Oklahoma 2025 Football Opponent Preview: Kent State Golden Flashes.

The Oklahoma Sooners’ 2025 football schedule features an intriguing early-season matchup against the Kent State Golden Flashes, a program looking to redefine its identity in the Mid-American Conference under a new regime. While the game may seem like a lopsided affair on paper, it presents both a chance for Oklahoma to fine-tune its roster and for Kent State to test its mettle against one of college football’s perennial powerhouses.

Kent State enters the 2025 season still in the thick of a rebuilding process. After multiple coaching changes in recent years and a series of disappointing seasons, the Golden Flashes are hoping that stability and player development will finally yield competitive results. Under second-year head coach Kenni Burns, who took the reins in 2024, the program has emphasized a more physical brand of football, aiming to control the line of scrimmage and make strides on both sides of the ball. The Golden Flashes’ current roster is a mix of returning veterans and new talent brought in through the transfer portal, as Burns has leaned heavily on retooling the depth chart with players who can execute his vision immediately.

Offensively, Kent State will rely on a ground-heavy scheme led by sophomore running back Trell Carter, a breakout performer from last season who rushed for nearly 900 yards behind an offensive line that showed flashes of promise. The quarterback situation is still somewhat fluid, with sophomore Preston Alexander and transfer senior Jared Mitchell competing for the starting role throughout the offseason. Mitchell, who previously played at FCS powerhouse South Dakota State, brings maturity and poise, while Alexander offers more athleticism and a stronger arm. Whoever wins the job will face a steep challenge against Oklahoma’s fast, aggressive defense, but both QBs should gain invaluable experience in the process.

Defensively, the Golden Flashes have emphasized increased speed and discipline after finishing near the bottom of the MAC in most statistical categories last season. Sophomore linebacker DeShawn Riggins returns as the leader of the unit after registering 82 tackles and 3 sacks in 2024. He’s expected to anchor a revamped front seven that includes JUCO transfer defensive end Marcus Hall and returning senior nose tackle Jake Vannett. In the secondary, the Flashes are counting on junior safety Nolan Simmons and freshman standout cornerback Keon Graves to help slow down explosive plays and add depth in the back end.

For Oklahoma, this game will be more than just a warmup—it’s an opportunity to identify strengths and weaknesses before SEC play intensifies. Head coach Brent Venables will be looking to continue the upward trajectory of the program following a strong 2024 campaign and top-tier 2025 recruiting class. With a deep roster loaded with elite talent, the Sooners are expected to use the Kent State matchup as a platform to test out schemes, rotate personnel, and sharpen execution across all three phases of the game.

On offense, Oklahoma boasts a wealth of firepower. Quarterback Jackson Arnold is entering his second season as the full-time starter and has already proven to be one of the most dynamic passers in the country. His connection with All-American wide receiver DeAndre Moore Jr. could be a highlight against a Kent State defense that struggled to contain explosive plays last season. Behind Arnold, the running back duo of Gavin Sawchuk and Jayden Limar should find ample room to operate behind one of the best offensive lines in college football.

Defensively, Oklahoma’s front seven could make life extremely difficult for Kent State’s offense. The Sooners are anchored by All-SEC defensive end Adepoju Adebawore and linebacker Kip Lewis, both of whom bring intensity, versatility, and game-breaking potential. The secondary, led by cornerback Gentry Williams and safety Peyton Bowen, will test Kent State’s ability to stretch the field and remain poised under pressure.

While Oklahoma is the clear favorite and will likely enter the game as a heavy favorite, the matchup provides plenty of upside for both programs. For Kent State, it’s an invaluable measuring stick. The experience of playing in a hostile environment against one of the most tradition-rich programs in the sport offers a window into what it takes to compete at the highest level. It also serves as a motivator for internal growth as the Golden Flashes look to climb the MAC standings and build for the future.

For the Sooners, the Kent State game offers a strategic checkpoint in the early stages of what is expected to be a playoff-contending season. It provides coaches with a real-game evaluation of younger players, especially on defense, and a chance to fine-tune their depth chart before diving into the SEC gauntlet. The game also helps to build rhythm, timing, and confidence for the offense before tougher challenges await.

Another storyline to keep an eye on is the culture and character of both programs. Oklahoma is trying to reestablish itself as a dominant force in the SEC and national picture, while Kent State is aiming to forge a new identity and establish a foundation that can lead to future success. How each team approaches this game mentally and emotionally will speak volumes about their leadership and preparation.

There’s also a layer of historical intrigue to this game. Though Kent State and Oklahoma don’t share much football history, matchups like these have a way of adding depth to college football’s ever-evolving landscape. It’s a reminder of the wide disparity in resources, exposure, and tradition across the sport, but also of the shared passion and competitive spirit that unite programs at every level.

Ultimately, this matchup is a convergence of two teams at very different stages in their journeys. Oklahoma is chasing national glory, aiming to make a statement with each performance. Kent State, meanwhile, is working to escape the basement of the MAC and build a team that can compete consistently. While the scoreboard may favor the Sooners, the game itself offers development, lessons, and a chance for both programs to learn more about themselves.

As the 2025 season unfolds, games like Oklahoma versus Kent State provide essential context. They help shape storylines, reveal depth and resilience, and offer a snapshot of where teams stand and where they aspire to go. Whether it’s the roaring energy of Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium or the gritty resolve of an underdog looking to prove something, this game reflects the heart of college football: passion, preparation, and the pursuit of progress.