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Brent Venables praises Trent Wilson's rapid development
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- Brent Venables praises Trent Wilson's rapid development
The Oklahoma Sooners will face the No. 2 Georgia Bulldogs for the first time as an SEC member on Saturday. They might have to do so without one of their star players.
Defensive tackle David Stone was injured in practice on Monday . Head coach Brent Venables gave a positive update at his weekly press conference, saying Stone may not miss any time, although it's too early to tell. That means players like Trent Wilson might have to step up.
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The sophomore is a former four-star recruit who has three tackles and half a tackle for loss in his career. Still, Venables sees a potential star in Wilson.
"He's all fired up," Venables said. "There's a play; we had a little five-man front, and he jumped the rock, was in the backfield, wreck shop... That play, to me, that's what his best football looks like. If you do it once, you can do it over and over and over. Our job, his job, and our job is to get him to play that way consistently... He's super coachable. He responds well. He takes responsibility. He's not thin-skinned... When you are willing to hear the truth, and you receive it the right way, and then you're coachable, and you are willing to put the work in, good things happen. They are happening in real time for Trent Wilson."
Whether Stone plays or not, that development could matter for Oklahoma beyond Saturday. The Sooners need their defensive line to remain deep and productive throughout SEC play, and Wilson appears to be one of the players Oklahoma believes can help make that happen. Georgia could give him his biggest opportunity yet to show Venables' confidence is warranted.
Oklahoma coach Brent Venables talks with New Mexico coach Jason Eck before a college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the New Mexico Lobos at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026.
(BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) and coach Brent Venables talk after a play during a college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the New Mexico Lobos at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026. Oklahoma won 14-6.
(BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Oklahoma Sooners linebacker James Nesta (47) and Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Owen Heinecke (38) bring down New Mexico Lobos wide receiver Jacob Maldonado (16) during a college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the New Mexico Lobos at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026. Oklahoma won 14-6.
(BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Sep 19, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman Adepoju Adebawore (34) and Oklahoma Sooners defensive back Peyton Bowen (22) tackle New Mexico Lobos quarterback Toa Fa'avae (13) during the second half at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 19, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman David Stone (0) reacts during the second half against the New Mexico Lobos at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 19, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive back Peyton Bowen (22) reacts during the second half against the New Mexico Lobos at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oklahoma Sooners running back Lloyd Avant (9) fights off New Mexico Lobos safety Kevin Longstreet (20) during a college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the New Mexico Lobos at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026. Oklahoma won 14-6.
(BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Oklahoma coach Brent Venables walks off the field after a college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the New Mexico Lobos at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026. Oklahoma won 14-6.
(BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) walks off the field after a college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the New Mexico Lobos at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026. Oklahoma won 14-6.
(BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Sep 19, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) calls a play in the huddle during the second half against the New Mexico Lobos at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 19, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle reacts during the second half against the New Mexico Lobos at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 19, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Owen Heinecke (38) and Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman Danny Okoye (16) tackle New Mexico Lobos quarterback Toa Fa'avae (13) during the second half at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 19, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver Isaiah Sategna III (1) catches a touchdown pass past New Mexico Lobos safety Drew Speech (12) during the second half at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 19, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman Wyatt Gilmore (42) runs onto the field with the American flag before the game against the New Mexico Lobos at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 19, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners linebacker James Nesta (47) leaps but cannot bat down a pass by New Mexico Lobos quarterback Toa Fa'avae (13) during the second quarter at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 19, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; New Mexico Lobos wide receiver Bailen George (81) makes a catch as Oklahoma Sooners defensive back Eli Bowen (23) defends during the second quarter at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 19, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners head coach Brent Venables reacts during the second quarter against the New Mexico Lobos at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 19, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners tight end Hayden Hansen (89) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the second quarter against the New Mexico Lobos at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 19, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners tight end Hayden Hansen (89) catches a touchdown pass past New Mexico Lobos linebacker Jaxton Eck (6) during the second quarter at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 19, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) runs with the ball as New Mexico Lobos safety Austin Brawley (0) defends during the first quarter at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 19, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners tight end Hayden Hansen (89) breaks the tackle of New Mexico Lobos linebacker Mercury Swaim (2) to score a touchdown during the second quarter at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 19, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman Adepoju Adebawore (34) reacts during the first quarter against the New Mexico Lobos at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 19, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) throws during the first quarter against the New Mexico Lobos at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Best photos from Oklahoma Sooners 14-6 win over New Mexico
Oklahoma coach Brent Venables talks with New Mexico coach Jason Eck before a college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the New Mexico Lobos at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026.
(BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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Best photos from Oklahoma Sooners 14-6 win over New Mexico
Oklahoma coach Brent Venables talks with New Mexico coach Jason Eck before a college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the New Mexico Lobos at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026.
(BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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Oklahoma sticking with John Mateer at quarterback
Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) and coach Brent Venables talk after a play during a college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the New Mexico Lobos at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026. Oklahoma won 14-6.
(BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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Best photos from Oklahoma Sooners 14-6 win over New Mexico
Oklahoma Sooners linebacker James Nesta (47) and Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Owen Heinecke (38) bring down New Mexico Lobos wide receiver Jacob Maldonado (16) during a college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the New Mexico Lobos at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026. Oklahoma won 14-6.
(BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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Best photos from Oklahoma Sooners 14-6 win over New Mexico
Sep 19, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman Adepoju Adebawore (34) and Oklahoma Sooners defensive back Peyton Bowen (22) tackle New Mexico Lobos quarterback Toa Fa'avae (13) during the second half at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Best photos from Oklahoma Sooners 14-6 win over New Mexico
Sep 19, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman David Stone (0) reacts during the second half against the New Mexico Lobos at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Best photos from Oklahoma Sooners 14-6 win over New Mexico
Sep 19, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive back Peyton Bowen (22) reacts during the second half against the New Mexico Lobos at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Best photos from Oklahoma Sooners 14-6 win over New Mexico
Oklahoma Sooners running back Lloyd Avant (9) fights off New Mexico Lobos safety Kevin Longstreet (20) during a college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the New Mexico Lobos at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026. Oklahoma won 14-6.
(BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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Brent Venables praises South Carolina's Shane Beamer ahead of matchup
Oklahoma coach Brent Venables walks off the field after a college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the New Mexico Lobos at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026. Oklahoma won 14-6.
(BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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Best photos from Oklahoma Sooners 14-6 win over New Mexico
Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) walks off the field after a college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the New Mexico Lobos at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026. Oklahoma won 14-6.
(BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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Best photos from Oklahoma Sooners 14-6 win over New Mexico
Sep 19, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) calls a play in the huddle during the second half against the New Mexico Lobos at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Stacking up each of Oklahoma's offensive play-callers since 1999
Sep 19, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle reacts during the second half against the New Mexico Lobos at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Best photos from Oklahoma Sooners 14-6 win over New Mexico
Sep 19, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Owen Heinecke (38) and Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman Danny Okoye (16) tackle New Mexico Lobos quarterback Toa Fa'avae (13) during the second half at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Best photos from Oklahoma Sooners 14-6 win over New Mexico
Sep 19, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver Isaiah Sategna III (1) catches a touchdown pass past New Mexico Lobos safety Drew Speech (12) during the second half at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Best photos from Oklahoma Sooners 14-6 win over New Mexico
Sep 19, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman Wyatt Gilmore (42) runs onto the field with the American flag before the game against the New Mexico Lobos at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Best photos from Oklahoma Sooners 14-6 win over New Mexico
Sep 19, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners linebacker James Nesta (47) leaps but cannot bat down a pass by New Mexico Lobos quarterback Toa Fa'avae (13) during the second quarter at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Best photos from Oklahoma Sooners 14-6 win over New Mexico
Sep 19, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; New Mexico Lobos wide receiver Bailen George (81) makes a catch as Oklahoma Sooners defensive back Eli Bowen (23) defends during the second quarter at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Brent Venables praises Kentucky's Will Stein ahead of Saturday matchup
Sep 19, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners head coach Brent Venables reacts during the second quarter against the New Mexico Lobos at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Best photos from Oklahoma Sooners 14-6 win over New Mexico
Sep 19, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners tight end Hayden Hansen (89) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the second quarter against the New Mexico Lobos at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Best photos from Oklahoma Sooners 14-6 win over New Mexico
Sep 19, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners tight end Hayden Hansen (89) catches a touchdown pass past New Mexico Lobos linebacker Jaxton Eck (6) during the second quarter at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Best photos from Oklahoma Sooners 14-6 win over New Mexico
Sep 19, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) runs with the ball as New Mexico Lobos safety Austin Brawley (0) defends during the first quarter at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Best photos from Oklahoma Sooners 14-6 win over New Mexico
Sep 19, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners tight end Hayden Hansen (89) breaks the tackle of New Mexico Lobos linebacker Mercury Swaim (2) to score a touchdown during the second quarter at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Oklahoma Sooners game-by-game predictions from ESPN
Sep 19, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman Adepoju Adebawore (34) reacts during the first quarter against the New Mexico Lobos at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Best photos from Oklahoma Sooners 14-6 win over New Mexico
Sep 19, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) throws during the first quarter against the New Mexico Lobos at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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This article originally appeared on Sooners Wire: Brent Venables praises Trent Wilson's rapid development
