SHOCKING COMEBACK: Oklahoma Sooners Stun Nation by Bringing Back Ryan Broyles After Over a Decade Away
NORMAN, OK — June 9, 2025
In a move that has sent shockwaves through the college football world, the University of Oklahoma has announced the return of former All-American wide receiver Ryan Broyles to the Sooners program—over a decade after his last appearance in crimson and cream.
The 36-year-old Broyles, who last played for the Sooners in 2011 before embarking on a brief NFL career, is making a dramatic and unexpected comeback. In a press conference held Monday morning at Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium, head coach Brent Venables confirmed that Broyles will be rejoining the team—not as a coach, but as an active player.
“Yes, this is real,” Venables said with a grin. “Ryan’s been working behind the scenes, training, staying in incredible shape, and his football IQ and work ethic are off the charts. When he said he wanted to make a comeback, we took it seriously—and after what we’ve seen from him over the past few months, so should everyone else.”
Broyles, who still holds the NCAA record for career receptions (349), left a lasting legacy at Oklahoma with 4,586 receiving yards and 45 total touchdowns. His career was briefly derailed by a torn ACL during his senior season, and although he was drafted by the Detroit Lions in the second round of the 2012 NFL Draft, injuries limited his professional career.
In recent years, Broyles had shifted his focus to real estate and motivational speaking, while also staying quietly involved with the Oklahoma football program as a mentor and occasional practice participant. But according to sources close to the program, his return to full-contact training began nearly a year ago.
“People think once you’re out of the game, that’s it,” Broyles said during the press conference. “But for me, football has always been in my heart. My body feels great, my mind is sharp, and I’ve got unfinished business in Norman.”
The NCAA confirmed late Monday that Broyles’ return is legal due to a rarely-used eligibility clause tied to medical hardship and prior redshirting. The Sooners petitioned for a one-time eligibility reinstatement, citing the unique circumstances surrounding Broyles’ injury history and time away from the sport. The request was approved late last week.
Social media erupted within minutes of the announcement, with fans, analysts, and former teammates expressing awe and excitement. “I’ve never seen anything like this,” said ESPN analyst Kirk Herbstreit. “A guy in his mid-30s making a legitimate comeback at the D-I level? It’s unheard of—but if anyone can do it, it’s Ryan Broyles.”
The Sooners open their season in just eight weeks, and Venables confirmed that Broyles is already taking reps with the first-team offense. Whether or not he earns a starting spot remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—college football just got a lot more interesting.
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