Lots of adjectives have been used to describe this OU offense, but before Friday's CFP game vs Alabama, one word keeps coming to mind: fascinating.

After transferring to the Sooners from Northeastern Oklahoma A&M prior to the 2023 season, Dolby totaled 68 tackles, three sacks and two interceptions. Dolby showed flashes of excellence at OU coach Brent Venables' famed hybrid cheetah position last season before sustaining a season-ending injury.

Ohio University fired head football coach Brian Smith after an administrative review found he violated the terms of his contract through serious professional misconduct.

And Venables went back to doing what he does best — hiring himself as defensive coordinator after his protege, Zac Alley, left for West Virginia. The 2025 Sooner defense rivals the best defenses Venables coordinated at Clemson in the 2010s and at OU in the early 2000s.

"Our fans need to rest their voice this week because we're going to need every ounce from them on Friday night," said Joe Castiglione, OU Athletic Director.

Redshirt senior offensive lineman Febechi Nwaiwu’s adaptability and leadership have become key factors for OU in 2025, as it begins the College Football Playoffs on Friday.

That would be Alabama's 2024 game at OU, a 24-6 blowout that served to eliminate the Crimson Tide from College Football Playoff contention. "Their lights kind of got me last time we played,

Owen Heinecke's journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, as he navigated a remarkable path from a high school dual-sport standout to an unlikely star for the Oklahoma Sooners football team.

"He still has some soreness, so he he's not pain-free," Venables said. "From a stability standpoint, he's better than he's been (with) gripping the ball." Mateer has been using KT