Although the NCAA approved voluntary workouts beginning on June 1, each conference and individual university continue to exercise autonomy. Falling on the more conservative side of the conversation, Lincoln Riley previously labeled the June 1 return date as “the most ridiculous thing” he’s heard. Refusing to be influenced by the actions of others, the Oklahoma Sooners plan to reconvene for voluntary workouts on much later than many other major programs across the country. Currently the date to return has been tentatively set for July 1 according to a release from the university.
Voluntary workouts allow players to return to campus in order to utilize the state-of-the-art training facilities. However, there is a caveat as groups remain limited to ten or fewer. In addition, social distancing efforts are to remain in place during voluntary workouts for all participants including staff.
Choosing to wait as long as possible, Joe Castiglione and the rest of the staff recognize sports must take a backseat in a global pandemic. In a statement, the Athletic Director said, “Our medical personnel have told us that the safest thing we can do is keep our players off campus for as long as possible. We chose the latest point that we could bring them back and still have enough time to prepare.”
Referencing a potential September 5 season kickoff, Castiglione knows Oklahoma has yet to decide a starting quarterback. Given roughly two months to prepare, a winner should emerge as both options — Spencer Rattler and Tanner Mordecai — possess experience in this offense.
Needless to say, the announcement ushers in hope of a full slate of games as the college football season looms ever closer.