Key Sooners difference-maker ‘in a much better place’ than he was last season, hinting at bigger role for next season
Elijah Thomas seems poised to take a huge step heading into his sophomore season.
The Oklahoma Sooners brought in several key contributors in their 2025 recruiting class, getting immediate contributions from players like Michael Fasusi, Ryan Fodje, Tory Blaylock, and Courtland Guillory virtually right out the gate.
One of their top recruits last year dominated the offseason, and found himself entering the season with high expectations. However, Elijah Thomas didn’t end up contributing much offensively as a freshman, leading to many frustrated fans.
That seems primed to change heading into his sophomore season, according to Brent Venables.
Elijah Thomas taking significant strides ahead of sophomore season
Elijah Thomas is a tremendous athlete at wide receiver, drawing rare comparisons for his explosiveness as a vertical threat. However, last season, he didn’t make a ton of noise on offense. He was a tremendous special teamer, but given the Sooners’ inconsistent offensive performances, it felt like a bit of a disappointment Thomas wasn’t more involved on that side of the ball.
According to sources, Thomas hadn’t quite mastered the playbook yet, and the Sooners had more experienced players ahead of him. Given their struggles through the air, Thomas running the wrong route could have been disastrous for an offense that already couldn’t move the ball through the air. Venables seemingly confirmed that this week at spring practice.
“ET has done a really good job. He’s again, just all things considered, he played both ways in high school. Maybe wasn’t technically savvy on how to play receiver, how to get open, understanding coverages and route conversions, things like that. And he’s in a much better place than he was a year ago.”
The Sooners seemingly already have their starting three wide receivers set with Isaiah Sategna, Parker Livingstone, and Trell Harris. However, if they can keep their rotation fresh with breakout seasons from Elijah Thomas and other wide receivers like Manny Choice, Jer’Michael Carter, and freshmen like Daniel Odom, Jayden Petit, and Jahsiear Rogers, the offense’s potential could be limitless with all the talent in the room.
For now, Oklahoma seems to be cautiously optimistic about what this group could be. If they want to reach their ceiling, however, Thomas’s development will be crucial.
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