Crimson Countdown: No. 15 Kendel Dolby

The Crimson Countdown is officially on for the 2025 Oklahoma football season. Everybody wants to forget about 2024 and move forward.

Head coach Brent Venables and staff have attempted to do that. New face calling the offense (Ben Arbuckle). Venables calling the defense, it’s now or never for this regime at OU in the SEC. No beating around the bush.

Every day as we get closer to kickoff, SoonerScoop.com will count down the days with you. Starting with No. 99 and working our way to No. 0, we’ll be there every step of the way.

Crimson Countdown: No. 15 Kendel Dolby

2024 stats: Started three games, 10 tackles, tackle for loss, sack, season-ending injury vs. Tennessee.

2025 outlook:

That was a scary sight with Dolby on the turf against Tennessee. Left wondering if he would ever be the same or suit up for OU again.

Well, he is. But it does feel like a change in position might be coming in 2025 to perhaps avoid that situation ever being possible again.

Dolby was a dang good Cheetah linebacker, but it feels like he’s about to return to his old stomping grounds at cornerback.

OU could use him there in many different ways. To be a mentor for a lot of the younger players in the room. And for his experience in playing the spot, even if you have to go back to 2022 and his junior college days.

One thing you can pretty much guarantee? No matter where Dolby is lined up, he is absolutely going to make it count.

2025 cornerback outlook

Stay healthy, period. OK, that’s simplifying things too much, but it has been an issue. Whether it’s something known like what has gone with Gentry Williams. Or just the lingering issue with Eli Bowen ever since spring. OU didn’t get aggressive in the transfer portal to land an experienced cornerback. So that puts a lot of pressure on some younger guys to grow up quickly. There are a lot of options for guys to come in and make their mark. A big season as well for cornerbacks coach Jay Valai to show he can get his guys playing at an elite level.