Norman, OK – The Oklahoma Sooners will kick off their 2025 football season against the Illinois State Redbirds on Saturday, August 30th, at 5:00 p.m. CT at Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium.The game marks the first-ever meeting between the two programs.
This season opener is particularly noteworthy as Oklahoma enters a new era under a largely revamped roster. Nearly half of the Sooners’ 111 players are newcomers, including 22 transfers boasting over 200 combined career starts. Position battles remain open across the defense and offensive line, indicated by multiple “OR” designations on the depth chart.
Illinois State arrives in Norman with momentum, having finished the 2024 season with a 10-4 record and a trip to the second round of the FCS playoffs. Led by veteran head coach Brock Spack (111-74), the Redbirds return 12 starters and feature six preseason All-americans. Key players to watch include quarterback Tommy Rittenhouse, running back Wenkers Wright, and wide receiver Daniel Sobkowicz. Defensively, Illinois State is looking to fill gaps left by departing All-Americans, with linebacker Tye Niekamp expected to play a key role.
Oklahoma boasts a dominant home record,having won 18 consecutive home openers and holding a 145-15 record at home since 1999. The game will be broadcast on SEC Network+ / ESPN+.
