Oklahoma players run drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN)
Oklahoma players run drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN)
Oklahoma players run drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN)
Oklahoma players run drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN)
Oklahoma players run drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN)
Oklahoma players run drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN)
Oklahoma players run drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN)
Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer (10) runs drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN)
Oklahoma quarterback Whitt Newbauer (16) runs drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN)
Oklahoma quarterback Jett Niu (15) runs drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN)
Oklahoma quarterback Jett Niu (15) runs drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN)
Oklahoma quarterback Jett Niu (15) runs drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN)
Oklahoma quarterback Bowe Bentley (8) runs drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN)
Oklahoma quarterback Jett Niu (15) runs drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN)
Oklahoma quarterback Bowe Bentley (8) runs drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN)
Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer (10) runs drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN)
Oklahoma quarterback Whitt Newbauer (16) runs drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN)
Oklahoma quarterback Whitt Newbauer (16) runs drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN)
Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer (10) runs drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN)
Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer (10) runs drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN)
Oklahoma quarterback Whitt Newbauer (16) runs drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN)
Lineman run drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN)
Oklahoma defensive lineman Matthew Nelson (40) runs drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN)
Oklahoma offensive lineman Caleb Nitta (60) runs drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN)
Oklahoma wide receiver Trell Harris (11) runs drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN)
Oklahoma quarterback Whitt Newbauer (16) runs drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN)
Oklahoma wide receiver Trell Harris (11) runs drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN)
Oklahoma linebacker Owen Heinecke (38) runs drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN)
Oklahoma head coach Brent Venables runs drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN)
Oklahoma defensive back Omarion Robinson (2) and Oklahoma defensive back Preston Mickens (27) run drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN)
Oklahoma running back Ben McCreary (23) runs drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN)
Oklahoma running back Ben McCreary (23) runs drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN)
Oklahoma running back Lloyd Avant (9) runs drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN)
Oklahoma long snapper Seth Freeman (50) runs drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN)
Oklahoma head coach Brent Venables talks to coaches during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN)
Oklahoma defensive back Preston Mickens (27) runs drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN)
Oklahoma linebacker Dane Bathurst (30) runs drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN)
Oklahoma wide receiver Jer'michael Carter (5) runs drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN)
Oklahoma quarterbacks run drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN)
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OU football QB John Mateer, Sooners practice in 2026 preseason, see top photos
Oklahoma players run drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN)
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OU football QB John Mateer, Sooners practice in 2026 preseason, see top photos
Oklahoma players run drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN)
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OU football QB John Mateer, Sooners practice in 2026 preseason, see top photos
Oklahoma players run drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN)
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OU football QB John Mateer, Sooners practice in 2026 preseason, see top photos
Oklahoma players run drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN)
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OU football QB John Mateer, Sooners practice in 2026 preseason, see top photos
Oklahoma players run drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN)
5/39
OU football QB John Mateer, Sooners practice in 2026 preseason, see top photos
Oklahoma players run drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN)
6/39
OU football QB John Mateer, Sooners practice in 2026 preseason, see top photos
Oklahoma players run drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN)
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OU football QB John Mateer, Sooners practice in 2026 preseason, see top photos
Oklahoma players run drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN)
8/39
OU football QB John Mateer, Sooners practice in 2026 preseason, see top photos
Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer (10) runs drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN)
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OU football QB John Mateer, Sooners practice in 2026 preseason, see top photos
Oklahoma quarterback Whitt Newbauer (16) runs drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN)
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OU football QB John Mateer, Sooners practice in 2026 preseason, see top photos
Oklahoma quarterback Jett Niu (15) runs drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN)
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OU football QB John Mateer, Sooners practice in 2026 preseason, see top photos
Oklahoma quarterback Jett Niu (15) runs drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN)
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OU football QB John Mateer, Sooners practice in 2026 preseason, see top photos
Oklahoma quarterback Jett Niu (15) runs drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN)
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OU football QB John Mateer, Sooners practice in 2026 preseason, see top photos
Oklahoma quarterback Bowe Bentley (8) runs drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN)
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OU football QB John Mateer, Sooners practice in 2026 preseason, see top photos
Oklahoma quarterback Jett Niu (15) runs drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN)
15/39
OU football QB John Mateer, Sooners practice in 2026 preseason, see top photos
Oklahoma quarterback Bowe Bentley (8) runs drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN)
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OU football QB John Mateer, Sooners practice in 2026 preseason, see top photos
Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer (10) runs drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN)
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OU football QB John Mateer, Sooners practice in 2026 preseason, see top photos
Oklahoma quarterback Whitt Newbauer (16) runs drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN)
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OU football QB John Mateer, Sooners practice in 2026 preseason, see top photos
Oklahoma quarterback Whitt Newbauer (16) runs drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN)
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OU football QB John Mateer, Sooners practice in 2026 preseason, see top photos
Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer (10) runs drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN)
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OU football QB John Mateer, Sooners practice in 2026 preseason, see top photos
Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer (10) runs drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN)
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OU football QB John Mateer, Sooners practice in 2026 preseason, see top photos
Oklahoma quarterback Whitt Newbauer (16) runs drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN)
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OU football QB John Mateer, Sooners practice in 2026 preseason, see top photos
Lineman run drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN)
23/39
OU football QB John Mateer, Sooners practice in 2026 preseason, see top photos
Oklahoma defensive lineman Matthew Nelson (40) runs drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN)
24/39
OU football QB John Mateer, Sooners practice in 2026 preseason, see top photos
Oklahoma offensive lineman Caleb Nitta (60) runs drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN)
25/39
OU football QB John Mateer, Sooners practice in 2026 preseason, see top photos
Oklahoma wide receiver Trell Harris (11) runs drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN)
26/39
OU football QB John Mateer, Sooners practice in 2026 preseason, see top photos
Oklahoma quarterback Whitt Newbauer (16) runs drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN)
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OU football QB John Mateer, Sooners practice in 2026 preseason, see top photos
Oklahoma wide receiver Trell Harris (11) runs drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN)
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OU football QB John Mateer, Sooners practice in 2026 preseason, see top photos
Oklahoma linebacker Owen Heinecke (38) runs drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN)
29/39
OU football QB John Mateer, Sooners practice in 2026 preseason, see top photos
Oklahoma head coach Brent Venables runs drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN)
30/39
OU football QB John Mateer, Sooners practice in 2026 preseason, see top photos
Oklahoma defensive back Omarion Robinson (2) and Oklahoma defensive back Preston Mickens (27) run drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN)
31/39
OU football QB John Mateer, Sooners practice in 2026 preseason, see top photos
Oklahoma running back Ben McCreary (23) runs drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN)
32/39
OU football QB John Mateer, Sooners practice in 2026 preseason, see top photos
Oklahoma running back Ben McCreary (23) runs drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN)
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OU football QB John Mateer, Sooners practice in 2026 preseason, see top photos
Oklahoma running back Lloyd Avant (9) runs drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN)
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OU football QB John Mateer, Sooners practice in 2026 preseason, see top photos
Oklahoma long snapper Seth Freeman (50) runs drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN)
35/39
OU football QB John Mateer, Sooners practice in 2026 preseason, see top photos
Oklahoma head coach Brent Venables talks to coaches during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN)
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OU football QB John Mateer, Sooners practice in 2026 preseason, see top photos
Oklahoma defensive back Preston Mickens (27) runs drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN)
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OU football QB John Mateer, Sooners practice in 2026 preseason, see top photos
Oklahoma linebacker Dane Bathurst (30) runs drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN)
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OU football QB John Mateer, Sooners practice in 2026 preseason, see top photos
Oklahoma wide receiver Jer'michael Carter (5) runs drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN)
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OU football QB John Mateer, Sooners practice in 2026 preseason, see top photos
Oklahoma quarterbacks run drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN)
A year ago, Thomas was a bright-eyedfreshman from Checotah. The physical tools were there as he was a top performer during winter workouts and put up freakish numbers in the offseason, but he'd never seen the type of looks coach Brent Venables' defenses throw at the offenses on a daily basis.
It took some time but things are clicking now for Thomas, who has a chance to start at receiver during OU's opener againstUTEPnext Friday.
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"Massive maturation," Thomas said of the difference in himself compared to last year. "A lot of maturation in my process. I changed my process up, my mindset's all different. I'm coming for it."
A consensus four-star recruit out of high school, Thomas played in all 13 games as a freshman last season, primarily on special teams and in a reserve receiver role. Thomas made a name for himself on special teams, which consistently impressed offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle and resulted in more trust.
Another aspect of football Thomas didn't have to worry about in high school was learning a complex playbook like Arbuckle's.
"It takes a lot of maturity," Thomas said. "Coming from high school, you didn't really have to worry about much. And coming here, you have to worry about a little bit more than you do in high school. … (Wide receivers coach) Emmett Jones, he's on me 24/7. Coach V is on me 24/7. Even the assistant coaches. We set a high standard here. We expect every player to live up to it."
Elijah Thomas (14) runs drills during an Oklahoma (OU) football practice in Norman, Okla., on Wednesday, March 25, 2026.
The Sooners' leading receiver from last season,Isaiah Sategna III, has seen a gradual improvement from Thomas, who he makes a priority to pour knowledge into.
"He's made in a lab, yoked up," Sategna said of Thomas. "Super fast. Just gotta work the details, that's something I preach to him. Just try to overcommunicate with him. 'If there's anything you ever need, just come to me. I've been in your position, so I know how it feels.'
"He's playing super fast. Like I say, he's made in a lab. Just getting the details down for him, getting the repetitions down, is the biggest thing for him."
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Thomas made that attention to detail a priority this season. It's why those inside the program believe he's in for a breakout second season.
While Lewis is gone, Thomas still looks to him for guidance. But he's also in good hands in Norman in his second season with Sategna and also getting the chance to learn fromVirginiatransfer Trell Harris.
"It means a lot more than some people think," Thomas said of playing with Sategna. "I take my game from him and Trell Harris. I look up to them; they're like big brothers to me. They showed me the ropes, and I'm just taking it and running with it from there."
Colton Sulley covers the Oklahoma Sooners for The Oklahoman. Have a story idea for Colton? He can be reached at csulley@oklahoman.com or on X/Twitter at @colton_sulley. Support Colton's work and that of other Oklahoman journalists by purchasing a digital subscription today at subscribe.oklahoman.com.
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