Ryan Aber
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Winger for the Sad Pandas. Contributor for @soonersonsi. Nemesis to @3yearletterman. Formerly of The Oklahoman.
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Articles by Ryan Aber
Brent Venables on Oklahoma's QB: 'Everything is on the Table'
After Ben Arbuckles firing, Venables wasn't ready to give John Mateer a vote of confidence. Oklahoma coach Brent Venables encourages running back Lloyd Avant during the Sooners' game against South Carolina. | Carson Field / Sooners On SI NORMAN — A day after making a change at offensive coordinator, Oklahoma coach Brent Venables wasn’t ready to make any declarations about who would be the Sooners’ starting quarterback moving forward.
LeeLee Bell Fitting Right in With Oklahoma's Fast-Paced Offense
The 6-foot-3 forward adds a different element to Jennie Baranczyk's Sooners roster. LeeLee Bell pulls up against the North Carolina Tar Heels on Monday in Paris. Bell's big game helped the Sooners knock off UNC. | Used with permission: Brendall Vargas / OU Athletics It didn’t take LeeLee Bell long to get going in her collegiate debut against North Carolina on Monday in Paris. Less than a minute into No. 21 Oklahoma’s eventual 91-79 victory over the 12th-ranked Tar Heels, Bell drained a 3-pointer.
LeeLee Bell's Big-Time Debut Leads Oklahoma to Season-Opening Victory
Sahara Williams' big third quarter helped Sooners put away North Carolina. Oklahoma forward Sahara Williams, seen here against Idaho in last season's NCAA Tournament, had a big game Monday to help the Sooners open the season with a win over North Carolina in Paris. | Carson Field, Sooners On SI Welcome to the LeeLee Bell show.
Oklahoma's Keeley Parks to Miss Season
The Sooners' depth took a hit just before opening the season vs. North Carolina. Keeley Parks, shown during the 2025 Class 6A playoffs, will miss the 2026-27 season, Oklahoma basketball announced Monday. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect Oklahoma sophomore guard Keeley Parks suffered a non-contact knee injury during practice recently and will miss the 2026-27 season, the program announced Monday.
Why Oklahoma stuck with John Mateer despite calls to give backups a chance
NORMAN — The chants were much less noticeable than the “Fire Arbuckle” chants that came down just before halftime but they were definitely present.
Report card: Oklahoma struggles all around in blowout loss to South Carolina
NORMAN — Oklahoma showdown with South Carolina featured plenty of horrors for the Sooners on Saturday at Gaylord Family — Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. The Gamecocks dominated, beating Oklahoma 42-25 as the Sooners couldn't break the alternating wins and losses pattern that has held true all season. The position-by-position report card shows the complete nature of the loss Quarterback: F Mateer was only saved by an F because he didn't turn the ball over.
Oklahoma's strength becomes a weakness in loss to South Carolina
COLUMN NORMAN — Oklahoma linebacker Owen Heinecke was succinct in his summation of the Sooners' 42-25 loss to South Carolina on Saturday at Gaylord Family — Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. "Embarrassing," Heinecke said. It certainly was. Sooners coach Brent Venables ' assessment was similar. "We didn't play clean, tough, physical football like we have on defense all year," Venables said. "Obviously didn't count on that happening and put a lot of pressure on every other part of our team.
Why Oklahoma Stuck With John Mateer Despite Calls to Give Backups a Chance
Brent Venables and Ben Arbuckle both said the timing wasn't right to give Whitt Newbauer or Bowe Bentley playing time vs. South Carolina. Oklahoma quarterbacks Bowe Bentley and Whitt Newbauer prepare to face New Mexico earlier this season. Both backup quarterbacks have appeared in just one game so far this season — the season opener.
Oklahoma's Strength Becomes a Weakness in Loss to South Carolina
The Sooners' defense struggled on every level in disappointing loss. Oklahoma defensive lineman Taylor Wein (44) sits on the bench during Saturday's game between the Sooners and South Carolina at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman. South Carolina won 42-25. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect COLUMN NORMAN — Oklahoma linebacker Owen Heinecke was succinct in his summation of the Sooners' 42-25 loss to South Carolina on Saturday at Gaylord Family — Oklahoma Memorial Stadium.
Oklahoma's Strength Becomes a Weakness in Loss to South Carolina
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Report Card: Oklahoma Struggles All Around in Blowout Loss to South Carolina
The Sooners' defense had its worst performance of the season against the Gamecocks. Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer rolls to his right during the first half against South Carolina. Mateer didn't turn the ball over but struggled all day in the Sooners' loss. | Carson Field / Sooners on SI NORMAN — Oklahoma showdown with South Carolina featured plenty of horrors for the Sooners on Saturday at Gaylord Family — Oklahoma Memorial Stadium.
Turnovers and Touchdowns Key Oklahoma's Chances Against South Carolina
NORMAN — Oklahoma is looking to break a couple of trends — and continue another — when the Sooners take on South Carolina at 3:15 p.m. Saturday at Gaylord Family — Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. OU has alternated wins and losses through the first seven games of the season and over the last two seasons, the meetings with the Gamecocks have featured the road teams winning. Those are the trends the Sooners are looking to reverse.
Turnovers and Touchdowns Key Oklahoma's Chances Against South Carolina
Three bold predictions for the Sooners' showdown with the Gamecocks. Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer prepares for a snap against Mississippi State. | Carson Field / Sooners On SI NORMAN — Oklahoma is looking to break a couple of trends — and continue another — when the Sooners take on South Carolina at 3:15 p.m. Saturday at Gaylord Family — Oklahoma Memorial Stadium.
Oklahoma's Offensive Staff Coming Together Through Early Struggles
Sooners coach brent Venables said he's seen chemistry developing with the group. Oklahoma offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle walks onto the field before facing Kentucky. | Carson Field / Sooners On SI NORMAN — There’s finally a glimmer of hope with Oklahoma’s offense.
What is Oklahoma Center Jake Maikkula's Status for Saturday's Matchup With South Carolina?
The Sooners' starter was injured in the second half of last week's win over Mississippi State. Oklahoma offensive tackle Jake Maikkula prepares to face New Mexico. Maikkula was injured in last week's win at Mississippi State. | Carson Field / Sooners On SI NORMAN — The SEC released its initial availability reports Wednesday ahead of Saturday's games. That includes Oklahoma's matchup against South Carolina, which is set to kick off at 3:15 p.m. at Gaylord Family — Oklahoma Memorial Stadium.
What is Oklahoma Center Jake Maikkula's Status for Saturday's Matchup With South Carolina?
NORMAN -Oklahoma center Jake Maikkula is listed as questionable for Saturday's game against South Carolina while a pair of other offensive linemen remain out. In addition to Maikkula being listed as questionable, safety Peyton Bowen and cornerback Eli Bowen are also listed as questionable for the matchup according to the initial SEC Availability Report released Wednesday. Maikkula and Peyton Bowen were both hurt in the second half of last week's 23-15 win over Mississippi State.
Brent Venables: Parity Isn't Going Anywhere in College Football
A spate of SEC upsets this season have turned the conference and College Football Playoff races on their heads. Brent Venables following Oklahoma's 41-13 loss at Georgia. Two weeks later, the Sooners knocked off No. 1 Texas. | Carson Field, Sooners On SI NORMAN — With most teams having passed the midpoint in SEC play, and the others set to pass the mark this weekend, the race to the SEC Championship Game is murkier than it was even before the season. Upsets have made the league as wide open as ever.
Brent Venables and Co. Say Oklahoma Needs to Turn Field-Goal Tries Into Touchdowns
The Sooners have struggled to finish this season, even when they put together long drives. Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer (10) looks on during the second quarter against Mississippi State at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. | Petre Thomas | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect NORMAN — Oklahoma offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle expressed a similar sentiment Tuesday that he did after Saturday’s 23-15 win over Mississippi State.
Brent Venables: Oklahoma Must Spread the Ball Out Among Wide Receivers
At his weekly press conference, Sooners coach Brent Venables said Isaiah Sategna can't be the team's lone productive wideout. Oklahoma coach Brent Venables celebrates after a defensive stop against Mississippi State. | Carson Field / Sooners On SI NORMAN — A few days after Oklahoma's 23-15 win at Mississippi State and this Saturday's home matchup against South Carolina, Sooners coach Brent Venables held his weekly press conference Tuesday.
Oklahoma Looking to Sustain Rushing Success After Turnaround
The Sooners finally were able to move the ball effectively with Lloyd Avant and Tory Blaylock leading the way. Oklahoma running back Lloyd Avant rushes against Mississippi State. Avant helped the Sooners post a season-high rushing total. | Carson Field / Sooners On SI NORMAN — Lloyd Avant is in no mood to revel in Oklahoma’s new-found offensive success, especially when it comes to running the ball. The Sooners’ running back is turning his attention to how the Sooners can sustain that success.
Kick Off Time Set for Oklahoma's First Visit to The Swamp to Take on Florida
The Sooners will take on the No. 17 Gators on Nov. 7 in Gainesville, Fla. Oklahoma tight end Hayden Hansen tries to break a tackle against New Mexico. Hansen spent the first four season of his collegiate career at Florida before transferring to Oklahoma in the offseason. | Carson Field / Sooners On SI Oklahoma's visit to Gainesville, Fla., to take on 17th-ranked Florida will kick off at 7:45 p.m. Nov. 7 at The Swamp, the SEC announced Monday. The game will be televised on SEC Network.
Oklahoma Linebacker Earns SEC Player of the Week Honors
The Sooners' strong defensive performance against Mississippi State was awarded with an SEC weekly honor. Oklahoma's Owen Heinecke sacks Mississippi State's Kamario Taylor. | Carson Field / Sooners On SI After Oklahoma's 23-15 win over Mississippi State on Saturday, Sooners linebacker Owen Heinecke earned SEC co-defensive player of the week honors. Heinecke had a team-high 10 tackles in the victory, with a sack, two tackles for loss and a forced fumble.
PFF Grades and Snap Counts for Oklahoma's Victory Over Mississippi State Original
Isaiah Sategna and John Mateer led the way for the Sooners' offense and the defense was excellent all around. Oklahoma celebrates after Isaiah Sategna scores a touchdown against Mississippi State. | Carson Field / Sooners on SI Oklahoma's offense came to life Saturday in the Sooners' 23-15 win over Mississippi State at Davis Wade Stadium in Starkville, Miss. But the defense wasn't bad either.
Oklahoma's Offense Turns in Best Game of the Season in Sooners' win at Mississippi State Original
John Mateer limited mistakes, the run game was solid and the offensive line improved in the victory. Oklahoma defensive end Adepoju Adebawore sacks Mississippi State quarterback Kamario Taylor early in Saturday's 23-15 win over the Bulldogs. | Carson Field / Sooners on SI Oklahoma's offense took a significant step forward Saturday. It still wasn't perfect, and the Sooners still had to go down to the wire, but OU came out with a 23-15 win over Mississippi State on Saturday in Stakrville, Miss.
Tight-End Production, Great Defense and Strong Special Teams the Recipe for Oklahoma Victory vs. Mississippi State
Oklahoma will be looking to keep up the pattern that has shaped its season thus far for at least one more week when the Sooners take on Mississippi State at 2:30 p.m. Saturday at Davis Wade Stadium in Starkville, Miss. OU has alternated wins and losses in each of the first six games, including last weeks' 21-13 home loss to Kentucky. After a strong showing against Texas, last week was not a good one for the bold predictions.
What Does Friday's SEC Availability Report Mean for Oklahoma's Offensive Line?
The Sooners have had a revolving door on the offensive front this season and will start a new combination against Mississippi State. Oklahoma offensive lineman Michael Fasusi runs onto the field before the Sooners' game against New Mexico. Fasusi hasn't played since the season opener and this absence has been a signficant hole for the Oklahoma offense so far. | Carson Field / Sooners On SI Oklahoma running back Xavier Robinson will miss Saturday’s game at Mississippi State.
What Does Friday's SEC Availability Report Mean for Oklahoma's Offensive Line?
Oklahoma running back Xavier Robinson will miss Saturday's game at Mississippi State. Robinson was downgraded to out on Friday's SEC availability report ahead of the game while receiver Elijah Thomas was downgraded to doubtful. The Sooners' offensive line remains a revolving door. With Ryan Fodje and Eddy Pierre-Louis out, Oklahoma will start its sixth different group of offensive linemen in seven games when it takes on the Bulldogs at 2:30 p.m. Saturday in Starkville, Miss.
Tight-End Production, Great Defense and Strong Special Teams the Recipe for Oklahoma Victory vs. Mississippi State
Three bold predictions for Oklahoma's matchup with Mississippi State. Oklahoma Sooners tight end Rocky Beers (81) in action during the game against the UTEP Miners at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. | Kevin Jairaj | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect Oklahoma will be looking to keep up the pattern that has shaped its season thus far for at least one more week when the Sooners take on Mississippi State at 2:30 p.m. Saturday at Davis Wade Stadium in Starkville, Miss.
Which Oklahoma Defensive Position Group Grades out Best in Mid-Season Report Card?
Oklahoma's defense has been excellent this season at all three levels. Oklahoma linebacker Owen Heinecke prepares for a snap against Kentucky. | Carson Field / Sooners On SI NORMAN — With the bad out of the way with the Oklahoma offensive mid-season report card, it’s now time to turn the attention to the defense. The Sooners have been mostly excellent on defense, entering Saturday’s game against Mississippi State (2:30 p.m., SEC Network) No. 5 in FBS in total defense at 260.7 yards per game.
Jake Kreul the Latest Sign of Oklahoma's Improving Depth on Defensive Line
Depth up front was a question mark entering the season but the Sooners have answered it in a big way. Oklahoma defensive end Jake Kreul defends a pass from Kentucky's Kenny Minchey. | Carson Field / Sooners On SI NORMAN — While Oklahoma’s offensive line is being held together by duct tape and baling wire, the Sooners’ defensive front continues to be a fountain of riches.
Jake Kreul the Latest Sign of Oklahoma's Improving Depth on Defensive Line
NORMAN -While Oklahoma's offensive line is being held together by duct tape and baling wire, the Sooners' defensive front continues to be a fountain of riches. The Sooners came into the season with five relatively proven playmakers on the defensive front -David Stone and Jayden Jackson on the interior and edge rushers Taylor Wein, Adepoju Adebawore and Danny Okoye. But as the season has gone on, Oklahoma has continued to develop even more depth among the group.
Mid-Season Report Card: Oklahoma's Offense has few Bright Spots
The Sooners' offense was supposed to be improved in 2026, but the reality has looked much different. Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer gets sacked against Kentucky. Mateer has struggled with turnovers and missed opportunities in the passing game so far this season. | Carson Field / Sooners On SI NORMAN — The college football season is no longer in its early stages. Oklahoma’s 21-13 loss to Kentucky last weekend marked the midpoint of the season.
Ben Arbuckle: Ryan Fodje Remained in Game due to Lack of Depth
Arbuckle said coaches were told Fodje's injury couldn't get worse if he returned. Oklahoma defensive tackles coach Todd Bates walks off the field after losing to Michigan. | Carson Field / Sooners On SI NORMAN — Coming off a 21-13 loss to Kentucky and heading into Saturday's matchup at Mississippi State, Oklahoma coach Brent Venables was not at his regular Tuesday press conference. An athletic department spokesman said Venables was sick will flu-like symptoms.
Hayden Hansen Says Oklahoma Still Has Plenty to Play For
The tight end says he learned from his experience last season at Florida, and that the Sooners' offense is 'close'. Oklahoma tight end Hayden Hansen celebrates after catching a touchdown against New Mexico earlier this season. | Carson Field / Sooners on SI NORMAN — Hayden Hansen couldn’t help but think back to a year ago Monday night. Hansen was at Florida then, coming shortly on the heels of a stunning upset win over Texas that failed to generate positive momentum going forward. It was Oct.
Early special teams mistake costs Oklahoma in loss to Kentucky
NORMAN — There was some good thrown in amongst the bad in Oklahoma's 21-13 loss to Kentucky at Gaylord Family — Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on Saturday night. The offense looked passable at least for the most part. Manny Choice emerged as a strong weapon on the offensive side giving the Sooners a second wide receiving option they had been searching so desperately for. Jake Kreul had a coming-out party on the defensive front.
Oklahoma Freshman Jake Kreul's Breakout Game Among the Brightest Spots of Loss to Kentucky
The defensive end did things not seen for Oklahoma since Brian Bosworth more than 40 years ago. Oklahoma's Jake Kreul (98) celebrates a sack in the second half of Saturday's game between Oklahoma and Kentucky at Gaylord Family — Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla. Kreul finished with 2.5 sacks in the loss. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect NORMAN — JakeKreulwas in no celebratory mood after Oklahoma’s 21-13 loss to Kentucky.
Oklahoma's Offensive Line Remains a Mess With no Answers in Sight
Ryan Fodje's injury was the latest blow for a group that has been at the heart of the Sooners' offensive woes. Oklahoma head coach Brent Venables walks with the team before the Saturday's game between Oklahoma and Kentucky at Gaylord Family — Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Oct., 17, 2026. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect COLUMN NORMAN — Ryan Fodje couldn’t put weight on both legs late in Oklahoma’s 21-13 loss to Kentucky.
Oklahoma's Offensive Line Remains a Mess With no Answers in Sight
COLUMN NORMAN -Ryan Fodje couldn't put weight on both legs late in Oklahoma's 21-13 loss to Kentucky. The guard-turned-center-turned-left tackle gave it his absolute all and fought to remain on the field for the Sooners. But that Fodje was allowed out on the field -where he struggled to protect John Mateer, making a bad offensive line even worse -was a stunning showing of just how far away the group is from being able to be even an average group in the SEC, much less an elite one.
Early Special Teams Mistake Costs Oklahoma in Loss to Kentucky
In the positional grades, special teams, the offensive line and John Mateer took the biggest hits. Oklahoma punter Jacob Ulrich (87) throws an interception while attempting a fake field goal during the second quarter against Kentucky Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on Saturday.
Early Special Teams Mistake Costs Oklahoma in Loss to Kentucky
NORMAN -There was some good thrown in amongst the bad in Oklahoma's 21-13 loss to Kentucky at Gaylord Family -Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on Saturday night. The offense looked passable at least for the most part. Manny Choice emerged as a strong weapon on the offensive side giving the Sooners a second wide receiving option they had been searching so desperately for. JakeKreulhad a coming-out party on the defensive front.
Will Oklahoma be able to break the century mark in rushing vs. Kentucky?
NORMAN — Before the season, Oklahoma's Oct. 17 matchup with Kentucky felt like a bit of respite after an early season schedule that was one of the nation's toughest. But the Wildcats have had some serious bite under first-year coach Will Stein, knocking off No. 9 Texas A&M and No. 10 LSU over the season's first six games. No. 15 Kentucky comes to Gaylord Family — Oklahoma Memorial Stadium to face the Sooners at 6:30 p.m. Saturday.
Will Oklahoma be Able to Break the Century Mark in Rushing vs. Kentucky?
Bold predictions for Sooners' matchup with the Wildcats includes rushing mark, turnovers, and an OU milestone. Oklahoma running back Lloyd Avant prepares for a snap against Georgia. | Carson Field / Sooners On SI NORMAN — Before the season, Oklahoma’s Oct. 17 matchup with Kentucky felt like a bit of respite after an early season schedule that was one of the nation’s toughest.
Will Oklahoma be Able to Break the Century Mark in Rushing vs. Kentucky?
NORMAN - Before the season, Oklahoma's Oct. 17 matchup with Kentucky felt like a bit of respite after an early season schedule that was one of the nation's toughest. But the Wildcats have had some serious bite under first-year coach Will Stein, knocking off No. 9 Texas A&M and No. 10 LSU over the season's first six games. No. 15 Kentucky comes to Gaylord Family -Oklahoma Memorial Stadium to face the Sooners at 6:30 p.m. Saturday.
Why Jennie Baranczyk added Latricia Trammell to Oklahoma's coaching staff
NORMAN — One significant piece of Oklahoma's women's basketball team this season has yet to arrive in Norman. Latricia Trammell , who has spent nearly a decade coaching in the WNBA including two seasons as a head coach, is set to join Jennie Baranczyk 's staff in the coming days. Trammell joins the Sooners as associate head coach after the Seminole native spent last season as an assistant coach for the Chicago Sky.
Why Jennie Baranczyk Added Latricia Trammell to Oklahoma's Coaching Staff
NORMAN -One significant piece of Oklahoma's women's basketball team this season has yet to arrive in Norman. Latricia Trammell, who has spent nearly a decade coaching in the WNBA including two seasons as a head coach, is set to join Jennie Baranczyk's staff in the coming days. Trammell joins the Sooners as associate head coach after the Seminole native spent last season as an assistant coach for the Chicago Sky.
Why Jennie Baranczyk Added Latricia Trammell to Oklahoma's Coaching Staff
The longtime WNBA coach and Oklahoma native brings a different perspective to Baranczyk's staff. Then-Dallas Wings coach Latricia Trammell reacts during game one of the 2023 WNBA Semifinals against the Las Vegas Aces at Michelob Ultra Arena. Trammell was recently hired as an assistant coach at Oklahoma. | USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Connect NORMAN — One significant piece of Oklahoma’s women’s basketball team this season has yet to arrive in Norman.
What is Oklahoma CB Eli Bowen's status vs. Kentucky?
NORMAN — Oklahoma cornerback Eli Bowen and offensive tackle Michael Fasusi are each listed as "questionable" for Saturday's matchup with No. 15 Kentucky on the initial SEC availability report for the game released Wednesday. Among other Sooners listed as questionable for the game include guards Eddy Pierre-Louis and Heath Ozaeta and wide receiver Parker Livingstone Bowen was injured late last week in a walk-through before the Red River Rivalry.
Is Oklahoma More Injury-Prone Than Other SEC Teams?
SEC availability report numbers over the last two seasons show some significant trends. Oklahoma offensive lineman Michael Fasusi runs onto the field before the Sooners' game against New Mexico. Fasusi missed that game and hasn't played since the season opener against UTEP. | Carson Field / Sooners On SI NORMAN — Oklahoma’s offensive line have been regulars on the SEC availability reports over the last three years since the reports began.
What is Oklahoma CB Eli Bowen's Status vs. Kentucky?
The Sooners got good news on one offensive lineman while two other starters were listed on the availability report. Oklahoma defensive back Eli Bowen celebrates after breaking up a pass against Georgia. | Carson Field / Sooners On SI NORMAN — Oklahoma cornerback Eli Bowen and offensive tackle MichaelFasusiare each listed as "questionable" for Saturday's matchup with No. 15 Kentucky on the initial SEC availability report for the game released Wednesday.
What is Oklahoma CB Eli Bowen's Status vs. Kentucky?
NORMAN -Oklahoma cornerback Eli Bowen and offensive tackle MichaelFasusiare each listed as "questionable" for Saturday's matchup with No. 15 Kentucky on the initial SEC availability report for the game released Wednesday. Among other Sooners listed as questionable for the game include guards Eddy Pierre-Louis and Heath Ozaeta and wide receiver Parker Livingstone. Bowen was injured late last week in a walk-through before the Red River Rivalry.
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