Oklahoma Sooners fans still have plenty of reasons to be excited about this team, and it’s not because of the defense. Here’s the scope.

The Oklahoma Sooners are having a disappointing season by their usual standards, yet they still sit at 4-2. Their defense and a relatively easy schedule have largely been responsible for their success so far, as the offense hasn’t played a major role in any of their wins. That might be a slight exaggeration, but it truly feels like the victories have come almost entirely thanks to the defense.

This is shaping up to be a long season, and most Sooners fans are well aware of that. For many, this year already feels like a write-off. Fixing the offense seems impossible without internal changes. However, there’s still a big reason to keep watching this team—and no, it’s not the defense. Well, at least not my reason.

We tend to overlook how new and young this team is. While there are some veterans on the roster, much of the standout play seems to be coming from the younger players. In fact, the freshman class is really stepping up, especially on defense.

NORMAN, OKLAHOMA – AUGUST 30: Oklahoma Sooners fans wait for the start of a game against the Temple Owls at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on August 30, 2024 in Norman, Oklahoma. Oklahoma won 51-3. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images)

In the game against the Texas Longhorns, despite a tough loss, cornerback Eli Bowen showcased his potential to become a college football superstar. He’s not just good—he’s exceptional—and he’s only going to improve. Over the last few games, Bowen has been one of the top cornerbacks on the team.

Then there’s Jayden Jackson, who started the season as a defensive tackle in Week 1. While his contributions might not show up on the stat sheet, he’s making crucial plays that aren’t easily measurable. In the run game, he’s occupying space and absorbing blocks, allowing other defenders to go one-on-one or have a clear path to the ball carrier or quarterback.

On the offensive side, quarterback Michael Hawkins Jr. has shown glimpses of his potential to be great, though he still has some development ahead of him. The standout on offense this season, however, might be Taylor Tatum. He’s been the best player in the running back room by far and looks destined to be a star, though the running back position always carries a higher risk of injury.

We also can’t overlook players like Zion Kearney and Zion Ragins, who have been seeing more playing time recently and are likely to make an even bigger impact later in their careers.

This freshman class has been outstanding and is a big reason why the team’s depth has helped them reach 4-2, despite suffering some of the toughest injuries in the SEC. We’ll get to see more of these young players in action this week against the South Carolina Gamecocks.