Brent Venables gives injury update on key WR transfer Javonnie Gibson
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Brent Venables knows how crucial transfer wideout Javonnie Gibson is to Oklahoma in 2025.
The Sooners struggled mightily on offense last fall, even firing offensive coordinator Seth Littrell midway through the season. Oklahoma needs to take a big step on that side of the ball this fall if it wants to contend for anything, and Gibson could be a huge part of that after transferring to Norman from Arkansas-Pine Bluff after the 2024 season.
Things went sideways for Gibson in spring ball though, as he suffered a serious leg injury during a spring practice. That made Gibson’s status for the 2025 season very complicated, but Venables was able to share some good news with local reporters on Wednesday during SEC Media Days in Atlanta.
Gibson, who underwent surgery on the leg immediately when the injury happened in April, is already out of his boot, Brent Venables said on Wednesday. Venables also said that Gibson is on schedule with his recovery from the brutal injury, meaning he just might be ready for the start of the season after all.
Oklahoma is expecting big things from Gibson when he’s fully recovered and on the field. He was a 2nd-team FCS All-American last season at Arkansas-Pine Bluff, catching 70 passes for 1,215 yards and 9 touchdowns. Gibson is a big target at 6-foot-2 and is known for his ability to stretch the field vertically with his speed.
Venables and Sooners fans hope that missing piece to the offensive puzzle in 2024 can be filled by a healthy Gibson in 2025.
Cory Nightingale, a former sportswriter and sports editor at the Miami Herald and Palm Beach Post, is a South Florida-based freelance writer who covers Alabama for SaturdayDownSouth.com.
