Oklahoma Memo

Oklahoma has fired offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle, and Ryan Welton and Clay Horning have plenty of questions.

In this emergency edition of The Long View, the conversation turns quickly from Arbuckle's departure to the bigger issues surrounding Brent Venables, Oklahoma's offensive staff and the program's direction.

Clay argues that firing another offensive coordinator raises serious questions about Venables' judgment. Ryan explores the possibility of a quarterback change, the reported elevation of Jason Witten and the responsibility of general manager Jim Nagy.

Can a new play-caller revive the Sooners' offense? Should John Mateer remain the starter? And who ultimately deserves accountability for Oklahoma's struggles?

Subscribe to Clay's work at http://OklahomaColumnist.com, and sign up for the daily Oklahoma Memo newsletter at http://OklahomaMemo.com/subscribe

Oklahoma State put up 49 points, but it wasn't enough in a wild 51-49 loss to Iowa State on Halloween night.

Ryan Welton and Jeremy Cook break down a frustrating night in Ames, where the Cowboys' offense delivered but the defense couldn't close the door.

On this episode of Bedlam Buds:

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The controversial late penalty involving Wyatt Young

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Defensive breakdowns in a game dominated by big plays

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Drew Mestemaker's growing NFL Draft appeal

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Caleb Hawkins' big rushing performance

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Whether Oklahoma State can rebound against Kansas State

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Why the Cowboys still have plenty to play for

Plus, the guys discuss the future of OSU football, upcoming basketball and wrestling coverage, and a little NFL talk.

Watch the full conversation on the Oklahoma Memo YouTube channel! https://www.youtube.com/@oklahomamemo

Oklahoma's 42–25 homecoming loss to South Carolina wasn't nearly as close as the final score suggests.

On this episode of The Long View, Oklahoma Memo's Ryan Welton and columnist Clay Horning examine a Sooners program struggling to find consistency five seasons into the Brent Venables era.

The conversation covers OU's offensive failures, LaNorris Sellers' dominant performance, Ben Arbuckle's questionable play-calling and the enormous financial implications of making a head coaching change.

Ryan and Clay also discuss Venables' postgame comments, whether Oklahoma's culture is producing results, and why fan apathy could become the program's next big problem.

Plus, a look ahead to Florida and a spirited debate about whether Bob Stoops could help Venables turn things around.

Be sure you visit http://OklahomaColumnist.com to plug into Clay's work — covering sports and Oklahoma politics.

With the 2026 midterms just days away, political journalist Grant Hermes joins Ryan Welton to examine an unusually contentious final stretch before Election Day.

They discuss the controversy surrounding Alaska's U.S. Senate race, federal challenges involving voter rolls and election administration, and what could happen if Democrats win control of Congress.

Plus, concerns about cryptocurrency and China, the debate over impeachment and political accountability, and whether a national Democratic wave could make a difference in Oklahoma.

It's a wide-ranging conversation about the November 3 election — and why the political and legal battles may continue long after the polls close.

Democrat Jena Nelson wants to represent Oklahoma's 5th Congressional District, a seat currently held by Republican Stephanie Bice.

In this election-week conversation, Oklahoma Memo founder Ryan Welton talks with Nelson about the issues she believes matter most to voters, including affordability, health care, education and artificial intelligence.

Nelson discusses her proposal to pause new AI data center construction, her opposition to changes at the U.S. Department of Education, and how her 17 years as a teacher have shaped her approach to public service.

They also explore congressional ethics, local journalism, mental health, reproductive rights and the challenge of representing voters across party lines.

Subscribe to Oklahoma Memo's free daily newsletter at https://oklahomamemo.com/subscribe.

Learn more about Jena Nelson at https://jenanelson.com/

Oklahoma moved the football against Mississippi State. But can the Sooners do it again against South Carolina — and actually score touchdowns?

Ryan Welton and Clay Horning break down Saturday's matchup against Shane Beamer's Gamecocks, who arrive with momentum after consecutive wins over Florida and Tennessee.

In this episode:

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Why OU's 467 yards against Mississippi State might be misleading

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John Mateer's turnover problems and Oklahoma's struggling passing game

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The offensive line injuries that could decide Saturday's outcome

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Why LaNorris Sellers presents a major challenge for the Sooners

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Oklahoma's frustrating inability to finish drives

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Ryan and Clay's predictions

Plus, a nostalgic detour through some of Oklahoma's greatest quarterbacks, including Jason White, Sam Bradford, Baker Mayfield and Jalen Hurts.

The Long View features Oklahoma football analysis and commentary from Ryan Welton of Oklahoma Memo and sports columnist Clay Horning.

Subscribe to Oklahoma Memo at http://OklahomaMemo.com/subscribe

And be sure and follow Clay's work at https://www.oklahomacolumnist.com

Oklahoma State heads to Ames as an 8.5-point favorite, but Cowboys fans know better than to take a road game at Iowa State for granted.

On this week's Bedlam Buds, Ryan Welton and Jeremy Cook examine whether Drew Mestemaker and the Cowboys' explosive offense can overwhelm the Cyclones — or whether Iowa State's red-zone efficiency, dangerous running back Aiden Flora and a chilly Halloween night could make things uncomfortable.

In this episode:

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Why Oklahoma State's offense could put up huge numbers

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The matchup between OSU's defense and Iowa State's versatile rushing attack

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Concerns about the Cowboys' slow starts and secondary injuries

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Score predictions from Ryan and Jeremy

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Life Advice with Jeremy: Why cheap pickles aren't worth it

Subscribe to Bedlam Buds and share your score prediction!

Tulsa Flyer is one year old, and its founding CEO, Ziva Branstetter, joins the Oklahoma Memo Podcast to reflect on an ambitious first year.

The nonprofit newsroom has grown to nearly 30 employees, reached approximately 120,000 monthly unique visitors and developed partnerships with news organizations across Oklahoma.

Branstetter talks with Ryan Welton about the importance of service journalism, the success of the Tulsa Documenters program, the challenges of financial sustainability and the possibility of bringing Tulsa Flyer's approach to other Oklahoma communities.

The conversation also explores plans to preserve the Oklahoma Eagle's century of journalism and why Tulsa Flyer believes local news should focus on service, accountability and joy.

Subscribe to Oklahoma Memo at https://oklahomamemo.com/subscribe.

And, of course, make the Tulsa Flyer a regular part of your Oklahoma news regimen! Go to https://www.tulsaflyer.com

Oklahoma voters will decide State Question 845 on November 3, but what does it actually mean?

Oklahoma Memo founder Ryan Welton unpacks the proposed changes to the state's Judicial Nominating Commission, established nearly 60 years ago after a Supreme Court corruption scandal.

We explore why supporters want to modernize the commission, why opponents fear greater political influence over Oklahoma's courts, and what changes to attorney eligibility, political-party restrictions and commissioner terms would mean.

Read the reporting behind this episode and subscribe to Oklahoma Memo, a free daily newsletter covering the state's most important news, at https://oklahomamemo.com/subscribe.

What a Homecoming for Oklahoma State!

The Cowboys exploded for 34 unanswered second-half points in a 57-24 victory over Colorado, improving to 5-2 overall and 3-1 in Big 12 play.

Ryan Welton and Jeremy Cook break down the remarkable second-half turnaround, Drew Mestemaker's big evening, Caleb Hawkins' consistency and an offense that has Oklahoma State fans dreaming big.

Plus, the guys debate OSU's path to the Big 12 championship, the strength of the conference, Deion Sanders' future at Colorado and a potentially tricky Halloween night trip to Iowa State.

Is Oklahoma State a legitimate Big 12 title contender? Let's talk about it on Bedlam Buds!

Oklahoma's 23-15 victory over Mississippi State showed signs of an offensive breakthrough. The Sooners piled up 467 yards, John Mateer made critical plays, and Michael Fasusi's return helped stabilize the offensive line.

But six field goal attempts and just 23 points raise a bigger question: Has Oklahoma really turned the corner?

Ryan Welton and Clay Horning examine the offensive improvements, missed opportunities, the controversial Rocky Beers incompletion and what the Sooners must fix before facing South Carolina.

Ryan sees reasons for optimism. Clay isn't ready to trust this team just yet.

Read Clay at https://OklahomaColumnist.com and subscribe to Oklahoma Memo for Oklahoma news delivered to your inbox six days a week.

Is Brent Venables equipped to lead Oklahoma football, or are the Sooners' problems bigger than injuries and offensive struggles?

Ryan Welton and Clay Horning of The Long View dig into the troubling decisions surrounding OU's loss to Kentucky, including why an injured offensive lineman remained in the game. Clay explains why he believes Venables' biggest weakness isn't recruiting or defense — it's judgment and leadership.

Plus, the guys preview Oklahoma's road game against Mississippi State, discuss the Sooners' injury problems and offer their predictions.

Can OU turn things around, or is another disappointing season taking shape?

Read Clay at OklahomaColumnist.com and subscribe to Oklahoma Memo at https://OklahomaMemo.com.

It's Homecoming in Stillwater, and Oklahoma State has a chance to bounce back from its narrow loss to Houston when Deion Sanders and Colorado come to town.

Ryan Welton and Jeremy Cook break down the matchup, including OSU's frustrating slow starts, red-zone struggles and what it will take to get back in the win column.

Plus, Jeremy explains why Homecoming at Boone Pickens Stadium is such a special experience, the guys make their score predictions, and there's a little Oklahoma State soccer and women's basketball talk.

And don't miss this week's life advice: Spend the extra money on what matters.

Can the Cowboys win big? Jeremy thinks so. Ryan agrees.

With Election Day approaching, Democratic congressional candidate John Croisant returns to the Oklahoma Memo Podcast for a conversation about money, political influence and the future of Oklahoma.

Croisant discusses his concerns about million-dollar campaign loans, explains his opposition to State Questions 845 and 847, and makes his case for changing how political campaigns are financed.

In this episode:

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Why Croisant wants to eliminate candidate loans and corporate PAC contributions

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His views on Oklahoma's two statewide ballot questions

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The relationship between property taxes, education funding and public services

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His campaign's fundraising and grassroots strategy

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The importance of debates, voter turnout, and political accountability

Follow John's journey to Congress at https://www.croisantforcongress.com

And be sure to subscribe to the daily Oklahoma Memo newsletter at http://OklahomaMemo.com/subscribe

With Election Day approaching, Ryan Welton and Grant Hermes examine growing tensions over election security, voter rolls and federal authority.

This week:

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Suspicious white powder mailed to election offices, including in Oklahoma

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The Trump administration's legal confrontation with California over voter registration records

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Whether federal actions could disrupt the midterms

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Trump's reversal on livestreaming a military execution and the fallout for Pete Hegseth

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Questions about new White House press secretary Katie Zacharia

Plus, why threats against election workers could have lasting consequences for American democracy.

Grant & Ryan is a weekly political conversation from Oklahoma Memo and Make It Make Sense.

Subscribe to the daily Oklahoma Memo newsletter at http://OklahomaMemo.com/subscribe

Follow Grant's work on Substack at https://makeitmakesensepod.substack.com/

And then subscribe to him on YouTube here:
https://www.youtube.com/@MIMSnewspod

Oklahoma State's comeback wasn't quite enough in a 35-32 loss at Houston, but the Cowboys still have plenty to play for.

Ryan Welton and Jeremy Cook break down the missed opportunities, turnovers and slow start that cost OSU a chance at another conference win.

On this episode of Bedlam Buds:

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Why the Cowboys couldn't finish the comeback

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Drew Mestemaker's highs and lows

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The troubling pattern of slow starts

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How OSU can remain in the Big 12 championship race

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Why Jeremy expects a big bounce-back against Colorado at homecoming

Plus, a look at the chaos unfolding across college football.

Bedlam Buds is presented in partnership with Oklahoma Memo, your daily source for Oklahoma news. Subscribe free at https://OklahomaMemo.com/subscribe.

Oklahoma falls to 3-3 after a frustrating 21-13 loss to Kentucky, and the questions surrounding Brent Venables are getting louder.

Ryan Welton and Clay Horning break down the Sooners' offensive struggles, John Mateer's late interceptions, questionable coaching decisions and another fourth-quarter collapse.

Plus, they discuss Venables' massive contract buyout, the future of Oklahoma's coaching staff and whether this team can salvage its season.

On this episode:

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Why OU couldn't turn offensive production into points

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The fake field goal that backfired

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Problems along the offensive line

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Lloyd Avant's limited opportunities

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Venables' postgame explanations

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The financial obstacles to making a coaching change

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What's next against Mississippi State

The Long View is presented by Oklahoma Memo and https://OklahomaColumnist.com.

Oklahoma is coming off a thrilling win over Texas, but the Sooners still have a major question to answer: Can they generate enough offense to keep winning?

Ryan Welton and Clay Horning break down OU's matchup with Kentucky, a team averaging nearly 35 points per game and riding back-to-back overtime victories. They examine the Sooners' offensive struggles, signs of improvement along the offensive line, Ben Arbuckle's changing tone, and whether Brent Venables has a team capable of making a late-season run.

Plus, Ryan and Clay make very different predictions for Saturday night's game in Norman. One sees Oklahoma surviving another nail-biter. The other sees Kentucky exposing the Sooners' offensive limitations.

Follow Clay's work at http://OklahomaColumnist.com, and sign up for the daily local news recap at http://OklahomaMemo.com!

#ad What exactly is an electric cooperative? And what makes it different from a traditional electric utility?

October is National Cooperative Month, and we're celebrating with a special episode of the Oklahoma Memo Podcast!

Host Ryan Welton sits down with Nicki Fuller, president and general manager of the Oklahoma Association of Electric Cooperatives (OAEC), to explore the cooperative business model and the essential role electric co-ops play in communities across Oklahoma.

Oklahoma's electric cooperatives serve approximately 1.1 million members across all 77 counties. But here's what makes them different: Their customers are also their owners.

In this episode, you'll learn:

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How electric cooperatives work and why they were created to serve rural communities.

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What it means to be a member-owner, including voting rights and local decision-making.

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How capital credits work and why cooperative margins can be returned to members.

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The seven cooperative principles that guide co-ops across the country.

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How Oklahoma's electric cooperatives support their communities, from scholarships and education to disaster recovery.

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Why cooperation matters, including how co-ops work together to provide reliable, affordable electricity.

Whether you're already a cooperative member or simply curious about the model, this conversation explains why cooperatives have been an important part of Oklahoma life for generations.

Sponsorship disclosure: This episode of the Oklahoma Memo Podcast is a paid partnership with the Oklahoma Association of Electric Cooperatives in recognition of National Cooperative Month.

About Oklahoma Memo

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Oklahoma State heads to Houston for a Big 12 showdown that could turn into an old-fashioned shootout.

Ryan Welton and Jeremy Cook break down two explosive offenses, the quarterback matchup between Drew Mestemaker and Conner Weigman, and whether the Cowboys can slow Houston's powerful running game.

Plus, can OSU avoid another slow start, and will Cowboys fans take over Houston's stadium? (Seriously) The guys make their predictions, including Ryan's bold pick for a 101-point thriller!