Future of the Oklahoma Sooners: Three Freshmen Poised to Step Up Against Auburn
The Oklahoma Sooners’ upcoming matchup against the Auburn Tigers isn’t just another early-season test, it is a glimpse into the program’s future. With head coach Brent Venables continuing to shape his team’s roster for the SEC grind, several freshmen players are already earning opportunities to contribute on the big stage. For Oklahoma, these young players represent both immediate depth and long-term building blocks, making their performances worth watching closely. As the Sooners prepare for their Week Four matchup against the Auburn Tigers this Saturday afternoon on September 20th, 2025, three freshmen in particular stand out as potential difference-makers who could help reshape Oklahoma’s future.
Who to Watch for This Saturday
Among the newcomers to watch, three freshmen stand out as potential difference-makers for Oklahoma against Auburn. At 6’5” and 308 pounds, Offensive tackle Michael Fasusi brings size, strength, and quick feet to the trenches, offering the Sooners valuable depth against a Tigers defense that thrives on physical play up front. At 5’11” and 203 pounds, running back Tory Blaylock adds a burst of speed and playmaking ability, giving Oklahoma a change-of-pace option who can turn small openings into explosive gains. Last but not least on the defensive line, Courtland Guillory, listed at 6’0” and 183 pounds, has already flashed the power and quickness in three games necessary to disrupt opposing offenses, and his presence could help slow Auburn’s tempo-driven attack. Together, these three freshmen embody the program’s next wave of talent, young players who may not only influence Saturday’s outcome but also shape the Sooners’ future in the SEC.
Why it Matters
While the immediate focus is on Auburn, the contributions of Michael Fasusi, Tory Blaylock, and Courtland Guillory speak to something larger for Oklahoma. Brent Venables and his staff have made it clear that the path forward in the SEC requires not only veteran leadership but also early-impact freshmen capable of handling the physical and mental demands of big-time football. Saturday’s matchup offers these young players a chance to prove themselves on a national stage, and how they respond could signal just how ready the Sooners are to compete at the highest level. Win or lose, these freshmen represent more than Saturday’s storyline, they represent the foundation on which Oklahoma hopes to build its SEC identity.
