3 rookies to watch in Oklahoma’s game against Houston

The Oklahoma Sooners look to improve their record to 2-0 on Saturday night when they host the Houston Cougars at 6:45 p.m. in Norman after defeating the Temple Owls 51-3 last Friday.

OU’s younger players got plenty of playing time in Week 1 as the home team was in control from the start. Although Houston is a more talented team than Temple, the Sooners are expected to win convincingly again.

Even if the opponent was stronger, Oklahoma would still need the help of the youngest players on their roster. Brent Venables and his coaching staff have done a great job recruiting the 2024 class. Now they hope their hard work continues to pay off, starting with a strong performance against the Cougars. Here are three newcomers to OU’s roster to keep an eye on in Week 2.

1. Jayden Jackson, DT

Jayden Jackson made history last week when he became the first true freshman starter at defensive tackle since Tommie Harris in 2001 to start at forward for Venables and Co.

Jackson’s size and strength inside the defensive line will be tested more once the Sooners move into SEC play, but he should get another chance to make a splash against Houston.

He wasn’t the player on offense that stood out the most against Temple last week, but the defensive line dominated the game when he was in action. Look for Jackson to make plays and stop the run against a porous Cougars offensive line while rotating with Damonic Williams, Da’Jon Terry and Gracen Halton.

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