When Oklahoma fans celebrated the signing of two five-star recruits earlier this year, many believed the Sooners had just landed the future cornerstones of their program. These weren’t just highly touted prospects — they were the kind of players expected to make an instant impact, turn heads in practice, and become household names by midseason. Instead, just a few weeks into the season, both players are struggling so badly that it’s starting to raise eyebrows inside and outside the program. What was once supposed to be a strength has quickly turned into one of Oklahoma’s biggest concerns.
The players in question — wide receiver Malik Thompson and linebacker Jaden Rivers — were both ranked among the top 20 recruits in the nation. Thompson was billed as a dynamic playmaker with elite speed and hands, someone who could stretch the field and change games. Rivers, on the other hand, was expected to bring immediate physicality and leadership to the defense, drawing comparisons to some of the program’s all-time greats. But so far, neither has lived up to the hype. “It’s like they both forgot how to play,” one source within the team said. “They’re not the same guys we watched dominate in high school.”
Thompson’s struggles have been particularly shocking. In high school, he was a human highlight reel — racking up over 1,200 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns in his senior season. At Oklahoma, however, he’s been nearly invisible. Through the first four games, Thompson has just four catches for 38 yards and has struggled with dropped passes and route-running mistakes. The coaching staff has reportedly had to simplify parts of the playbook just to get him involved, but even that hasn’t produced the spark they hoped for. “He’s pressing,” head coach Brent Venables admitted after their last game. “Sometimes young players try too hard to prove themselves, and that can backfire.”
Rivers’ situation isn’t much better. Known for his instincts and tackling ability, he was expected to immediately compete for a starting linebacker spot. Instead, he’s been buried on the depth chart after repeated assignment errors and missed tackles in practice. During Oklahoma’s Week 2 matchup, Rivers was given an extended run in the second half but looked overwhelmed — out of position on multiple plays and flagged for a costly late hit. “The physical tools are there, but the mental part of the game is catching up to him,” said defensive coordinator Ted Roof. “College football is different. You can’t just rely on talent here.”
The pressure from fans and media hasn’t helped either. Both players have been frequent topics on local sports talk shows, with some analysts questioning whether the Sooners misjudged their readiness. Social media has been even harsher, with frustrated fans calling them “busts” and demanding more from players with such lofty recruiting pedigrees. The coaching staff, however, insists they’re not giving up on either. “They’re still freshmen,” Venables said. “This is part of the growth process. Some guys adapt right away, others need time. We’re confident they’ll figure it out.”
Behind the scenes, the Sooners are doing everything possible to get their prized recruits back on track. Thompson has been working closely with the receivers coach in extra film sessions and one-on-one drills to improve his timing and confidence. Rivers, meanwhile, has been meeting with veteran linebackers to learn how to better read offensive schemes and make quicker decisions on the field. Teammates say both players are handling the adversity with maturity and determination. “They’re frustrated, no doubt,” one veteran player said. “But they’re putting in the work. They know they have a lot to prove.”
Oklahoma’s season is still young, and there’s plenty of time for Thompson and Rivers to turn things around. Many legendary Sooners struggled as freshmen before blossoming into stars, and the coaching staff remains optimistic that these two can follow a similar path. For now, though, the reality is stark: the five-star signees that were supposed to elevate the program are still finding their footing. And until they do, Oklahoma’s hopes of competing for a Big 12 title might rest on the shoulders of players who weren’t supposed to be the stars of the show.
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