T.J. Edwards Transforms Oilers to Contenders in 2025

Image via TJ Edwards’ YouTube

While the first two seasons of the franchise have not gone as well as they have hoped, there is a renewed sense of optimism for the Tulsa Oilers entering the 2025 season thanks to their new quarterback T.J. Edwards.

Last month, the Oilers announced Edwards’ signing after he spent three seasons just four hours south with the Frisco Fighters. There has not been a better quarterback in the IFL during that time than Edwards has, which could transform the Oilers into contenders this season.

Edwards led the IFL in passing yards in 2023 with 2,600 and threw 39 touchdowns while adding 853 rushing yards and a league-high 49 scores on the ground. He would go on to be named the IFL MVP in 2023.

While he played in less games last season, Edwards still performed at a high level. He passed for 1,669 yards and 38 touchdowns. He was also third in the IFL in rushing yards (771) and second in touchdowns (35).

The unique skillset of Edwards has made him an instant star in the IFL. His ability to make quick decisions while limiting the number of mistakes has separated himself from the bunch. Edwards has the nose for the end zone on the ground as his speed gives him an advantage to run past any defender on the field.

Tulsa’s most important signing of the offseason was big for multiple reasons. The obvious one is that Edwards will come in as the favorite to be the starter, which is something the Oilers have been needed.

Edwards’ connection with newly hired offensive coordinator Andre Coles is another reason this is considered a great signing. The two worked together in Frisco as Coles was the head coach last year for the Fighters and had been Edwards’ offensive coordinator in his tenure with the team.

This is a franchise that has gone 8-23 in the first two years on existence. The tide is about to turn for the Oilers as now they have the right quarterback in place to lead them to their first IFL title.