Week 1 offered a burst of fantasy cues: Arch Manning struggled as Texas fell 14-7 to Ohio State, underscoring a stubborn defense and a rookie QB learning the pace. Florida State stunned Alabama 31-17 behind a dual-threat attack, while LSU held off Clemson 17-10 to show efficiency in both the air and on the ground. Auburn and Tennessee flashed strong run-games and playmakers, and several SEC teams rolled to high-scoring openers.

Big takeaways: early-season defenses still matter, but efficient backfields and breakout receivers can swing weekly fantasy value. Georgia’s balance, Oklahoma’s aerial efficiency, and Ole Miss’s explosion for 600+ yards provide a spread of targets for early-week planning. Monitor quarterback transitions and rushing workloads as teams settle into the season.

Brent Venables trimmed his Oklahoma salary by $1 million for 2025, bringing it to $7.55 million, a one-time gesture to bolster revenue-sharing efforts across the program as NIL era rules take effect. The move underscores a collective push—from players to donors—to fund a championship-focused rebuild.

The Sooners kicked off 2025 with a 35-3 victory over Illinois State, as Venables tries to rebound from a 6-7 season and a rough SEC debut. Michigan visits Sept. 6 in a marquee early-season test, with Mateer and Arbuckle shaping Oklahoma’s offensive arc as the program embraces broader financial and competitive shifts.

Bryce Underwood flashed poise in his Michigan debut, threading a crucial 3rd-and-14 TD and steering a decisive two-minute drive. Justice Haynes erupted for 159 yards on 16 carries with three scores, validating the freshman backfield promise. The OL opened lanes and the defense answered despite a late Barham ejection, setting a strong baseline as Michigan looks to translate momentum into Oklahoma week.