Oklahoma Sooners: Key Early Enrollees for the 2025 Football Season
As the Oklahoma Sooners gear up for the 2025 football season, they’ve made a concerted effort to build a strong roster, particularly with the arrival of new talent. A few standout players have enrolled early, giving them a head start on their college careers. These early enrollees are integral to the Sooners’ future, especially with the team’s transition into the Southeastern Conference (SEC), where they will face increased competition. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most significant early enrollees and how they could impact the team.
1. Michael Fasusi – Offensive Tackle (5-Star Recruit)
One of the most highly anticipated early enrollees for the Sooners is Michael Fasusi, a 5-star offensive tackle from Lewisville, Texas. Fasusi stands 6’5” and weighs 295 pounds, and is widely considered one of the top offensive tackle prospects in the 2025 class. His recruiting process was highly competitive, with offers from major programs like Texas, Alabama, and Texas A&M, but he ultimately chose Oklahoma to continue his football development.
Impact on the Team: Fasusi’s enrollment this spring means he will have the opportunity to train with the Sooners’ offensive line coaches and compete for a starting position immediately. The Sooners’ offensive line has been a focus of improvement in recent years, and Fasusi’s athleticism and size could provide an immediate boost to the front line, whether as a starter or a key rotational piece in the line.
2. Ryan Fodje – Offensive Tackle
Another notable offensive line recruit is Ryan Fodje, a 6’5” and 275-pound tackle from Cypress, Texas. While not as highly ranked as Fasusi, Fodje is still regarded as a top-tier prospect with a ton of potential. His early arrival gives him a chance to learn the nuances of collegiate play before the season kicks off, positioning him to contribute either in a backup role or potentially as a starting player.
Impact on the Team: Fodje has the size and frame to compete at the SEC level, and his development will be crucial for the Sooners as they aim to build depth along the offensive line. His early enrollment allows him to adapt to the speed and physicality of college football, ensuring he’s ready when the season begins.
3. Tory Blaylock – Running Back
The Sooners also landed a highly touted running back in Tory Blaylock, a 5’11”, 175-pound playmaker from Houston, Texas. Blaylock is the son of former NFL running back Derrick Blaylock and had a standout high school career, where he displayed impressive speed and agility. His early enrollment gives him a chance to prove himself in a competitive backfield.
Impact on the Team: With Oklahoma’s running back position being a key area of focus, Blaylock has the opportunity to impress coaches and potentially earn a significant role. His father’s NFL pedigree also adds a level of intrigue, as he has likely been taught the fundamentals of the game from an early age. With the Sooners transitioning to the SEC, having a dynamic back like Blaylock could be crucial to the team’s offensive balance.
4. Elijah Thomas – Wide Receiver
Oklahoma’s passing game could see a major lift with the addition of Elijah Thomas, a 6’0”, 185-pound wide receiver from Checotah, Oklahoma. Thomas is known for his ability to stretch the field and make big plays, and he had an outstanding high school career, amassing over 1,800 yards and 26 touchdowns in his senior season. His decision to enroll early allows him to fine-tune his skills and develop chemistry with the Sooners’ quarterbacks.
Impact on the Team: With OU’s wide receiver corps needing new talent to fill the shoes of former stars, Thomas could be a key contributor. His skill set makes him an ideal fit for a high-octane offense, and an early start at OU will help him build rapport with the team’s offensive leaders. The wide receiver spot will be highly competitive this spring, and Thomas has the tools to make an immediate impact.
5. Courtland Guillory – Defensive Back
On the defensive side of the ball, Courtland Guillory, a 6’0”, 170-pound cornerback from Houston, Texas, is one of the Sooners’ top defensive recruits. Guillory’s early enrollment allows him to get a jump start on the mental and physical demands of playing in the Big 12 and beyond. He is known for his ball skills and ability to read offenses, which could make him a strong asset to Oklahoma’s secondary.
Impact on the Team: With the Sooners aiming to strengthen their defensive backfield, Guillory could see significant playing time early on. His ability to cover wide receivers and contribute to defensive schemes will be crucial, especially as OU faces increasingly potent offenses in the SEC. The defensive backfield will be a key area of competition, and Guillory’s early arrival will help him get up to speed quickly.
6. Maliek Hawkins – Defensive Back
Maliek Hawkins, a 6’2”, 180-pound cornerback from Dallas, Texas, is another important defensive addition for the Sooners. Hawkins is the younger brother of quarterback Michael Hawkins Jr., who is also part of the Sooners’ 2025 class, and his early enrollment will allow him to train alongside his brother and the other defensive backs.
Impact on the Team: Hawkins’ size and physicality give him an edge in the defensive backfield, particularly against larger, more physical receivers that the Sooners will face in the SEC. His ability to come in and challenge for a spot in the secondary could be a difference-maker for OU’s defense in 2025.
7. CJ Nickson – Edge Rusher
Oklahoma’s defensive line is another area that has received a significant boost with the early enrollment of CJ Nickson, a 6’5”, 240-pound edge rusher from Weatherford, Oklahoma. Nickson has been regarded as a dynamic pass rusher and has the potential to make an immediate impact on the Sooners’ defense.
Impact on the Team: The edge rusher position is critical for Oklahoma, especially as they transition into the SEC, where physicality and the ability to rush the quarterback will be even more important. Nickson’s arrival in the spring will allow him to work on his technique and prepare for a key role in the defense. If he can develop quickly, he could be one of the standout defensive players in 2025.
8. Marcus James – Linebacker
Finally, Marcus James, a 6’3”, 205-pound linebacker from Oklahoma City, adds depth to the Sooners’ linebacker corps. James is known for his physicality and his ability to cover a lot of ground on the field. As an early enrollee, he’ll have the opportunity to prove himself in spring practice and develop the skills necessary to contribute in his freshman season.
Impact on the Team: With Oklahoma’s defense looking to improve its speed and athleticism, James’ skill set could be valuable in both coverage and run-stopping situations. His ability to quickly adapt to college football will be key as the Sooners face a more demanding schedule.
Conclusion:
The Sooners’ early enrollees for the 2025 season bring a mix of talent, potential, and readiness to compete at a high level. The players mentioned here, from offensive line prospects like Michael Fasusi and Ryan Fodje to defensive standouts like Courtland Guillory and CJ Nickson, represent the future of Oklahoma football. These young athletes have the opportunity to make an immediate impact, and their early enrollment gives them the time needed to develop their skills and adjust to the collegiate level.
As Oklahoma prepares for its move to the SEC, the contributions of these early enrollees will be critical in ensuring that the team remains competitive. With a focus on both offense and defense, these recruits are set to be a big part of the Sooners’ success in the upcoming seasons. For fans, it’s an exciting glimpse into the future of Oklahoma football, with a fresh crop of talent that promises to elevate the program to new heights.