Episode Details

Sooner Smiths LIVE #38 Title: OKLAHOMA had bad losses and a Great WIN | Oklahoma Football Recruiting

Hosts: Chad Smith & Tierani Smith

Date: Tuesday, June 2, 2026 (rescheduled from Monday)

Platform: YouTube (OklahomaVOCFB) + cross-posted to X/Facebook

Summary

A casual, family-style live show with newborn Drake making several appearances. The episode covers Oklahoma sports highs and lows: heartbreaking softball elimination, a thrilling baseball comeback win, Thunder playoff disappointment, appreciation for longtime golf coach Ryan Hibble, and positive football recruiting news.

Key Segments

1. Oklahoma Softball – WCWS Elimination (Mississippi State Series)

• Oklahoma missed the Women’s College World Series for the first time in 10 years (2nd time in 15).
• Strong criticism of Game 1: Miley starting instead of ace, Abby Dayton not in lineup/field → poor vibes and energy.
• Major defensive errors (especially at 3B) led to 9 runs in two innings.
• Game 2: Explosive 7-run inning but offense otherwise quiet.
• Game 3: Early deficit, lack of fight, swinging for fences instead of consistent hitting.
• Broader issues discussed: pitching depth concerns, lack of captains/leaders (freshmen stepping up), pressure of playing at Oklahoma, and failure to sweep weaker teams earlier.

2. Softball 2026 Recruiting Class

• Strong incoming class highlighted, especially pitching.
• Notable commits: Goose, EK Smith, Malaya, Keegan Baker (elite in-state), plus top position players (Finley Williams, Riley Hillyard, etc.).
• Optimism for rebound despite this year’s disappointment.

3. Oklahoma Baseball – Super Regional Run

• Dramatic comeback win from losers’ bracket vs. Georgia Tech.
• Highlight: Walk-off or late heroics with a massive home run (Taki?).
• Advancing to face Kansas in Lawrence Super Regional.
• Hosts very bullish on the team’s momentum.

4. Viral Clip / Comedy Break

• Humorous/low-effort defensive play by a female athlete (Audrey Vander?) missing a home run at the wall.
• Sparked discussion on effort, criticism in women’s sports, and comparison to past stars like Jada Coleman.

5. Oklahoma City Thunder Playoff Exit

• Heartbreaking loss to San Antonio (injuries to key players like JDub and others).
• Frustration with Chet Holmgren’s limited impact and non-factor performance.
• Praise for SGA; criticism of role players missing open shots.
• Tangent on flopping in NBA, refereeing, and playing within the rules of the current game.

6. Golf Coach Ryan Hibble Departure

• Longtime OU coach (17 seasons) leaving for Georgia Tech (closer to family/Atlanta roots).
• Hosts give glowing tribute: turned program into national powerhouse, multiple national titles, produced tons of All-Americans and PGA Tour players (Abraham Ancer, Brad Dalke, Max McGreevy, etc.).
• Emotional send-off and well-wishes.

7. Oklahoma Football Recruiting (2027 Cycle)

• Strong recent commits:
  • Gabriel Osborne (4-star, freak athlete DL/Edge, beat out Alabama, Michigan, Ohio State, Miami).
  • Other top-40 commits: Cooper Hackett (5-star), Synica Driver (top TE), Kaden Penny, Cooper Whitten, etc.
• Emphasis on offensive line and tight end talent additions.

Overall Tone

• Honest disappointment in softball + Thunder.
• Excitement for baseball and football recruiting.
• Light-hearted family moments with baby Drake and banter between Cha