With Transfer Portal chaos (mostly) behind us, it's time to get a jumpstart on what the Oklahoma Sooners' depth chart could look like in 2026 between all the addition and subtraction since the 2025 season ended.
The Sooners ultimately lost 28 players to the portal this cycle, but none were solidified starters from last season. However, some could have taken a starting role in 2026. OU also added 16 players, and even though the portal has been closed for over a week, the Sooners could still bring in more if OU general manager Jim Nagy finds a new need and fit.
As the most updated roster stands on Friday, though, here's how OU's deoth chart could look in 2026.
Sooners projected 2026 2-deep depth chart
Offensive depth chart
Quarterback
John Mateer (R-SR)
Bowe Bentley (FR) -OR-
Whitt Newbauer (RS-SO)
John Mateer is clearly QB1 after returning for his senior season, but after not bringing in another quarterback from the portal, it's evident the Sooners believe in Bowe Bentley or Whitt Newbauer if a backup is needed. Garbage time will be beneficial to Bentley as a freshman and the future of the position, but OU will want to maintain his redshirt, so Newbauer will also get time like last year with Michael Hawkins Jr. Now, if Mateer goes down, we would find out in a hurry if Bentley is ready or not.
Running back
Xavier Robinson (JR)
Tory Blaylock (SO)
Jonathan Hatton Jr. (FR)
Xavier Robinson and Tory Blaylock are a 1A and 1B here, especially with how running backs coach DeMarco Murray handles rotations. Behind them, OU added Lloyd Avant from Colorado State via the portal. Avant's versatility will get him some time, especially early, but freshman Jonathan Hatton Jr. has too much talent to keep on the sideline and he'll emerge as the RB3 behind the duo.
Wide receiver
Isaiah Sategna III (R-SR)
Trell Harris (R-SR)
Parker Livingstone (R-SO)
Elijah Thomas (SO)
Jer'Michael Carter (SR)
Isaiah Sategna III was the Sooners' No. 1 receiver in 2025 and is back to once again be Mateer's top target. The Sooners also added Trell Harris from Virginia and Parker Livingstone from Texas through the portal to bolster the position. Both will not only immediately get a bulk of the snaps, but could also break out and lead the Sooners in receiving. Elijah Thomas and Jer'Michael Carter will also get in on the rotation.
Tight end
Hayden Hansen (R-SR)
Rocky Beers (R-SR)
Jack Van Dorselaer (SO)
The Sooners completely revamped this position under new tight ends coach Jason Witten, and all three transfers will immediately get playing time. Hayden Hansen already has starting experience in the SEC while at Florida so will take over seamlessly. Rocky Beers, from Colorado State, will be a weapon in the passing game, and Tennessee transfer Jack Van Dorselaer will get plenty of action in run-heavy packages that we should see more of in 2026.
Offensive line
LT- Michael Fasusi (SO), Peyton Joseph (R-FR)
LG- Eddy Pierre-Louis (R-SO), Heath Ozaeta (R-JR)
C- Jake Maikkula (R-SR), Caleb Nitta (R-JR)
RG- Ryan Fodje (SO), Heath Ozaeta (R-JR)
RT- E'Marion Harris (R-SR), Peyton Joseph (R-FR)
The Sooners return four of five starting offensive linemen with Michael Fasusi, Eddy Pierre-Louis, Jake Maikkula and Ryan Fodje. Arkansas transfer E'Marion Harris, already with SEC experience, should take that open slot while Fodje slides over from tackle to guard. Behind those five, Heath Ozaeta can fill in at both guard spots, and even compete with Pierre-Louis for a starting job, while Georgia Tech transfer Peyton Joseph provided depth at tackle. Western Kentucky transfer Caleb Nitta was also a needed backup at center.
Defensive depth chart
Defensive line
DE- Taylor Wein (R-JR), Kenny Ozowalu (R-SO)
DT- David Stone (JR), Bishop Thomas (R-SR)
DT- Jayden Jackson (JR), Trent Wilson (R-FR)
DE- Adepoju Adebawore (SR), Danny Okoye (R-SO)
David Stone and Jayden Jackson are solidified starters on the interior of the defensive line, but who's behind them is a question mark. The Sooners just brought in Bishop Thomas from Georgia State and Trent Wilson was a four-star recruit. Taylor Wein is also a lock at one of the edges, while Adepoju Adebawore and Danny Okoye could compete on the other side. Kenny Ozowalu also added more depth after a breakout season at UTSA. And don't be surprised if freshman Jake Kreul emerges as a No. 2 on the edge.
MIKE
Cole Sullivan (JR)
James Nesta (R-SO)
Landing Cole Sullivan from Michigan out of the portal was a saving grace for the Sooners, especially after losing Kobie McKinzie, Sammy Omosigho and, as of now, Owen Heinecke. If Heinecke does return, he would assume the starting role, and OU would have have some insane depth at linebacker.
SAM
Kip Lewis (R-SR)
Taylor Heim (R-JR)
Kip Lewis returned instead of heading to the NFL, so will be one of the Sooners' top defenders in 2026. Taylor Heim is also an outstanding backup to have.
Cheetah
Reggie Powers III (JR)
Jeremiah Newcombe (R-SO)
Reggie Powers III was the backup at cheetah most of last season behind Kendal Daniels. Now, he'll get his shot, while Jeremiah Newcombe will back him up unless someone new learns the position, which is likely.
Strong safety
Peyton Bowen (SR)
Reggie Powers III (JR)
Free safety
Michael Boganowski (JR)
Omarion Robinson (R-FR)
Peyton Bowen is now a staple in the secondary, while Reggie Powers III is the best option to fill in at strong safety when not manning cheetah. Robert Spears-Jennings left big shoes to fill at free safety, but Michael Boganowski has sat behind him the last two seasons. Omarion Robinson also generated a lot of early buzz as a true freshman, so now fans will get to see for themselves.
Left corner
Courtland Guillory (SO)
Jacobe Johnson (SR)
Right corner
Eli Bowen (JR)
Trystan Haynes (R-FR)
Courtland Guillory and Eli Bowen will hold down the corners, while Jacobe Johnson is the only other experienced player at the position. The Sooners added two transfers in Dakoda Fields from Oregon and Prince Ijioma from Mississippi Valley State, but Brent Venables loves those kids from Carl Albert, so Trystan Haynes could emerge as the depth piece OU needs.