Oklahoma Sooners Sensation Jeremiah Fears Receives National Freshman of the Year Award, Capping Off Electrifying Debut Season and Cementing Status as Rising Star in College Basketball…read more…

Oklahoma Sooners Sensation Jeremiah Fears Receives National Freshman of the Year Award, Capping Off Electrifying Debut Season and Cementing Status as Rising Star in College Basketball…read more…

Norman, OK — July 9, 2025

In a moment of well-earned recognition, Oklahoma Sooners freshman guard Jeremiah Fears has been named the National Freshman of the Year, following a dazzling debut season that has captured national attention and energized the Sooners fan base. The prestigious honor places Fears among the elite young talents in college basketball and adds to an already impressive resume built in just his first collegiate season.

At only 18 years old, Fears has shown a poise and explosiveness beyond his years. The former five-star recruit and Illinois native was a key piece of Oklahoma’s turnaround campaign, helping guide the Sooners to a 23–10 record and a deep run in the NCAA Tournament. From the very beginning of the season, Fears established himself as a game-changer — averaging 17.6 points, 5.2 assists, 3.9 rebounds, and nearly 2 steals per game. His ability to score from all three levels, control the pace of the offense, and defend with intensity made him a standout in the SEC and across the nation.

“This is a dream come true,” Fears said in his award acceptance speech. “Coming into this season, I just wanted to give everything I had to this program and prove that I belong at this level. To be recognized like this — it means everything to me, my family, my teammates, and the coaching staff who believed in me.”

Fears was named SEC Freshman of the Week five times during the season and delivered several signature performances, including a 31-point effort in a road win against Kentucky and a triple-double in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. His consistent excellence made him a fan favorite at Lloyd Noble Center and a fixture on highlight reels across the country.

Oklahoma head coach Porter Moser praised Fears’ impact both on and off the court. “Jeremiah is the kind of player every coach dreams of. He’s humble, he works harder than anyone, and he thrives under pressure. He made everyone around him better, and he changed the energy of our entire program.”

Analysts and NBA scouts have taken note of Fears’ skill set, leadership, and maturity. Several mock drafts already project him as a potential lottery pick in the 2026 NBA Draft if he chooses to go pro after his sophomore season. But for now, Fears remains focused on continuing to grow his game and help bring Oklahoma back into national championship contention.

As the college basketball world applauds Jeremiah Fears’ exceptional freshman campaign, one thing is certain: this is just the beginning of what promises to be a remarkable career. And for Sooner Nation, the future has never looked brighter.

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