Gabe Ikard makes bold interception prediction for Courtland Guillory
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Gabe Ikard makes bold interception prediction for Courtland Guillory
Oklahoma defensive back Courtland Guillory (4) gestures in celebration after Tennessee place kicker Max Gilbert (90) misses the field goal during a NCAA football game between the Tennessee Volunteers and Oklahoma Sooners at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn., on November 1, 2025.
Jaron Spor, Sooners Wire·Sooners Wire
·
2 min read
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The 2025 college football season introduced some new stars to theOklahoma Sooners. One of those was freshman cornerbackCourtland Guillory.
Guillory started from the opening game due to an injury toEli Bowen. Then, when Bowen returned from his injury, Guillory proved he was too good to take off the field. He finished the year with 41 tackles, one tackle for loss and seven pass deflections. He and Bowen formed one of the best cornerback duos in the SEC last season.
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Heading into this year, in his series of bold predictions, former Oklahoma All-AmericanGabe Ikardbelieves Guillory is in for a major season in theCrimsonand Cream.
"My last prediction: I think you're going to like this one,"Ikard said on 'The Oklahoma Breakdown with Ikard and Lehman.'"He didn't have an interception a season ago, but Courtland Guillory will lead the SEC in interceptions. May sound a little strange because he didn't have one last year. But I just feel like I have such high expectations for him this year. Also, he's going to be challenged."
It's a massive prediction for a player who didn't record a single interception last season. The leader in the SEC was at just four. But there is an important distinction: Ikard isn't predicting Guillory will suddenly become a completely different player. He's betting that the flashes he showed as a freshman will translate into more opportunities to make plays on the football.
That's where the "he's going to be challenged" part becomes important. If opposing quarterbacks are willing to test Guillory more often, he'll have more opportunities to turn pass breakups into interceptions.
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The prediction is certainly bold, but Oklahoma may have the perfect environment for it. With Venables' defense returning plenty of talent, Guillory won't have to carry the secondary by himself. He just needs to turn his freshman flashes into game-changing plays.
And if he does, the zero in his interception column from 2025 could look very strange by the end of 2026.
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, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Oklahoma players run drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Lineman run drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Oklahoma players run drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Oklahoma players run drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Oklahoma players run drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Oklahoma players run drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Oklahoma players run drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Oklahoma players run drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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Best photos from Oklahoma Sooners practice on Tuesday
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, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
1/29
Best photos from Oklahoma Sooners practice on Tuesday
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, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
2/29
Best photos from Oklahoma Sooners practice on Tuesday
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, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
3/29
Best photos from Oklahoma Sooners practice on Tuesday
Oklahoma players run drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
4/29
Best photos from Oklahoma Sooners practice on Tuesday
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, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
5/29
Best photos from Oklahoma Sooners practice on Tuesday
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, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
6/29
Best photos from Oklahoma Sooners practice on Tuesday
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, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
7/29
Best photos from Oklahoma Sooners practice on Tuesday
Lineman run drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
8/29
Best photos from Oklahoma Sooners practice on Tuesday
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, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
9/29
Bowe Bentley continues to impress with his development at Oklahoma
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, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
10/29
Best photos from Oklahoma Sooners practice on Tuesday
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, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
11/29
Best photos from Oklahoma Sooners practice on Tuesday
Oklahoma players run drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
12/29
Best photos from Oklahoma Sooners practice on Tuesday
Oklahoma players run drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
13/29
Best photos from Oklahoma Sooners practice on Tuesday
Oklahoma players run drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
14/29
Best photos from Oklahoma Sooners practice on Tuesday
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, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
15/29
Best photos from Oklahoma Sooners practice on Tuesday
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, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
16/29
Best photos from Oklahoma Sooners practice on Tuesday
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, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
17/29
Best photos from Oklahoma Sooners practice on Tuesday
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, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
18/29
Best photos from Oklahoma Sooners practice on Tuesday
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, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
19/29
Best photos from Oklahoma Sooners practice on Tuesday
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, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
20/29
Best photos from Oklahoma Sooners practice on Tuesday
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, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
21/29
Best photos from Oklahoma Sooners practice on Tuesday
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, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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Best photos from Oklahoma Sooners practice on Tuesday
Oklahoma players run drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
23/29
Best photos from Oklahoma Sooners practice on Tuesday
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, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
24/29
Best photos from Oklahoma Sooners practice on Tuesday
Oklahoma players run drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
25/29
Best photos from Oklahoma Sooners practice on Tuesday
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, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
26/29
Best photos from Oklahoma Sooners practice on Tuesday
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, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
27/29
Best photos from Oklahoma Sooners practice on Tuesday
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, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
28/29
Best photos from Oklahoma Sooners practice on Tuesday
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, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
29/29
Best photos from Oklahoma Sooners practice on Tuesday
Oklahoma players run drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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