Happy Thursday, friends and fans!

After becoming the first walk-on to win a Heisman Trophy and be selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL Draft, former Oklahoma Sooners QB Baker Mayfield recently reported witnessing what he could only explain as a legitimate, unidentified flying object while driving home from dinner with his wife, Emily.

Knowing what we know about the Cleveland Browns signal caller, he’s not one to sensationalize any story simply for the publicity. During his time at OU, he made plenty of throws that some could mistake for a UFO if caught at just the right angle, but according to the Mayfields, their testimony does seem as if they observed something otherworldly.

Unfortunately, neither Baker nor Emily have video or photographic evidence to support their statements, but if I had to offer my own explanation for what these two witnessed, I’d say it was probably just the next gridiron superstar coming down from the cosmos where he’ll be raised by lifelong Sooner fans before signing with Oklahoma as the nation’s top recruit in the class of 2039. I mean, of course that’s all it was. Case closed. Definitely not the SpaceX launch.

Now for today’s Hot Links! OU Golf brings home another first place finish, the Sooners gear up for the Longhorns on the hardwood, T.J. McConnell goes off and more!

OU Links

• Down in San Antonio, Texas this week, the OU men’s golf team claimed the 2021 Cabo Collegiate title behind a clutch performance from redshirt senior Garett Reband. Boomer!

• Tonight, No. 16 Oklahoma is back in the LNC to host the No. 15 Texas Longhorns. In January, OU defeated a top-five UT squad in Austin, 80-79, but are now looking to get back in the win column after three straight losses. Tip-off is scheduled for 8 p.m. CT on ESPN.

• Recently, Sooners Wire’s Patrick Conn broke down Pro Football Focus’ top 10 returning offensive and defensive players for Oklahoma. It should be no surprise to anyone around here that QB Spencer Rattler and RUSH LB Nik Bonitto headline their respective lists.
• This week, Sooner Scoop’s Bob Przybylo took a close look at OU’s linebacker room heading into the 2021 season. With Brian Odom entering his third year at the helm, the group features a respectable amount of depth from both a talent and experience standpoint.
• As was previously mentioned, Lon Kruger’s squad is experiencing a slump in the form of three consecutive losses. With the regular season winding down, the Norman Transcript’s Joe Buettner examined the Sooners’ struggles as of late, and by his estimation, senior guard Alondes Williams could provide the spark needed to rejuvenate this team.
• Speaking of OU Hoops, while Oklahoma is working to get back on track, senior forward Brady Manek hopes that he’s finally found his way out of the slump he’s been in after a 20-point performance in Stillwater. The OU Daily’s Austin Curtright has more.
• Also from the OU Daily, Braden Giesecke recently checked in on the Sooners’ softball team. At 12-0, Patty Gasso’s high-powered group is set to finally play at home in the friendly confines of Marita Hynes Field. Although the park won’t be packed with Crimson & Cream clad fans, the players are eager to receive a home field boost nonetheless.

Around the Sports World

• On Wednesday night, the Indiana Pacers’ T.J. McConnell became the first player in NBA history to come off the bench and record a triple-double that included double-digit steals. Indy also beat the Cleveland Cavaliers, 114-111.

• The Milwaukee Brewers have reportedly signed former Boston Red Sox CF Jackie Bradley Jr. to a two-year, $24 million deal.
• The New York Giants have reportedly released veteran WR Golden Tate in a cost-cutting move that will open up cap space for future deals.
• Tiger Woods recently stated that he has no recollection of the events leading up to his serious single car accident. Local authorities have executed a search warrant to obtain data from the vehicle’s black box as the wreck continues to be investigated.
• Beginning this season, the MLB will annually recognize June 2 as Lou Gehrig Day in honor of the late, great New York Yankees first baseman who battled amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or ALS.

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