Oklahoma needed to find some more weapons for quarterback John Mateer after an overall disappointing 2025 season from the passing game, and the transfer portal delivered.
The Sooners' biggest transfer additions ahead of the 2026 college football season were wide receivers Parker Livingstone from Texas and Trell Harris from Virginia to fill a glaring need. ESPN's Billy Tucker thinks so highly of the newcomers that he put both receivers inside the top 50 when ESPN on Tuesday released a top-100 ranking of the best newcomers in college football for 2026.
Parker Livingstone and Trell Harris among best newcomers in college football
"After landing one of the most coveted players in last year's transfer portal cycle in Mateer, Oklahoma continues to build around its talented QB by adding more options at receiver," Tucker wrote. "The Sooners lost significant receiving production from last season's playoff team and were simply inconsistent in the passing game."
The ranking listed Livingstone at No. 34, followed by Harris at No. 42. Freshman edge rusher Jake Kreul was also included in the rankings at No. 66 after getting to campus over the spring and immediately impressing.
Livingstone crossed the Red River after Texas forced him out of Austin as a gift for its most-hated rival. The Longhorns bringing in Auburn receiver Cam Coleman, who was second in ESPN's newcomer rankings, was the most major domino to fall that ultimately led Livingstone to Oklahoma.
After redshirting in 2024, Livingstone as a redshirt freshman last season caught 29 passes for 516 yards and six touchdowns. He led the Longhorns with 17.8 yards a catch thanks to his ability to not only blow past secondaries, but also use his 6-foot-4 frame to pull in 50/50 balls. Livingstone's size pairs perfectly with Harris and returning top receiver Isaiah Sategna III as undersized speedy threats underneath.
Read more: Parker Livingstone buzz is exploding and ESPN just confirmed it
Harris, heading into his redshirt senior campaign, was named Third-Team All-ACC last season while totalling 59 receptions, 847 receiving yards and five TDs in 13 games. Listed at 6-foot, he's similar to Sategna with elite speed, which will cause headaches for opposing defenses with two such playmakers to worry about, plus Livingstone.
The Sooners also leveled up their tight end room under new tight ends coach Jason Witten. Florida transfer Hayden Hansen and Jack Van Dorselaer from Tennessee are primarily run blockers, but fellow transfer Rocky Beers will be another massive benefit to the passing game after breaking the Colorado State single-season tight end touchdown record with seven last season.
Those new pass-catching additions join four returning starters along the offensive line and the running back duo of Tory Blaylock and Xavier Robinson on offense.
On top of finally being healthy after breaking the thumb on his throwing hand last season, Mateer also clearly has more talent around him than ever before. Even if Livingstone and Harris don't fully meet the preseason hype, it's still a better arsenal than Mateer had in 2025, which was his first season with the Sooners after transferring from Washington State.
Add us as a preferred source on Google