Oklahoma vs East Texas A&M: Freshman-heavy squad tests reloaded Sooners

Photo: Brown and Davis contest a shot in Nashville

A snapshot from March 11, 2026, at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville shows Oklahoma guard Xzayvier Brown and forward Tae Davis blocking a shot by South Carolina’s Kobe Knox (photo credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images).

B.J. Edwards will make his Oklahoma debut Monday

Although he didn’t play against Oklahoma last season, guard B.J. Edwards — a transfer from SMU — had an indirect hand in the Sooners missing the NCAA Tournament last year. Edwards, who sat out the postseason as he recovered from an ankle injury, averaged 12.7 points, 5.9 rebounds, 4.9 assists and led the American Athletic Conference with 2.3 steals for the Mustangs. When the tournament field was set, NCAA committee chairman Keith Gill said Edwards’ anticipated availability factored into the selection that gave SMU the final at-large spot over Oklahoma.

Edwards is listed to make his first appearance in an Oklahoma uniform on Monday night when the Sooners host East Texas A&M in Norman.

Talent on paper, but chemistry is a question

Head coach Porter Moser has described this edition of the Sooners — bolstered by Edwards, Villanova transfer Duke Brennan, Texas A&M transfer Pop Isaacs and several key returnees — as the most talented roster he’s had during his six seasons in Norman. On paper, Moser’s 2025-26 team (21-16) looks deep; the challenge will be getting everyone comfortable together after late arrivals and missed portions of the offseason.

“We just haven’t had them all together yet,” Moser said. “When we come all together and we’re deep, it’s going to be a fun problem.”

Tae Davis’ status: rostered but not yet cleared

Forward Tae Davis — who declared for the NBA, entered the transfer portal and was later announced back on the roster — is not expected to play Monday. Davis averaged 13.0 points and 5.6 rebounds last season, but he still needs medical clearance to resume practicing and is part of a large cohort of players awaiting NCAA decisions on a potential fifth year of eligibility. If both medical and eligibility rulings go his way, Davis would rejoin Xzayvier Brown (15.4 ppg) and Derrion Reid (11.7 ppg) as three of the top four scorers returning to the Sooner lineup.

East Texas A&M’s rebuilt roster and what to watch

The Lions, coming off an 11-21 campaign, return only one player who logged minutes last season: senior guard Evan Phelps, who averaged 1.4 points. East Texas A&M’s roster overhaul includes four redshirted players becoming eligible and seven freshmen recruited from Europe.

“We have a very experienced roster who’s not experienced in college basketball,” coach Jaret von Rosenberg said on the Inside Lion podcast. “So looking forward to getting our guys a little more experience in college basketball. … I’m interested to see how our physicality matches up, how our length matches up at certain positions.”

Similar Posts

• Mississippi State vs. Tennessee Tech: Josh Hubbard primed to lead scoring charge
• Stanford debuts top freshmen vs veteran-laden Eastern Washington: Will youth topple experience?
• Wake Forest Goes Physical in UMES Opener: Revamped Demon Deacons Make Statement
• Breaking News: Texas Tech QB Brendan Sorsby Under NCAA Investigation for Gambling: Severe Penalties Loom
• Texas Self-Reports NCAA Violations: Six Sports Betting Incidents Involving Staff Revealed

Trent Mallory

Trent Mallory is a passionate sports journalist who dives deep into major competitions and the stories behind every game. From American football and the NBA to tennis and the Olympics, he delivers sharp, energetic coverage. His work brings matches, athletes, and behind-the-scenes challenges to life. For Trent, sports are more than just results — they are culture, passion, and a force for change.