In 2024, the Oklahoma Sooners had a pair of true freshmen earn starting roles on the defensive side of the ball. Jayden Jackson was a day-one starter at defensive tackle, while Eli Bowen emerged throughout the season to become a starter at cornerback. Both players were considered freshman All-Americans by one service or another and earned selections to All-SEC freshman squads.
Other true freshmen like Michael Hawkins, Zion Ragins, Zion Kearney, Ivan Carreon, Taylor Tatum, and Xavier Robinson received opportunities to play on the offensive side of the ball, but the results were mixed. Ragins, Kearney, and Carreon struggled to make an impact in a passing game that struggled to get going all season long.