Jeremie Poplin talks college football, MLB draft pick and Joe Castiglione’s legacy

While July is often labeled a slow month for sports, Oklahoma’s college teams, athletic leadership changes, and the MLB Draft say otherwise. News On 6 Sports Analyst Jeremie Poplin joined Dave Davis to break down what's happening in Sooner State sports — including a major retirement, big football questions, and a 17-year-old shortstop from Fort Cobb making national headlines.

Joe Castiglione’s impact on OU athletics

Q: Let’s start with Joe Castiglione. What was his legacy at the University of Oklahoma?

Poplin:

“So I think people need to understand that when Joe C. got the job originally in 1998, the university athletic department was not in a good place at all. They were somewhere around, in terms of revenue, like around $24 million, but they were anywhere between $15-$18 million in debt to the university. So it was not a good situation that he was coming into.

Now you fast forward to this season — you know, revenue’s up over $200 million. A lot of that has to do with the SEC, but the entire athletics department... I don't want to call it was in shambles, but it had reached a point where they knew that the infrastructure was just not there for them to support the vision.

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I think the stat is, Dave, by 2016 you could trace back over $2 billion worth of improvements to Joe Castiglione in the athletic department. That’s not even counting the new $45 million Love’s Field they just built for softball.

Joe was always described to me as a guy that could eventually take over for a Fortune 500 company. And I don't think that there's any denying that he would have been successful no matter what he decided to do.”

SEE ALSO:

1. Blitz Exclusive: OU Athletic Director Joe Castiglione on retirement and legacy

What’s next for Oklahoma football?

Q: OU football disappointed fans last year. Will it be different this season?

Poplin:

“Well, they’ve surely put together a good class not only from the high school ranks but in the transfer portal as well.

And I think that people need to understand that this is going to be a constant evolution every year. You’re going to have to recycle the roster. But a lot of us are kind of in the unknown stage right now because, to me, so much about a team being good is building the camaraderie and the chemistry that comes along with that.

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They have a very limited amount of time to put all this together in order to put a product on the field that can be successful.

They have probably the best quarterback in the entire country in John Mateer that transferred in from Washington State. That’s going to elevate their play and level of play so much that I think people that aren’t buying in yet are going to be really surprised at just how good that he is.

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Everyone’s hyping up Arch Manning, but to me, it’s John Mateer who’s probably going to be the best quarterback — or one of — in the country.”

Oklahoma State football in transition

Q: What about Oklahoma State? Can they bounce back?

Poplin:

“Same situation as Oklahoma. Mike Gundy just talked about last week how — you know — he’s going to go on vacation, probably somewhere, maybe on a sandy beach somewhere right now, saying that he probably doesn't know who eight of the 22 starters are going to be just because there are so many new faces.

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Now, this is an entire rebuild — not just from a player’s perspective, Dave — but how about this: Mike Gundy for the first time pretty much gutted his entire coaching staff. These are all new coaches that he’s bringing along.

So this is going to be a process. They have really surprised some people with the types of players they got out of the portal. Also, some of the high school recruits. I think that the arrow is up.

Wins and losses — over/under — I think it’s like six and a half or seven and a half again. I would probably take the over for a bounce-back year for Mike Gundy and the Cowboys.”

MORE CONTENT:

1. Mike Gundy talks OSU roster overhaul, team chemistry, and Big 12 depth in Interview with John Holcomb

Can TU make a statement this year?

Q: What’s the outlook for the University of Tulsa?

Poplin:

“A roster rebuild, new head coach, new staff that’s coming in.

You have some key pieces that are back, like Kirk at quarterback — Kirk Francis — and have elevated the running back spot.

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Defensive line is much better, much improved. That might be the most shocking improvement that you see from Tulsa.

And they got some weapons at wide receiver. Micah Tease, who played at Booker T. Washington, who went to Texas A&M, is now back here in Tulsa playing in front of his home family.

It’s going to be a lot of fun to watch the evolution of TU.”

Eli Willits: Oklahoma’s next baseball star?

Q: Let’s talk about Eli Willits. What can you tell us about this Fort Cobb teenager who just went No. 1 in the MLB Draft?

Poplin:

“17 years old. Won’t turn 18 until December.

Studies show that if you are drafted at 17, you have a higher likelihood of being very successful in Major League Baseball.

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He’s going to play shortstop, has an incredible glove in the field, is a switch hitter. I mean, the sky is the limit for this kid and I could not be happier because he seems like such an incredible young man.”

See Also: Five Cowboys selected in 2025 MLB Draft as Oklahoma State continues strong pipeline to pros