Jenni Carlson
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Sports columnist now in The Oklahoman and at oklahoman.com
Previously: jennicarlson.substack.com and YouTube.com/@Jenni-Carlson
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Articles by Jenni Carlson
Drew Mestemaker's urgency, ball security grade low for Oklahoma State football vs Tulsa
Sure seemed like things couldn’t possibly be as bad this season as they have been the past two for Oklahoma State football. But after Saturday’s 24-10 loss to Tulsa — yep, another one — the optimism took a big hit. The OSU offense scuffled along badly, and while the defense had its moments, it didn’t do enough to make up for the shortcomings of Drew Mestemaker and Co.
Oklahoma State football predictions for how Drew Mestemaker, Cowboys will fare in 2026 Original
COWBOYS College Athletics Add Topic Oklahoma State football predictions for how Drew Mestemaker, Cowboys will fare in 2026 Sept. 5, 2026, 1:58 p.m. ET It's a new era of Oklahoma State football as Eric Morris takes over in replacing longtime head coach Mike Gundy. After a 1-11 season, the Cowboys reloaded with a new roster featuring North Texas transfers in quarterback Drew Mestemaker, running back Caleb Hawkins and receiver Wyatt Young.
OU football predictions for how John Mateer, Sooners will fare in 2026
Coming off a first-round appearance in the College Football Playoff , coach Brent Venables and the OU football team open the 2026 season with a top-10 ranking and hopes to make a run an eighth NCAA football title. Quarterback John Mateer returns, as does a potent defense for the Sooners. Here's how The Oklahoman sports staff view the 2026 season playing out for the Sooners and nationally: Jenni Carlson, columnist OU MVP: John Mateer OU newcomer: Lloyd Avant OU biggest game: Nov.
Oklahoma State football vs. Tulsa live updates: Start time, TV channel for Week 1 game
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Oklahoma State football vs. Tulsa live updates: Start time, TV channel for Week 1 game Oklahoma State football vs. Tulsa live updates: Start time, TV channel for Week 1 game TULSA — Oklahoma State hired football coach Eric Morris 284 days ago. This is the most-anticipated day of the Morris era yet. The Cowboys begin their 2026 season at Tulsa's H. A. Chapman Stadium (2:45 p.m. ESPNU).
By Ben Hutchens, Joe Mussatto Verified, Jenni Carlson Verified, Jeff Patterson, Jacob Unruh Verified
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Oklahoma State football vs Tulsa live updates: Start time, TV channel for Week 1 game
Ben Hutchens Joe Mussatto Jenni Carlson Jeff Patterson Jacob Unruh The Oklahoman Updated Sept. 5, 2026, 1:31 p.m. CT TULSA — Oklahoma State hired football coach Eric Morris 284 days ago. This is the most-anticipated day of the Morris era yet. The Cowboys begin their 2026 season at Tulsa’s H. A. Chapman Stadium (2:45 p.m. ESPNU).
OU football predictions for how John Mateer, Sooners will fare in 2026
OU football predictions for how John Mateer, Sooners will fare in 2026 Updated Sept. 4, 2026, 7:47 p.m. ET Coming off a first-round appearance in the College Football Playoff, coach Brent Venables and the OU football team open the 2026 season with a top-10 ranking and hopes to make a run an eighth NCAA football title. Quarterback John Mateer returns, as does a potent defense for the Sooners.
OU football vs UTEP live updates: Start time, TV channel for Week 1 game
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OU football vs UTEP live updates: Start time, TV channel for Week 1 game OU football vs UTEP live updates: Start time, TV channel for Week 1 game NORMAN — It's game day in Oklahoma. The ninth-ranked Sooners open their 2026 college football season by hosting UTEP at 7 p.m. Friday inside Gaylord Family — Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. OU is 102-23-6 all-time in season openers and has won its last nine such contests and 15 of its last 16. The Sooners have won 20 straight home openers.
By Colton Sulley, Jenni Carlson Verified, Joe Mussatto Verified, Jacob Unruh Verified, Isa Almeida Verified
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OU football vs UTEP live updates: Week 1 game score, highlights for Sooners-Miners
7:13 pm MT 3:25 left in second quarter: OU 24, UTEP 0 | Miners digging a hole against Sooners Isa Almeida Another quick drive for UTEP ended with a 5-yard loss. The Miners called their last timeout of the half before Brady Braun's 8-yard punt went out-of-bounds at the UTEP 29-yard line.
Why Tulsa football DB Elijah Green is transfer-portal-era unicorn
Elijah Green spent some time working toward a marketing degree at Tulsa, and even though he’s changed majors, the star cornerback can still come up with a pretty good pitch on the fly. Even when it’s a pitch for himself.
How much better will Oklahoma State football be in 2026? Best-case, worst-case scenarios
Sept. 1, 2026, 5:16 a.m. CT STILLWATER — Eric Morris and his new-look Cowboys are about to start their season. What Oklahoma State football will look like in this new era is a big question. The Cowboys with Drew Mestemaker, Caleb Hawkins, Wyatt Young and a whole host of other newbies will undoubtedly be better — it’s almost impossible to be worse after a one-win season — but how much better remains to be seen. What’s the best case? What’s the worst case?
How much better will Oklahoma State football be in 2026? Best-case, worst-case scenarios
STILLWATER — Eric Morris and his new-look Cowboys are about to start their season. What Oklahoma State football will look like in this new era is a big question. The Cowboys with Drew Mestemaker, Caleb Hawkins, Wyatt Young and a whole host of other newbies will undoubtedly be better — it’s almost impossible to be worse after a one-win season — but how much better remains to be seen.
Why new Oklahoma State football sideline reporter Deion Imade is right at home
STILLWATER — Deion Imade isn’t trying to play it cool about his first game as the new sideline reporter for Oklahoma State football radio broadcasts. “Oh,” he said, “I’m gonna be nervous.”
Drew Mestemaker not being varsity starter benefited rise to Oklahoma State football QB
STILLWATER — Drew Mestemaker spent some time this summer at his alma mater, Vandegrift High School. You know, the place where he didn’t start a single varsity football game at quarterback.
Oklahoma high school football shines brighter because of rivalry trophies
Many Oklahoma high school football rivalries feature traveling trophies for the winning team. Trophies range from traditional cups to unique items like a shillelagh stick. The McIntosh County War rivalry once had a massive bell as a trophy, which was lost in the 1980s. Larry Newton wants nothing more than for Eufaula High School to take back the prize that now sits in the football coaches’ office in Checotah. To the winner of the McIntosh County War goes a tiered trophy topped by a silver cup.
Enes Kanter Freedom saw power of acceptance in OKC with Thunder. What happened? Original
Enes Kanter Freedom, formerly of the OKC Thunder, was embraced by the team, which accommodated his religious needs. Kanter Freedom has recently become an outspoken opponent of transgender athletes, particularly focusing on the WNBA. He was ejected from a WNBA game after an argument with Chicago Sky guard Natasha Cloud.
Oklahoma State football predictions 2026: Picks for every Cowboys Big 12 game, beyond
STILLWATER — Oklahoma State football is about to be in its Eric Morris Era. The start of the Cowboys’ season means the beginning of Morris’ tenure as head coach. He takes over for Mike Gundy, of course, making this the first time in more than two decades that the former Cowboy quarterback hasn't been in charge. But the new trail boss has caused a renewed optimism among OSU fans.
Oklahoma State football predictions 2026: Picks for every Cowboys Big 12 game, beyond
STILLWATER — Oklahoma State football is about to be in its Eric Morris Era. The start of the Cowboys’ season means the beginning of Morris’ tenure as head coach. He takes over for Mike Gundy, of course, making this the first time in more than two decades that the former Cowboy quarterback hasn't been in charge. But the new trail boss has caused a renewed optimism among OSU fans. The real test, though, will be the games. How many on this schedule will Morris, Drew Mestemaker and the Cowboys win?
Why Oklahoma State football return game might be making a comeback thanks to Eric Morris
Updated Aug. 21, 2026, 10:56 a.m. CT Oklahoma State's special teams coach, Drew Svoboda, plans to be more aggressive with kick and punt returns. The new approach is influenced by head coach Eric Morris, who was a returner in college and wants to score on every possession. OSU's return game has been lackluster for over a decade, with the last conventional punt return touchdown in 2014. The team has added transfer returners Chris Barnes and Miles Coleman to help revitalize its special teams.
Why Oklahoma State football's return game might be making a return Original
Oklahoma State's special teams coach, Drew Svoboda, plans to be more aggressive with kick and punt returns. The new approach is influenced by head coach Eric Morris, who was a returner in college and wants to score on every possession. OSU's return game has been lackluster for over a decade, with the last conventional punt return touchdown in 2014. The team has added transfer returners Chris Barnes and Miles Coleman to help revitalize its special teams.
Oklahoma State football fan base 'got its hope back,' according to survey Original
Dave Hudson sheltered under a quilt with his sister, the little kids trying to avoid the cold and the rain. That he failed to see much of the Oklahoma State football game their dad had brought them to didn’t matter much to Hudson. The Cowboys were terrible that long-ago season — but neither that nor the weather kept his dad from watching. “He was loyal and true,” Hudson said.
Even vs Kobe, Russell Westbrook never backed down — a legacy that lives on
Aug. 15, 2026, 7:02 a.m. ET Kobe Bryant left Oklahoma City after his lone playoff series win against the Thunder with little revelry. Instead, there was lots of relief. “Y’all some bad (expletive),” the Laker legend said that April night back in 2010. “I’m glad we’re done with you.” The reasons for that assessment were likely many. Kevin Durant’s scoring. James Harden’s playmaking. Serge Ibaka’s athleticism. Nick Collison’s toughness. Even Thabo Sefolosha’s defense.
Has OU football gotten a fair shake in scheduling during first three SEC seasons?
NORMAN — The SEC welcomed OU with open arms a few years ago, but where football scheduling was concerned, the league gave the Sooners a big ol’ kick in the pants.
Russell Westbrook retires from NBA forever beloved as OKC Thunder icon | Carlson
Updated Aug. 12, 2026, 5:28 p.m. ET Russell Westbrook skipped down the blue carpet, slapping hands and smiling wide. As happy as he looked that August afternoon a decade ago, the thousands of Thunder fans who stood in the sweltering Oklahoma heat were way more ecstatic — Westbrook was staying.
For Oklahoma State football RB Caleb Hawkins, fewer carries could mean more yards in 2026
Aug. 12, 2026, 6:31 a.m. CT STILLWATER — Caleb Hawkins carried one of the biggest workloads by any running back in college football a year ago. On one hand, it was great. “Mentally, I was ecstatic,” the Oklahoma State tailback said of his freshman season at North Texas. “It was the most excited I’ve ever been. That’s what everybody dreams of is, getting the ball on the college level.” If you purchase through our links, the USA Today Network may earn a commission.
Oklahoma State football's Drew Mestemaker is QB who refused to accept no | Carlson
STILLWATER — Drew Mestemaker remembers the day then-North Texas coach Eric Morris dispatched his quarterbacks coach to a Dallas-Fort Worth gym to watch him throw for the first time. Mestemaker remembers everything Sean Brophy said during that workout, too. Nada. “Coach Brophy just stood in the back of the gym,” Mestemaker said. “He didn't come up and ask me to do anything.” He chuckled.
Oklahoma State football's Drew Mestemaker is QB who refused to accept no | Carlson Original
Drew Mestemaker, now the Oklahoma State quarterback, did not start a single varsity game in high school. He earned a walk-on spot at North Texas after impressing coaches with his polished throwing mechanics. Mestemaker eventually became a top quarterback at North Texas before transferring to Oklahoma State. STILLWATER — Drew Mestemaker remembers the day then-North Texas coach Eric Morris dispatched his quarterbacks coach to a Dallas-Fort Worth gym to watch him throw for the first time.
Oklahoma State football RB Caleb Hawkins more confident with added weight
Oklahoma State football running back Caleb Hawkins said adding weight this offseason increased his confidence entering the Cowboys' 2026 season.
Why OKC Thunder should one day retire Lu Dort's jersey | Carlson Original
Lu Dort, a fan favorite, was recently traded from the Oklahoma City Thunder to the Atlanta Hawks. The Thunder should retire Dort's jersey, despite his modest statistics. Dort's impact on the team's culture is comparable to that of Nick Collison, the only Thunder player to have his jersey retired. Dort was a key defensive player and made significant contributions during the team's championship run.
STILLWATER — Eric Morris jammed the flip card with Oklahoma State's practice plan into his pocket and called for a football. The brand new machine designed to rocket footballs into the air for punt returners wasn't working — "All the technology petered out on us there," Morris said — and the punters were off working on another field. So, the Cowboy head coach stepped in.
Oklahoma State football practice opens with new era, energy under Eric Morris
Eric Morris has taken over as the new head coach for Oklahoma State football. Morris replaces Mike Gundy, who was fired mid-season after more than two decades as head coach. The new roster and coaching staff are largely composed of Morris's former team at North Texas and other transfers. Morris was actively involved in the team's first practice, even stepping in to punt when equipment failed.
OU football coach Brent Venables' seat has cooled, but not his intensity to succeed
NORMAN — Just as a year ago, Brent Venables stood in front of reporters on the eve of his football team starting fall camp. But unlike a year ago, the OU coach's job security wasn't as hot a topic as his seat. Coming off a double-digit win season that included an appearance in the College Football Playoff, the heat on Venables has cooled. No longer are people wondering if the Sooners are heading in the right direction after another losing season.
WNBA alum Crystal Robinson hopes to impact lives — and win big — at Langston
WNBA alum Crystal Robinson hopes to impact lives — and win big — at Langston Jenni Carlson Aug. 2, 2026, 6:30 a.m. CT LANGSTON — Crystal Robinson glanced down at the images on the shirt she was wearing. There were The Incredible Hulk, Captain America, Spider-Man and several other Marvel superheroes. One of the greatest basketball players that this state has ever produced admits to loving that universe — “Big Marvel fan,” she said — but really, she’s a fan of superheroes regardless of their lineage.
Who will make Team USA softball for 2028 Olympics in OKC? We make our predictions
Who will make Team USA softball for 2028 Olympics in OKC? We make our predictions Jenni Carlson July 27, 2026, 5:45 a.m. CT Oklahoma City, we're half way through our Olympic warmup. Canoe slalom, then softball. Just like the 2028 Olympics will be. Interestingly, the International Cup won’t have quite as many Olympic ramifications as the world championships, which is the first of nine qualifiers for canoe slalom heading into the Games. But for Team USA, the International Cup is big.
What did we learn from OKC Spark's debut season in AUSL? Here are five takeaways
Amber Flores felt prepared for her first season as a head coach in the AUSL.
Canoe slalom world championships introduces OKC to sport's gate keepers
July 24, 2026, 6:30 a.m. CT Any time Sue Natoli is getting ready to leave for another canoe slalom competition, her friends back in Australia will often tell her that they’ll look for her on the television broadcast. “Maybe I’ll see you,” they’ll say. “If you see me on TV,” she’ll tell them, “there’s big problems.”
Jessica Fox had kidney tumor removed in August. This week, she won canoe slalom gold Original
Australian canoeist Jessica Fox won a gold medal at the world championships in Oklahoma City. The win comes less than a year after she had surgery to remove a benign kidney tumor. Fox is the most decorated canoe slalom Olympian, with six medals, three of which are gold. Her recovery included rebuilding core strength and cardio after a week in the ICU. The victory positions her as a top contender for the 2028 Summer Olympics.
Lu Dort leaves Thunder after giving OKC seven seasons of defensive decadence
Brandon Ingram planted his hands on his knees, trying to catch his breath and find a reprieve from the Dorture Chamber. It was late in the second game of the Thunder’s opening playoff series against the Pelicans a couple of years ago, and Lu Dort had been assigned to New Orleans’ top scorer. When Ingram was on the floor, so was Dort. Wherever Ingram went, there was Dort.
Lu Dort leaves Thunder after giving OKC seven seasons of defensive decadence
Brandon Ingram planted his hands on his knees, trying to catch his breath and find a reprieve from the Dorture Chamber.
How we ranked Oklahoma State athletic teams for 2025-26 — and where football landed Original
After the hugs and the high-fives and the presentation of the national championship trophy, the Oklahoma State men’s cross country team had one final bit of celebrating to do.
How we ranked OU's athletic teams for 2025-26 and why football isn't No. 1
Even as Sooners were still leaping on top of the dogpile, an arm rose from the human heap with an index finger extended. Yes, it’s a gesture familiar to OU types, but on that June night in Omaha, it meant more.
How we ranked OU's athletic teams for 2025-26 and why football isn't No. 1
July 19, 2026, 6:01 a.m. CT Even as Sooners were still leaping on top of the dogpile, an arm rose from the human heap with an index finger extended. Yes, it’s a gesture familiar to OU types, but on that June night in Omaha, it meant more. OU baseball was the national champion. Our editors independently choose our recommendations. Some content is produced with paid support from a third party, however our editorial decisions remain independent.
Goose Hutchens reclassifying gives OU softball a serious offseason boost
Patty Gasso takes to social media whenever her OU softball team lands a new player. GO BOOMER, the Sooner coach will post. She puts bomb emojis where the Os would be, then adds exclamation marks. Anywhere between two and six is fairly normal.
The Minco softball bus crash hospitalized him two months. Now? 'Let's just go'
MINCO — Jordan Benge removed his navy ballcap with the script Bulldogs across the front, then pointed to the side that usually sits near his left ear. “I think I got a little bit of yellow on my hat there,” he said.
How OKC’s whitewater center operates as 2028 Olympic canoe slalom venue
Summary: Riversport executive director Chris Sorensen explains facility operations Okc whitewater uses 8.5 million gallons of treated city water Omniflots enable rapid course adjustments for competitions From the hill in the middle of the McClendon Whitewater Center, Chris Sorensen watched a raft maneuver through the rapids, chutes and eddies of the south channel. “Got a swimmer,” he said. Sure enough, one of the raft’s riders had been dumped into the water.
How will 2028 Olympic canoe slalom venue work? A look inside OKC's whitewater center
From the hill in the middle of the McClendon Whitewater Center, Chris Sorensen watched a raft maneuver through the rapids, chutes and eddies of the south channel.
Olympics volunteer recalls 1984 LA experience, hopes for repeat in OKC
Olympics volunteer recalls 1984 LA experience, hopes for repeat in OKC Jenni Carlson July 14, 2026, 5:17 a.m. CT Camie Hayes watched as hundreds of white balloons rose into the Los Angeles sky. Balloons that she moved and tended and prepared. That was one of her volunteer duties before the Opening Ceremony of the Los Angeles Olympics back in 1984. But until a few years ago when the entire broadcast became available on YouTube, she hadn’t actually seen the balloons launch.
Why is 2028 Olympic canoe slalom in OKC? It started with a 'crazy idea'
Gary Marrs looked at his boss and wondered if he was being set up. Then an assistant to Oklahoma City mayor Kirk Humphreys, Marrs had known his boss for years because of a lengthy career with the Oklahoma City Fire Department. The sheepish look on Humphreys’ face told Marrs something was amiss.
Canoe slalom 101: Everything you need to know about the Olympic sport coming to OKC
Canoe slalom is coming to Oklahoma City not only during the Summer Olympics in 2028 but also for the world championships later this month. The ICF Canoe Slalom World Championships will be July 20-25 at the McClendon Whitewater Center, and as the first qualifying event for the 2028 Olympics, the best in the world will be competing in the shadow of downtown OKC.
Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark missteps on Brendan Sorsby unnecessary, unseemly Original
And his missteps came in the most public of places. Didn’t have to be that way either. Earlier this week, at Big 12 Football Media Days, the conference commissioner opened the proceedings with his annual state-of-the-league address. Yormark’s scripted remarks offered no mention of Brendan Sorsby. No acknowledgement of the transfer quarterback who has admitted to betting repeatedly on his old team but who was supported wholeheartedly by his new team, Texas Tech.
Thunder rookie Aday Mara may benefit from Michigan's OKC-esque defense
Mike Boynton has no way of knowing if Aday Mara will become a Wemby stopper. Or if the new Thunder big man will become an All-NBA defender. Or if he will even become a starter. No one knows any of that.
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