Oklahoma Sooners Depth Chart Thursday: Who Steps Up After CFP Run?

Welcome to Depth Chart Thursday for the Oklahoma Sooners, checking in as we move through Spring Ball & Recruiting 2026. Following a successful 10-3 campaign that culminated in a College Football Playoff berth and a hard-fought 34-24 loss to Alabama, head coach Brent Venables is busy reloading the roster. Following April 18's Red vs. White Spring Game, where the Red team dominated 31-3, the pieces of the 2026 SEC depth chart are coming into focus.

Offense: Mateer Takes the Reins

Offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle has his signal-caller. Washington State transfer John Mateer has firmly secured the QB1 role, giving the Sooners a dangerous dual-threat dynamic. Behind him, Whitt Newbauer and Bowe Bentley are battling for the primary backup spot following the portal departure of Michael Hawkins Jr. In the backfield and out wide, the Sooners bring back starting talent like Xavier Robinson and Isaiah Sategna. However, replacing NFL Draft pick Deion Burks and outgoing transfers Jovantae Barnes and Taylor Tatum meant a heavy portal emphasis. Oklahoma brought in over 10 key additions this offseason, fortifying the receiver and tight end rooms with names like Trell Harris, Parker Livingstone, Hayden Hansen, and Jack Van Dorselaer. Up front, returning starters Michael Fasusi and Jake Maikkula anchor the offensive line, stepping up to fill the void left by NFL-bound interior lineman Febechi Nwaiwu and outgoing transfers Jacob Sexton and Jake Taylor. Additions like E'Marion Harris and Peyton Joseph will immediately push for starting reps in the trenches.

Defense: Rebuilding the Front and Back

Defensive coordinator Todd Bates is tasked with maintaining an elite unit despite the departure of co-defensive coordinator Jay Valai to the NFL's Buffalo Bills. On the defensive line, returning starter David Stone will anchor the interior. The Sooners must replace the tremendous pass-rushing production of R Mason Thomas and Gracen Halton, who both departed for the NFL Draft. Portal additions like Bishop Thomas and Cole Sullivan are expected to heavily rotate to fill the gap. At linebacker, veteran Kip Lewis returns to lead the second level. The defense bids farewell to Jaren Kanak (NFL) and Kobie McKinzie (transfer), opening up competition for rotational snaps among newcomers like Kenny Ozowalu. In the secondary, Eli Bowen and Courtland Guillory return as established starters, along with Owen Heinecke. They will be critical in stabilizing a defensive backfield that lost NFL Draft selections Kendal Daniels and Robert Spears-Jennings, as well as portal departures Gentry Williams and Marcus Wimberly. Incoming transfer Dakoda Fields is heavily projected to push for a starting job or significant rotational minutes.

As Spring Ball & Recruiting 2026 continues, Venables and his staff have laid a robust foundation. With Mateer leading the offense and veterans like Lewis and Stone commanding the defense, Oklahoma is prepared for another physical season in the SEC.