland Gillery (strong 2025 seasons). Note: Hope for Owen Hineki eligibility resolution (NCAA delay frustrating). Key Offensive Returners: QB John Mateer (best option; injury/SEC adjustment hurt 2025, but progress shown; system familiarity, growth expected). WR Isaiah Sategna (leading receiver; top SEC talent; good decision to return). OL core (young: Eddy Pierre-Louis, Ryan Fodje, Michael Fasusi; plus additions like Harris from Arkansas). RBs Tory Blalock (breakout potential, tough runner) & Xavier Robinson. K Tate Sandell (elite; Lou Groza winner; huge return despite CFP misses). Recruiting/Depth (2026 Class Highlights): QB Bo Bentley (high-upside freshman; depth/competition for Mateer). EDGE Jake Kreul ("crown jewel"; 5-star potential; early impact possible). RB Jonathan Hatton Jr. (4-star; flipped back to OU; could rotate in backfield). WRs (Jayden Petit, others like Jere Rogers, Daniel Odom; potential splash). Weakness: OL additions modest (focus on development; big 2027 class incoming). Overall: Class modest nationally (~#16), but high-upside pieces; portal additions (offense-heavy) bolster depth. QB Depth Concerns: Addressed via Bentley (future guy) & Whit Newower (staff high on him); competition healthy. Closing: Teases more offense details Tuesday; fan chat interaction; plugs like/subscribe/membership/merch. Tone: Balanced optimism (excited by Denny's forward focus, roster returns); acknowledges risks (Denny's inexperience, QB depth if injury). Heavy promotion of channel support. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Men's Basketball Segment: Reaction to Loss vs. #15 Arkansas Final Score: Oklahoma lost 79-83 to #15 Arkansas (at home in Norman). Host describes the game as an "atrocity" and "extremely disappointing," highlighting a repetitive theme for the season. Oklahoma started hot offensively in the first half, nearly flawless, building a double-digit lead (up by 13 at one point per related reports). Blew the lead late in the first half, entering halftime up only 4 points after a collapse. Second half featured back-and-forth action, lead changes, and a slow start; OU never regained control despite staying competitive. Host notes Oklahoma had chances but couldn't rally or hold leads, echoing patterns from earlier games (e.g., vs. Nebraska). Strong individual talent (e.g., transfers like Xavier Brown) visible, but lack of cohesion attributed to coaching. Calls for major change: "It's well past time" to move on from head coach Porter Moser and the staff; regime "isn't going to work" and "just not going to do it." Suggests no need to wait until season's end for changes, as postseason hopes are dim; team lacks rally capability. Conference record highlighted as poor (1-7 in SEC per host's tally, though phrasing suggests 7-1 loss streak or similar; overall disappointing with blowout losses to Florida, Alabama, etc.). Even a close loss to a ranked team feels upsetting given blown leads; questions fan support (e.g., free tickets needed). Bright side in loss: Reinforces stance on needing coaching change; wins wouldn't change underlying issues. Host reluctant to call for firings but feels it's unavoidable now; depressing to cover, questions postponing show for games. Transition & Live Chat Interactions Brief shoutouts to chat regulars (e.g., Stacey hoping for win; Jimmy agreeing on coaching; Modern Day Caveman joking about Jenny as coach). Host avoids negativity toward players; many have potential and should stay, but coaching is the core problem. Shifts to more positive topic: Oklahoma baseball, urging fans to support it over struggling basketball. Baseball Early Preview Segment (2026 Season Outlook) Excitement high: Host feels "really good" about the team, better than basketball; much stronger outlook. Recent contact with program sources; expectations are high. Key quote from insider: "Omaha. Why would we expect any less?" → Goal is at least reaching College World Series in Omaha. Host believes OU has a real shot at Omaha and even national championship contention. Betting odds mentioned: +6500 to win national title on FanDuel (good value for longshot bettors). Team strengths: Strong returning core + one of the nation's best transfer portal classes. Projected/Expected Position Players & Returners: INF: Dayton Tockey (likely catcher or versatile), Kyle Branch (2B), Jaxon Willits (SS). 3B: Open competition (e.g., Camden Johnson transfer from Wichita State, Cayden Brumbaugh as "Swiss Army knife" utility player). Catcher: Leaning toward Deiten LaChance (high praise); Brendan Brock also strong contender (both JUCO transfers lighting it up). OF: Jason Walk (star CF), Trey Gamble/Gambill (LF), Drew Dickerson (RF); Desan Harris could see time. DH/Utility: Nolan Stevens (transfer from Mississippi State; versatile, brother of OU pitching coach Grant Stevens); could pitch too. Pitching Outlook (heavily rebuilt but promising): Expected rotation pieces: LJ Mercurius/McCurious (from UNLV; wants MLB development under Skip Johnson; brother Xander committed to OU). Others: Mason Bixby (from TCU; heavily recruited), Jackson Cleveland (from Miami; high upside, mechanics tweaks expected), Cam Johnson (returner; big potential if control improves; "zip on the ball"). Closer candidates: Jason Bodin/Bowden (saw time last year; potential in pen). Additional arms: Drew Rerick (from Texas), others like Jaden Barfield, Gavin Jones (returners with promise). Freshmen/others to watch: Alec Blair (former basketball player now full-time baseball; potential impact). Overall: Solid lineup returns, strong transfers, high expectations in SEC; Skip Johnson press conference upcoming (Tuesday) for more clarity on lineup/rotation. Host promotes deeper coverage on OU Insider (U Insider), X/Twitter follows, and encourages baseball support (team had great 2025 run). Closing & Show Notes Short episode due to off-season timing and disappointing basketball game. Thanks viewers; plugs like/subscribe, membership ($2.99+/month for extras), merch at vocfb.com/shop. Presented by FanDuel; part of Voice of College Football Network. References other hosts (Chad/Tierani) on recent AD/coaching topics. This episode contrasts deep frustration with MBB (coaching-focused critique) against optimism for baseball (Omaha-or-bust mindset, transfer-heavy rebuild). Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The show, hosted by Tierani Smith and Chad Smith, covers Oklahoma Sooners updates during the offseason, with a casual, fan-focused vibe including personal anecdotes, sports rants, and fan interaction.Opening & Show Setup (0:00–3:00) Hosts introduce themselves as the Sooner Smiths; live every Monday at 7 p.m. Audio glitch with intro; casual check-in with viewers. Sponsored by FanDuel. Welcome to new and returning viewers; encourage subscriptions/memberships ($2.99+). Offseason mode: Pulling topics "out of a hat" since football is done. Basketball Updates (Women's & Men's) (3:00–12:00) Women's Basketball: Strong recent performances. Big win over South Carolina (top-tier team, #3 odds to win national title per FanDuel; Coach Dawn Staley). Exciting overtime comeback; freshman Chavez exploded (5/5 FG, multiple 3s after slow start). Hosts attended LSU and South Carolina games; great atmosphere, loud crowd. Win over Auburn (away, some lull but pulled it out). Upcoming: vs. Texas A&M (tough matchup). Men's Basketball: Frustrating skid. "Cursed" losses (e.g., Mizzou double buzzer-beater, rare in D1 history). Constant close defeats (1-2 points); poor execution (e.g., leaving time on clock). NIL struggles (near last in conference); product on court not drawing fans. Upcoming: vs. Arkansas (Buddy Hield jersey retirement, bobbleheads; Arkansas favored by only 2.5 despite OU's last-place SEC standing). Hosts support but hesitant to attend in person due to blowouts/losses. Arena/facility investment tied to better performance (women's team sells out; men's doesn't). Other OU Sports Quick Hits (12:00–14:00) Gymnastics: Beat Georgia at home; banner drop postponed for packed house. Upcoming: at Kentucky (Friday), home vs. Alabama (Feb 6). Women's team back at #1 ranking. Men's team struggles continue; frustration with close losses and bad luck. New Athletic Director: Roger Denny (18:00–35:00+) Joe Castiglione retired (announced July 2025-ish); long search ended with hiring Roger Denny (Deputy AD/COO at Illinois). Background: Former corporate attorney (15+ years; focus on compensation, tax, finance, licensing); at Illinois since 2021. Key Illinois achievements: Ticket sales/attendance growth, $100M donation (largest in school history), strong NIL strategy, football oversight. Why him? Legal expertise for NIL/contracts/collective bargaining era; experience in "disruptive" college sports landscape. No "old-school" bias; only knows NIL world. Works with Randall Stephenson (former AT&T CEO, special adviser/chair of athletics) and President Joseph Harroz Jr. Hosts' take: Not a "splashy" big name, but proactive/forward-thinking hire. Trust in process (Bob Stoops, others endorsed?); better than someone resistant to change. Emphasis on business/contracts/fundraising in new era (revenue sharing, potential regulations). Excitement for potential Crimson & Cream collective revival; broader donor access (e.g., small $5/month donations). Fans in comments: Mixed (some "who's this?"); hosts defend—most fans don't know other ADs anyway. Deion Sanders/Colorado Fines Discussion (37:00–45:00) Deion instituted fines for accountability (attendance, conduct). Full list (from team meeting): Late to practice: $500 No-show practice: $2,500 Late to meeting/film: $400 No-show meeting/film: $2,000 Late to strength/conditioning: $1,000 No-show strength/conditioning: $1,500 Late to treatment: $1,000 No-show treatment: $1,500 Team rules violation: $1,000–$2,500 (severity-based) Public/social media misconduct: $2,000–$5,000 (severity-based) Additional: Nike apparel rules (no non-Nike at team events); report legal issues quickly; damage equipment fines. Hosts support: Players get paid (NIL), so treat like pros (NFL fines similar); builds accountability/culture. Easy fix: Just show up on time/respect rules. Ideas: Use fine money for walk-ons/pizza party/raffle. Broader rant: NIL era needs responsibility; no free passes; real-world parallels (jobs, contracts). Quick Hits & Closing (End) Players returning: Punter Grayson Miller, kicker(s). Hosts' personal: Pregnancy (Tierani), snow days, dog Zeno (picked national champ correctly; hates snow). Thunder mention (injuries); random tangents (e.g., old rules like 6-on-6 basketball; men's vs. women's hoops debate). Call to action: Like, comment, retweet. Sign-off: See you next Monday; stay safe from weather. Overall tone: Relaxed, passionate, pro-Sooner with honest frustration (especially men's hoops) and optimism on new AD/fines for accountability. Short-ish offseason episode (~52 min). Boomer Sooner! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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Oklahoma Football Offseason Updates Despite the quiet calendar, Oklahoma football remains active with critical roster news and future planning: Key returners confirmed for 2026, including: Isaiah Sategna, Oklahoma’s leading receiver from 2025 QB John Matier, returning to lead the offense LB Kip Lewis, the “quarterback of the defense” Discussion on the importance of recruiting your own roster in the NIL era Why retaining top talent has become as important as portal additions Most Improved & Most Exciting Position Groups for 2026 Josh breaks down which units are poised to take major steps forward: Wide Receivers: Returning production plus key portal additions like Troll Harris and Parker Livingstone Tight Ends: A completely revamped room featuring Rocky Beers and Hayden Hansen Offensive Line: Young starters gaining experience and added depth through the portal Linebackers: Kip Lewis’s return and the addition of Cole Sullivan Defensive Backs: Continued development of Courtland Gillery and Eli Bowen Offensive Evolution & the Missing Intermediate Game Why Oklahoma’s offense struggled without a consistent medium passing game How tight ends could unlock new offensive dimensions The impact of personnel upgrades on run-game efficiency and spacing NFL-Style Roster Management Coming to Oklahoma? Breakdown of the 105-man roster rule Why Oklahoma may shift toward an NFL-style roster structure Fewer elite depth pieces, higher pay for starters How NIL economics are changing high school recruiting and player retention Oklahoma Basketball: A Difficult Conversation Men’s basketball struggles continue in SEC play Porter Moser’s record and lack of conference success Growing fan frustration and attendance concerns Comparison to Oklahoma women’s basketball success Discussion of buyout implications and program direction National Championship Talk Preview of the College Football National Championship Indiana vs Miami breakdown Fan score predictions and betting angles via FanDuel Josh’s personal connection to Indiana football and why he’s pulling for the Hoosiers Live Chat Interaction Fan questions answered throughout the show Discussion on former Sooners, portal departures, and future contributors Viewer excitement surrounding tight ends and linebacker development Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Oklahoma Sooners LIVE 197: Witten Hired & Portal Recap (1/13) features host Josh Mahler discussing the exciting hiring of NFL legend and Dallas Cowboys great Jason Witten as the Sooners' new tight ends coach, along with a detailed recap of Oklahoma's transfer portal activity as of January 13, 2026, including key additions like linebackers, offensive linemen, and tight ends to bolster the roster for the upcoming season. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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