Oklahoma's voluntary football workouts will start July 1, later than other Power 5 programs

The Oklahoman

Oklahoma plans to begin voluntary campus workouts for football players on July 1, despite many other Power 5 programs starting weeks earlier.

The Southeastern Conference voted to allow athletes to begin voluntary workouts on June 8. The Big 12 voted on a date of June 15. The Big Ten decided to let individual schools decide. Ohio State announced its athletes would be allowed back on June 8.

An Oklahoma source said the Sooners’ July 1 date would not be changed by rivals coming back earlier.

Oklahoma coach Lincoln Riley said on May 14 that it was “ridiculous” for football programs to consider starting voluntary workouts on June 1. The NCAA Division I Council voted on May 20 to allow…