The Oklahoma Sooners have been making serious moves this offseason, and the national media is taking notice. ESPN recently ranked every Power Four program's offseason performance, and the Sooners landed at No. 6 in the deepest, most competitive conference in college football—the SEC. That's a strong statement for a team that's still finding its footing in its new league.

So, what made Oklahoma's offseason stand out? Let's start with the headline hire: future NFL Hall of Famer Jason Witten as tight ends coach. Witten, a Dallas Cowboys legend, spent years dominating the NFL and then built a successful high school program in North Texas. Now, he's bringing that same energy to Norman. His impact was immediate—he secured a commitment from five-star tight end prospect Seneca Driver, signaling a major upgrade in recruiting. But it's not just about the future. In the spring game, Witten's room showed real progress, with Hayden Hansen and Rocky Beers proving they can both block and catch. That's a huge boost for an offense that needed more weapons.

Witten isn't the only coaching upgrade. Running backs coach Deland McCullough is widely respected as one of the best in the business. He's known for maximizing talent, even when the roster isn't stacked, and his ability to develop players is a game-changer for Oklahoma's ground game. Head coach Brent Venables has clearly prioritized staff depth, and these hires reflect a commitment to building a championship-caliber program.

Of course, no offseason is perfect. ESPN pointed to the loss of key defensive linemen—R Mason Thomas, Gracen Halton, Damonic Williams, and Marvin Jones Jr.—as a significant challenge. It's the price of success: when you develop stars, they eventually move on to the NFL. But the Sooners aren't starting from scratch. Defensive lineman David Stone is already projected as a first-round pick in the 2027 NFL Draft, and players like Jayden Jackson, Taylor Wein, and former five-star end Adepoju Adebaw are ready to step up. The foundation is strong, and the future remains bright in Norman.