Oklahoma Sooners Suffer Devastating Setback as Star Wide Receiver Deion Burks Sustains Significant Injury During Preseason Training, Casting Doubt on Availability for 2025 Season Opener and Impacting Offensive Strategy Moving Forward…read more…

Oklahoma Sooners Suffer Devastating Setback as Star Wide Receiver Deion Burks Sustains Significant Injury During Preseason Training, Casting Doubt on Availability for 2025 Season Opener and Impacting Offensive Strategy Moving Forward…read more…

NORMAN, OK – July 15, 2025 — In a crushing blow to the Oklahoma Sooners’ hopes for a strong start to the upcoming college football season, senior wide receiver and offensive lynchpin Deion Burks sustained a significant injury during preseason training this week. Team officials confirmed the news late Monday evening, describing the injury as “substantial,” with further evaluation ongoing to determine the full extent of the damage.

Burks, who transferred from Purdue and quickly emerged as a key offensive weapon for the Sooners, was expected to be the centerpiece of the receiving corps in 2025. Known for his speed, agility, and ability to stretch the field, Burks had become a fan favorite and a reliable target for the Sooners’ quarterback unit. In the 2024 season, he led the team in receptions, racking up 31 catches for 245 yards and 3 touchdowns in just five games before being sidelined by minor injuries. This year, all signs pointed to a breakout season.

The injury reportedly occurred during a non-contact drill during the team’s third week of preseason training at Gaylord Family–Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. According to sources close to the program, Burks landed awkwardly while making a routine cut, immediately grabbing his right leg before being helped off the field by trainers.

Head coach Brent Venables addressed the media briefly, stating, “Deion is one of our hardest-working, most disciplined players. He’s a leader in the locker room and someone our entire team looks up to. We’re all hoping for the best and will provide updates as we learn more.”

The loss of Burks—even temporarily—presents a serious challenge for the Sooners’ offensive strategy. With the team set to open their 2025 campaign against a tough SEC opponent in South Carolina on August 31, Oklahoma may now need to rely more heavily on younger, less-experienced receivers or make adjustments to their run-pass balance. Quarterbacks John Mateer and Michael Hawkins Jr. will need to forge quick chemistry with backups like Jalil Farooq, Brenen Thompson, and freshman standout Zion Ragins.

Fans and analysts alike have expressed concern over the timing of the injury, given the heightened expectations for the Sooners’ first full season competing in the SEC. Oklahoma enters the season ranked No. 5 in the preseason SEC power rankings, and Burks was expected to play a pivotal role in navigating the tougher schedule.

On social media, teammates and fans have rallied around Burks with messages of support. “Praying for my brother,” teammate R. Mason Thomas posted on X. “He’s a fighter, and I know he’ll come back stronger.”

As the team awaits a detailed medical update—expected later this week—the coaching staff is working to maintain morale and adjust game plans accordingly. Regardless of the injury’s severity, Burks’ leadership presence is likely to remain strong on the sideline, where he’ll continue to inspire teammates in what is shaping up to be a defining season for Oklahoma football.

The Sooners will release their next injury report on Friday. For now, all eyes remain on Deion Burks’ recovery timeline and how the team will adapt in his absence.