By local beat reporter, The Norman Transcript
A New Era Begins in Norman: Steve Taylor Takes Command
It became official this week: Steve Taylor, an ascending offensive mind with a reputation for innovation, signed a 2-year contract to become the next head coach of the Oklahoma Sooners. Expectations were set early and clearly — eight wins per season or risk the hot seat — a reflection of the high standard in Norman and the immediate pressure that comes with leading a program of this caliber.
Taylor brings a modern Spread offense and a structured Base 4–3 defense, signaling a shift toward tempo, space, and disciplined athleticism. In his opening remarks, Taylor said the Sooners’ identity would be rooted in “development, detail, and dangerous speed.”
Roster Foundation Laid Through Aggressive Redshirting
Coach Taylor wasted no time shaping the roster to his long-term vision, announcing a bold list of 22 redshirts — one of the largest in recent program memory. Notable among them were high-upside freshmen such as QB Michael Hawkins Jr., HB Taylor Tatum, TE Davon Mitchell, and a deep core of young offensive linemen and defensive front-seven players.
This developmental approach points toward two objectives:
- Build sustainable depth for 2025 and beyond.
- Ensure immediate stability in Taylor’s first campaign.
Depth Chart Finalized: Arnold, Stutsman, Bowman Lead the 2024 Charge
With redshirts set, Taylor unveiled his starting lineup for 2024 — a blend of proven veterans and ascending underclassmen.
Offense
- QB: SO Jackson Arnold steps in fully as the face of the program.
- HB: RS SO Gavin Sawchuk anchors the run game with elusive burst.
- WR Corps: Thompson, Pettaway, and Burks give Oklahoma a speed-driven vertical trio.
- TE: RS JR Bauer Sharp provides size and reliability over the middle.
- OL: A veteran tackle duo with Tarquin and Taylor, while RS FR Ozaeta brings youth to the interior.
Defense
- Edge Rush: Adebawore and R-Mason Thomas form an explosive pass-rush tandem.
- Interior: Williams and Halton provide stout run defense.
- Linebackers: SR Danny Stutsman returns to anchor the defense, flanked by McCullough and Kip Lewis.
- Secondary: Makari Vickers and Woodi Washington headline a defensive backfield supported by elite talents Billy Bowman Jr. and Robert Spears-Jennings.
Specialists Tyler Keltner (K) and Luke Elzinga (P) round out the starting 22.
2024 Recruiting Board Announced: Taylor Focuses on Regional Speed & Power
Taylor delivered his first recruiting board — a balanced, positionally diverse set of targets with strong Texas and Oklahoma pipelines.
Headliners include:
- ⭐⭐⭐⭐ HB Diego Mughelli, a powerful downhill runner.
- ⭐⭐⭐⭐ WRs Graham Sumner & Stephen Maggitt, two field-stretching playmakers.
- ⭐⭐⭐⭐ RT Joey Magana, a foundational piece for future O-lines.
- ⭐⭐⭐⭐ DT Mohammed Ezukanma, a disruptive interior force.
- ⭐⭐⭐⭐ DEs Antonio Keenoy & Jason Doucet, elite in-state pass rushers.
- ⭐⭐⭐⭐ SS Sean Upshaw, a physical run-support enforcer.
- ⭐⭐⭐⭐ CB Enrique Graves, sticky in man coverage.
- Sleeper 3-star K Dennis Spann, an accuracy-first specialist.
Taylor’s first board emphasizes athleticism, trench depth, and a return to regional dominance — resembling classic Oklahoma recruiting philosophy with a modern evaluation lens.
2024 Oklahoma Football Schedule Released
One thing became clear as soon as the schedule dropped: Steve Taylor’s introduction to SEC football will not be gentle.
Oklahoma faces five preseason Top-15 opponents, including national powers Texas, Ole Miss, Missouri, Alabama, and LSU — several of them on the road.
Full 2024 Schedule:
- Week 0: BYE
- Week 1: at Temple
- Week 2: at Houston
- Week 3: vs Tulane
- Week 4: vs #15 Tennessee (SEC)
- Week 5: at Auburn (SEC)
- Week 6: BYE
- Week 7: vs #3 Texas (SEC)
- Week 8: vs South Carolina (SEC)
- Week 9: at #5 Ole Miss (SEC)
- Week 10: vs Cincinnati
- Week 11: at #10 Missouri (SEC)
- Week 12: BYE
- Week 13: vs #6 Alabama (SEC)
- Week 14: at #13 LSU (SEC)
- Week 15: BYE
- Week 16: SEC Championship (TBD)
It is, without doubt, one of the toughest schedules in the nation.
Looking Ahead
With camp underway, Taylor and the Sooners will turn their focus toward installing the Spread offense, tightening defensive communication, and finalizing substitution rotations before the season opener at Temple.
It’s a new era — and with a young roster, a demanding schedule, and sky-high expectations, the Sooners are poised for a season filled with pressure, growth, and opportunity.
