In what’s a rather rare instance for the Oklahoma Sooners nowadays, Thursday’s SEC Availability Report actually provided some good news, at least on the defensive side of the ball.
Cornerback Gentry Williams and linebacker Kobie McKinzie were both upgraded from questionable to probable on Thursday’s SEC Availability Report, meaning the No. 18 Sooners should have both starting defenders for their trip to No. 14 Tennessee at 6:30 p.m. CT Saturday in Knoxville.
Kobie McKinzie, Gentry Williams injury update
Thursday’s SEC Availability Report ahead of Oklahoma vs Tennessee. Kobie McKinzie and Gentry Williams were both upgraded to probable. pic.twitter.com/DrBlHRX032
— Stormin In Norman (@StorminInNorman) October 31, 2025
The Sooners were without both defensive contributors for almost their entire loss to Ole Miss last week. Williams didn’t see the field at all after getting injured the game before against South Carolina. McKinzie played only 15 snaps against Ole Miss before exiting in the first quarter with what OU head coach Brent Venables said afterward was a “tweaked groin.”
Last week was the second game Williams has missed this season while appearing in six and making five starts. McKinzie has started every game this season so far, and that streak looks likely to continue this week.
It was vital the Sooners got back these key defenders to be at full-strength against the best offense in the SEC. Tennessee is second in the country in scoring offense while averaging 45.6 points a game and third in total offense with 510.1 yards. Both stats are also No. 1 in the SEC. However, on the flip side, the Sooners lead the SEC in total defense and scoring defense, and should now be at 100% against the Volunteers.
OU's offense, though, will likely be missing at least four offensive linemen, plus wide receiver Keontez Lewis.