NORMAN — OU football announced its team captains ahead of the 2025 season.
The Sooners had weekly captains the past few seasons. Now, OU will have the same seven each week.
Offensive lineman Troy Everett, defensive lineman Gracen Halton, linebacker Kip Lewis, quarterback John Mateer, safety Robert Spears-Jennings, defensive end R Mason Thomas and defensive lineman Damonic Williams were named the Sooners‘ season captains Saturday, Aug. 23.
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Mateer has cemented himself as a leader the past several months, helping teach new offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle’s offense, attending offensive line film sessions and staying after practice with OU’s receivers.
Everett was a recipient of OU’s Bob Kalsu Award (presented for personifying spirit of leadership and serving as a motivator and role model for teammates) last season. He played in eight games and started each of the last seven at center.
Halton, Thomas and Williams will lead a Sooners defensive line poised to be one of the most productive in the SEC. An All-SEC Second Team selection by the league’s coaches last season, Thomas played in all 13 games and made 11 starts at defensive end.
Lewis and Spears-Jennings were massive priorities for head coach Brent Venables’ defensive retention strategy. Lewis and Spears-Jennings, will lead OU’s linebackers and safeties, respectively, after Danny Stutsman and Billy Bowman’s departures to the NFL.
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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.
OU vs. Illinois State
KICKOFF: 5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 30, at Owen Field in Norman (SEC Network+)
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: OU football names John Mateer, R Mason Thomas, others season captains
