As the 2025 college football season approaches, the University of Oklahoma is ramping up its preparations with an array of exciting updates, not the least of which is the upcoming Crimson Combine scheduled for this Saturday. This event is one of the most highly anticipated on the school’s football calendar, as it brings together prospective recruits, current players, and coaches for an inside look at the future of the Oklahoma football program. However, the University has recently announced a series of changes to the event, which are expected to have a significant impact on its format, schedule, and overall purpose.
The Crimson Combine has long been a key element of Oklahoma’s recruiting process. In previous years, it served as an event that allowed high school recruits to showcase their skills and for coaches to evaluate potential talent up close. But this year, the combine is undergoing some notable transformations, with the aim of creating a more comprehensive and impactful experience for both players and staff. These changes are designed to enhance the event’s effectiveness in evaluating recruits, fostering relationships with high school programs, and giving fans a more interactive and engaging experience.
One of the first changes that fans and participants will notice is the expanded scope of the event. This year’s Crimson Combine will not only feature drills and athletic tests designed to assess the raw physical abilities of prospective recruits, but it will also include an array of position-specific drills. These drills are expected to offer a more detailed evaluation of each player’s technical skills and football IQ, allowing coaches to gain deeper insights into a recruit’s potential fit within Oklahoma’s system. This added layer of complexity reflects the coaching staff’s evolving approach to scouting, one that goes beyond raw athleticism and considers how recruits might contribute to the team’s long-term success.
Oklahoma’s head coach, who has been vocal about his commitment to ensuring the program’s sustained success, emphasized that the focus on position-specific drills stems from the desire to create a more comprehensive and well-rounded evaluation process. “We’re looking for players who can not only perform at a high level but also exhibit the mental sharpness and adaptability needed to succeed in our system,” he explained. “The more we can assess a player’s ability to thrive in specific positions, the better equipped we will be to make informed decisions about their future with our program.”
In addition to the on-field changes, the University has also revised the schedule for the Crimson Combine. Traditionally held over a single day, the event has now been extended into a two-day format. The expanded schedule will allow for more in-depth evaluations, as well as more opportunities for coaches to interact with recruits and their families. It also gives the event the flexibility to host a larger number of participants, as well as accommodate more staff members for detailed feedback and analysis. The two-day structure is part of the university’s broader effort to provide recruits with a more personalized and comprehensive experience during their visit.
Another significant change that will impact the Crimson Combine this year is the increased involvement of current players. As part of the revamped event, a number of key players from Oklahoma’s current roster will be on hand to engage with recruits and help facilitate various drills and exercises. This provides an excellent opportunity for high school athletes to get a first-hand look at the expectations and culture of the program while also interacting with players who have gone through the process themselves. Oklahoma’s coaching staff is eager to incorporate its current players into the recruiting process in order to highlight the team-oriented atmosphere that is central to the program’s identity.
These interactions will not only give recruits a sense of what it’s like to be a part of the Oklahoma football team but also allow current players to take on leadership roles. Several players who have emerged as key leaders on the team, such as returning captains and standout performers, are expected to participate in the combine. Their involvement serves to reinforce the idea that Oklahoma’s program is built on strong, supportive relationships both on and off the field. The opportunity for recruits to see this dynamic in action is something that Oklahoma’s coaching staff believes will help make the event more meaningful and impactful.
Moreover, the two-day event will feature additional educational sessions for recruits and their families. These sessions will cover various topics, including the recruiting process, life as a student-athlete, and the expectations that come with being a part of a high-caliber football program like Oklahoma’s. The University recognizes that the recruiting process is about more than just assessing physical ability; it’s also about ensuring that recruits understand what it means to be a part of a top-tier college football program, both academically and athletically.
Throughout the two days, recruits and their families will have the chance to learn more about the support systems available to student-athletes, from academic advising to health and wellness services. This information is crucial for prospective athletes who may be considering a future at Oklahoma, as it helps them make an informed decision about their commitment. The goal is to provide recruits with a holistic view of what it takes to succeed at the University, ensuring that they not only excel on the field but also thrive in the classroom and beyond.
For the coaching staff, these changes are not just about enhancing the recruiting process—they also serve to emphasize Oklahoma’s commitment to transparency and communication. By providing detailed evaluations of recruits and offering insights into the program’s culture and expectations, the University hopes to foster stronger relationships with high school programs and ensure that both recruits and their families have a clear understanding of what they can expect during their time at Oklahoma.
The additional changes to the Crimson Combine also reflect a broader trend within college athletics, where schools are placing more emphasis on creating a positive experience for recruits, particularly in terms of transparency and engagement. As the competition for top recruits intensifies, universities are increasingly recognizing the importance of not only evaluating talent but also cultivating strong, lasting relationships with potential players. In this sense, the revamped Crimson Combine serves as a model for how recruiting events can evolve to meet the changing needs of both athletes and schools.
One of the most notable changes that will affect both recruits and fans is the introduction of a more interactive fan experience. Historically, the Crimson Combine has been an event largely focused on recruits and coaching staff, with limited opportunities for fans to get involved. This year, however, the University has taken steps to make the event more inclusive, offering fans a chance to attend and engage with the action. The two-day format allows for more fan-friendly activities, including live stream access to some of the drills and behind-the-scenes footage, as well as fan meet-and-greets with players and coaches. The goal is to give fans an up-close look at the future of the Oklahoma football program, while also strengthening the connection between the team and its supporters.
Oklahoma’s decision to open up the event to fans is indicative of the growing trend of fan engagement within college athletics. It recognizes that the recruiting process is not just about bringing in the best talent but also about creating a sense of community and excitement around the program. By involving fans in the Crimson Combine, the University hopes to build anticipation for the upcoming season and generate enthusiasm for the future of Oklahoma football.
, the changes announced for the Crimson Combine this year reflect a broader shift in the way that recruiting events are conducted at Oklahoma and across the college football landscape. By expanding the scope of the event, incorporating position-specific drills, adding educational sessions for recruits and their families, and enhancing the fan experience, the University of Oklahoma is positioning itself as a leader in modern college football recruiting. These changes are designed to ensure that the program continues to attract top-tier talent while also fostering a culture of transparency, engagement, and support. As the Crimson Combine approaches, it is clear that this year’s event will not only provide valuable insights into the future of Oklahoma football but also offer a glimpse of the evolving landscape of college football recruiting as a whole.