The Oklahoma Sooners, under head coach Brent Venables, are preparing for a critical 2025 season, one that carries heightened expectations and a challenging schedule as they fully integrate into the Southeastern Conference. While much attention has been placed on key transfers like quarterback John Mateer and running back Jaydn Ott, and the highly-touted offensive tackle recruits Michael Fasusi and Ryan Fodje, it is a young, talented freshman who is rapidly drawing significant attention and is poised to make a big impact early in the season: wide receiver Elijah Thomas.
Thomas, a four-star prospect from Checotah, Oklahoma, was the Sooners’ fourth-highest recruit in the most recent class and the second-best recruit from his home state. Even before the season officially begins, he has “completely stolen the show” throughout the offseason, according to reports. The buzz around Thomas stems from his exceptional athleticism, which has already sparked several big plays in practices and has the coaching staff and analysts buzzing about his potential.
His impressive track numbers, including being a state champion and bronze medalist, hint at his raw speed, which is evident on film as he projects as a deep threat. What has truly set Thomas apart, however, is not just his natural talent but his remarkable progress. Reports indicate that he is “getting better and better,” and his attention to detail has grown significantly throughout the offseason. This combination of inherent athleticism and a strong work ethic has allowed him to seemingly “carve out a significant role in the offense” even as a true freshman.
The timing of Thomas’s emergence is particularly opportune for Oklahoma. The wide receiver room reportedly struggled last season, leaving a clear need for perimeter threats to open up defenses. While transfers like Deion Burks and Isaiah Sategna are expected to play key roles, primarily in the slot, the Sooners needed an outside presence. Javonnie Gibson, another anticipated contributor, has suffered an injury setback that is likely to keep him out until the beginning of the season, creating an immediate opportunity for a talented newcomer. Elijah Thomas has apparently “answered the call.”
The comparison that has been drawn, though cautioned against by some analysts due to the immense pressure it creates, is to CeeDee Lamb. The last time a freshman wide receiver garnered this much early buzz for the Sooners, it was when Lamb first stepped onto campus, a player who, as the saying goes, “turned out pretty good.” This parallel, however informal, underscores the level of excitement and expectation surrounding Thomas’s potential.
Head coach Brent Venables and his offensive coordinator, Ben Arbuckle, are looking to rejuvenate an offense that, while previously potent, faced inconsistencies last season. The addition of an experienced quarterback in John Mateer and a potentially game-changing running back in Jaydn Ott provides a solid foundation. However, the success of the passing game heavily relies on the ability of wide receivers to create separation and make plays. Thomas’s early impact in this area could be pivotal. His speed and ability to be a deep threat will be crucial for stretching opposing defenses, which in the SEC are known for their physicality and coverage skills.
The Sooners’ 2025 recruiting class, while not reaching their usual top-ten status, was nonetheless lauded for nabbing players believed to be future impact contributors. While much of the initial attention focused on the offensive tackles Fasusi and Fodje, Thomas is proving that he might be the one to steal the spotlight earlier than anticipated. Offensive line coach Bill Bedenbaugh is known for not typically playing freshmen, but players like Fodje have the tools to push for early playing time. Similarly, in the secondary, cornerback Trystan Haynes, a top-100 recruit, could see early action given the unproven depth at that position. However, it is Thomas on the offensive side of the ball who is generating the most buzz for an immediate, significant role.
The excitement surrounding Elijah Thomas is also part of a broader cautious optimism for the Sooners in 2025. National outlets are noting that Oklahoma has made significant changes, including Brent Venables taking over as defensive play-caller and the hiring of Arbuckle. The talent is reportedly there across the roster. Analysts like FOX Sports’ Joel Klatt have even placed Oklahoma in their post-spring top-25 rankings, suggesting they are an overlooked team with high upside. While the schedule is brutal, with a “murderer’s row” of SEC opponents in the latter half of the season, the early impact of a player like Thomas could be crucial in building momentum and confidence.
For Oklahoma, a program that prides itself on offensive firepower, the rapid ascension of a young wide receiver like Elijah Thomas is a hugely positive sign. His potential to be a key playmaker, especially with his athleticism and deep-threat capability, addresses a clear need for the Sooners as they navigate the rigorous demands of the SEC. If Thomas continues to build on his offseason performances, he could indeed be a major contributor to Oklahoma’s offense even as a freshman, becoming a vital piece of their strategy to rebound and contend in the fiercely competitive conference. His development will be a key storyline to watch as the 2025 season unfolds.
