Good morning, Norman.

Four Norman college students spent their summer interning as Fleming Scholars at the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation to gain hands-on lab experience (they were among 15 statewide in the research program).

Gov. Stitt appointed Lindel Fields as the new Secretary of Education — he will serve as state superintendent for the 2026-27 school year.

Outgoing Secretary Dan Hamlin will begin his role as dean at UT Austin College of Education on Aug. 16.

Cleveland County has been selected to receive a 2026 AARP Community Challenge grant to offer aluminum ramp installations for residents over 50.

The county aims to improve home accessibility so seniors can age in place safely.

The University of Oklahoma will keep the North Oval free for public tailgating and offer reserved turnkey packages at Boyd Lawn this season.

Fans will enjoy gameday events — including food trucks, the Pride of Oklahoma and Boomer Bash — near central campus.

The preseason Coaches Poll shows the Sooners (ranked ninth) and Oklahoma State earning votes outside the Top 25 as college football excitement builds for the 2026 season.

Oklahoma offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle discussed quarterback Mateer's growth and team improvements as fall camp opened Tuesday.

He outlined coaching strategies for the running backs and tight ends — highlighting hard work as the offense prepares for the 2026 season.

Sooners tight ends coach Jason Witten said his group improved during spring practice with the help of veteran transfers & rising talent who focused on building explosive runs ahead of preseason camp.

John Mateer of the Sooners and Oklahoma State’s Drew Mestemaker + Caleb Hawkins were named to the Maxwell Award preseason watch list Monday.

The list includes 81 players with semifinalists set for Nov. 10, finalists on Nov. 24, and the winner Dec. 10.