Spring camp is behind the Oklahoma Sooners and made the future 2026 depth chart a little clearer, while they also gained a returning starter right near the end in linebacker Owen Heinecke. We tried to predict the Sooners' 2026 two-deep depth chart after all the Transfer Portal chaos, but between Heinecke's return and spring standouts, the projected lineup has been shaken up since.
Sooners projected 2-deep depth chart
Quarterback
John Mateer (R-SR)
Whitt Newbauer (RS-SO)
Of note: There was no question John Mateer was the Sooners' QB1 for 2026 and it also seems pretty clear that freshman Bowe Bentley is OU's quarterback of the future, but with offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle holding Bentley for 2027 at the earliest, former Mercer transfer Whitt Newbauer will back Mateer up this season.
Running back
Xavier Robinson (JR) -or- Tory Blaylock (SO)
Lloyd Avant (JR)
Of note: Xavier Robinson and Tory Blaylock are the Sooners' returning 1-2 punch that will handle nearly all of the carries for new running backs coach Deland McCullough, but with both sidelined during the spring game and Colorado State transfer Lloyd Avant getting a game-high 14 carries, it seems OU really wanted to force feed him with plans of Avant being a part of the offense as RB3 with the ability to catch out of the backfield.
Read more: 5 Oklahoma players who turned heads in the Sooners' spring game
Wide receiver
Isaiah Sategna III (R-SR)
Trell Harris (R-SR)
Parker Livingstone (R-SO)
Mackenzie Alleyne (R-SO)
Elijah Thomas (SO)
Of note: Washington State transfer Mackenzie Alleyne created a lot of buzz throughout spring camp, then caught a touchdown from Mateer in the spring game. He won't be a top target, but it appears Alleyne has earned himself a spot in the rotation as a former walk-on. Freshman Jahsiear Rogers also raised some eyebrows during the spring, but Arbuckle has made it clear that it's unlikely for a rookie receiver to get much playing time.
Tight end
Hayden Hansen (R-SR)
Rocky Beers (R-SR)
Jack Van Dorselaer (SO)
Of note: The Sooners actually have three legit starting tight ends on their roster after not even really having one last season and having to convert Jaren Kanak from linebacker.
Offensive line
LT-Â Michael Fasusi (SO), Peyton Joseph (R-FR)
LG-Â Eddy Pierre-Louis (R-SO), Heath Ozaeta (R-JR)
C-Â Jake Maikkula (R-SR), Caleb Nitta (R-JR)
RG-Â Ryan Fodje (SO), Heath Ozaeta (R-JR)
RT- E'Marion Harris (R-SR), Peyton Joseph (R-FR)
Of note: The offensive front seems to be pretty set with four returning starters. More than likely, Ryan Fodje will slide back over to right guard so Arkansas transfer E'Marion Harris can start at right tackle.
Defensive line
DE-Â Taylor Wein (R-JR), Kenny Ozowalu (R-SO)
DT-Â David Stone (JR), Bishop Thomas (R-SR)
DT-Â Jayden Jackson (JR), Nigel Smith II (R-SO)
DE-Â Danny Okoye (R-SO), Adepoju Adebawore (SR)
Of note: The defensive line isn't as loaded as last season, but the Sooners are still pretty stacked up front with David Stone and Jayden Jackson in the middle. Georgia State transfer Bishop Thomas also stepped up during the spring while UTSA transfer Kenny Ozowalu adjusted to life on the edge. Danny Okoye also had a good enough spring to likely getting the starting job over Adepoju Adebawore opposite of Taylor Wein.
MIKE linebacker
Owen Heinecke (R-SR)
Cole Sullivan (JR)
Of note: This was where the Sooners got their biggest addition of the offseason, and it didn't even come from the portal. Owen Heinecke beat the NCAA in a court hearing to get one more year of eligibility and instantly gave OU a returning starter. That also made the Sooners stacked at linebacker with Michigan transfer Cole Sullivan now behind Heinecke.
SAM linebacker
Kip Lewis (R-SR)
James Nesta (R-SO)
Of note: Kip Lewis is a lock here as the starter, but James Nesta impressed enough during the spring to prove that fans should be confident in him as a backup.
Cheetah
Reggie Powers III (JR) - or- Cole Sullivan (JR)
Jeremiah Newcombe (R-SO)
Of note: Reggie Powers III stepped up at cheetah with Kendal Daniels gone, but now with Heinecke back in the mix, Cole Sullivan could also find some time here so Venables can get him on the field more. Regardless, Jeremiah Newcombe will also be in the rotation.
Strong safety
Peyton Bowen (SR)
Reggie Powers III (JR)
Of note: Peyton Bowen has become a staple in the Sooners' defense, but depending on how much time he plays at cheetah decides how much we see Reggie Powers III at safety.
Free safety
Michael Boganowski (JR)
Omarion Robinson (R-FR)
Of note: With Robert Spears-Jennings gone, enter the hard-hitting Michael Boganowski, who could be poised for a breakout season after paying his dues. Omarion Robinson, though, was a star of the spring game with seven tackles, a pass breakup and a forced fumble.
Left corner
Courtland Guillory (SO)
Jacobe Johnson (SR)
Right corner
Eli Bowen (JR)
Trystan Haynes (R-FR)
Of note: The Sooners have both starting corners back in Courtland Guillory and Eli Bowen. Trystan Haynes stood out during the spring game, though, to instill some confidence in the depth OU has here.
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