It will be 121 days from Oklahoma's loss to Alabama in the College Football Playoff to OU's spring game on Saturday. A lot has changed with the roster, as it always does in today's age of college football, but the Sooners are excited for their first chance to show the 2026 version of this team.
There are many names that fans will remember from last season's team and there are some new faces that fans should be excited to see. Here are some of the things that fans should be looking for on Saturday.
Read more: The glaring spring game issue that has already infuriated Oklahoma fans
OU's revamped tight ends
Tight end was one of the positions on the offensive side of the ball that was one of the most glaring weakness of this team the last couple of years. That position room underwent a complete overhaul this offseason, and the early results have been excellent and it could create a whole new element to this offense.
Joe Jon Finley is out as tight ends coach, and Brent Venables made a splash bringing in future Hall of Famer Jason Witten to lead that group. They also were able to bring in three tight ends from the Transfer Portal.
Hayden Hansen (Florida), Rocky Beers (Colorado State) and Jack Van Dorselar (Tennessee) all came to Norman from the portal and all can be an extra outlet in the passing game, but the biggest thing they can provide is their ability to run block. If Oklahoma wants to be at the top of the SEC, its ability to succeed in run blocking will be something to watch.
Who is playing linebacker?
The linebacker position was one that had a ton of movement this offseason. Kobie McKinzie and Sammy Omosigho departed the program for Northwestern and UCLA, respectively. Kip Lewis provided some positive news with his return to Norman. The Sooners also added former Michigan Wolverine Cole Sullivan to play alongside Lewis. Owen Heinecke is also in the midst of his legal battle against the NCAA for an extra year of eligibility, so there are a lot of questions behind the initial starters on who is going to add the competitive depth that this defense has had the last couple of years.
Venables is looking to lean on some of his younger players to provide that depth that they need. Look for one of James Nesta or Marcus James to rise above the rest of the competition during the spring game and make a big break in 2026.
New faces at wide receiver
The other position where Oklahoma made a big impact in the Transfer Portal was wide receiver. Parker Livingstone (Texas), Trell Harris (Virginia) and Mackenzie Alleyne (Washington State) joined Isaiah Satenga out wide as the Sooners hope to produce more explosive plays in the passing game as quarterback John Mateer has some new weapons for the offense.
The Sooners also brought in some high-caliber freshmen, including a trio of four-star receivers in Jayden Petit, Daniel Odom and Jahsiear Rogers, who all bring their own unique playmaking abilities and hope to make a splash this season.
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