The Oklahoma Sooners are 8-2 overall and 4-2 in the SEC in 2025, heading into an important matchup with the Missouri Tigers in Week 13. OU is on the heels of an impressive road win over Alabama last week, a victory that means they control their own destiny as far as making the College Football Playoff is concerned.
Oklahoma got good performances from a trio of true freshmen in Tuscaloosa, and they’ll once again be asking for the recruiting class of 2025 to step up back at home in Norman. With Mizzou looking to play spoiler to OU’s CFP hopes, every snap will be important, as the Sooners look for their fifth top 25 victory in just 11 games.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementHere are three freshmen to watch for when the Sooners tangle with the Tigers.
1. Courtland Guillory, DB
KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE - NOVEMBER 01: Courtland Guillory #4 of the Oklahoma Sooners celebrates after a stop in the first half against the Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium on November 01, 2025 in Knoxville, Tennessee. (Photo by Caleb Bowlin/Getty Images)Courtland Guillory has been one of the most counted-open players in OU’s secondary this season, despite being just a true freshman. Against Missouri, he’ll likely draw the start again, and he’s been tested a lot this season, but the coaching staff has displayed confidence in him. With Gentry Williams still on Wednesday’s injury report, it’ll be Guillory getting the majority of the snaps at cornerback opposite Eli Bowen, who is a true sophomore. OU’s young CB tandem has done the job so far down the stretch in 2025.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement2. Michael Fasusi, OL
Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver Isaiah Sategna III (5) runs after a reception as offensive lineman Michael Fasusi (56) blocks Ole Miss Rebels linebacker TJ Dottery (6) during a college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Ole Miss Rebels at Gaylord Family Ð Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025. Ole Miss won 34-26.Michael Fasusi got tested against the Crimson Tide on Saturday, and he’ll get tested again this week against a really aggressive Mizzou defense. Fasusi wasn’t perfect against Alabama, but he’s mostly holding his own as a true freshman left tackle in the SEC. That’s impressive, considering how much better he’s going to get over the next couple of years. OU’s offense needs to step up if the Sooners are going to make the playoff, and an overall offensive performance like the one against Alabama won’t be enough over the next two weeks.
3. Ryan Fodje, OL
Oklahoma Sooners offensive lineman Ryan Fodje (70) cheers before the Red River Rivalry college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners and the Texas Longhorn at the Cotton Bowl Stadium in Dallas, Texas, Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025.Ryan Fodje has helped the offensive line get better, ever since he stepped into the starting right tackle spot against Ole Miss. The Sooners are starting true freshmen at both tackle spots, and a redshirt freshman at left guard, yet they’ve got on the road to defeat Tennessee and Alabama in consecutive games. If Fodje and the rest of the offensive line can establish the run against Missouri, it’ll be extremely helpful for the overall cause and for the offense. Fodje and Fasusi offer a glimpse of the present and the future of the offensive line.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementContact/Follow us @SoonersWire on X, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oklahoma news, notes, and opinions. You can also follow Aaron on X@Aaron_Gelvin.
This article originally appeared on Sooners Wire: 3 freshmen to watch for Oklahoma against Missouri
AdvertisementAdvertisement