Oklahoma's first depth chart of 2025 full of surprises

The Oklahoma Sooners' first depth chart of the 2025 college football season is here, and it deserved some double takes.

OU on Monday released its Week 1 depth chart before kicking off the season against Illinois State at 5 p.m. CT Saturday in Norman. The most important position on the field has been locked since John Mateer transferred from Washington State to take over as QB1, but apparently some other guarantees weren't so sure after all.

Sooners release first depth chart ahead of Illinois State

The position that popped out the most was running back, with last year's starter, Jovantae Barnes, getting the nod again. The Sooners just added No. 1 Transfer Portal product Jaydn Ott from Cal this spring and he was expected to take over as OU's lead back with Barnes being the No. 2. However, not only was Ott not RB1, he has an "OR" next to his name alongside Xavier Robinson as the Sooners' third RB behind freshman Tory Blaylock. Ott was also listed as OU's kickoff return man.

Jaren Kanak also surprisingly won the starting tight end job after just converting from linebacker this offseason. If he catches a pass on Saturday, it will be the first of his college career as a senior. Behind Kanak on the depth chart were transfers Will Huggins and Carson Kent.

Week 1 will look to serve as part of a position battle for most of the offensive line, particularly with both tackle spots being three-player competitions. Right guard was the only spot along the offensive line without an "OR," with Febechi Nwaiwu listed as the only starter.

At wide receiver, it will be Keontez Lewis (X), Isaiah Satenga (H) and Deion Burks (Z).

There were just as many position battles on the defensive side of the ball despite so many returning starters. The only decided starter on the defensive line was R Mason Thomas on the edge. Every linebacker spot also had an "OR."

Cheetah will be between Oklahoma State transfer Kendal Daniels and Reggie Powers III with Kendel Dolby apparently still injured and not listed.

Cornerback Eli Bowen was also absent from the depth chart after being injured all of fall camp. Gentry Williams reclaimed his starting corner spot after suffering an injury last season, while the other side will be either freshman Courtland Guillory or Jacobe Johnson.

It was also a shock that standout free safety Robert Spears-Jennings had an "OR" next to his name with Michael Boganowski.

OU head coach Brent Venables will have his first weekly press conference of the season on Tuesday, when he will surely be asked about some of the head-scratching decisions, especially Ott as RB3.

Read more about OU football