Not every Sooner is in the game.
EA Sports' College Football 26 already released early on Monday before officially being released on Thursday, but once Sooner Nation gets its hand on a controller, not every Oklahoma player will be available to play as. However, the likes of new quarterback John Mateer, new running back Jaydn Ott and players most fans have been excited to play as are in the game.
Most players who were omitted, at least initially, were freshmen and transfers, especially those not expected to make an impact during the 2025 college football season. Players also have to opt in to be in the game and be paid for their likeness, so a player not opting in could also be the reason behind their absence.
For instance, cornerback Maliek Hawkins, safety Courtland Guillory and wide receiver Emmanuel Choice, all freshmen, apparently failed to sign their contracts to be in the game.
Apparently #Sooners true freshmen Maliek Hawkins, Courtland Guillory and Emmanuel Choice neglected to sign their contracts to appear in EA Sports College Football 26. pic.twitter.com/4NtTjogaAB
— Parker Thune (@ParkerThune) July 7, 2025
The only OU true freshmen in the game are wide receiver Elijah Thomas, tight end Trynae Washington, offensive tackle Michael Fasusi, offensive guard Ryan Fodge, defensive end Wyatt Gilmore and safety Marcus Wimberly. The Sooners, mostly because of injuries, had a plethora of freshmen contribute last season so many of the rookies could be put in later if they start making an impact.
The most glaring omissions are two transfers likely to crack the starting lineup. The most notable absence would be Javonnie Gibson at wide receiver. Gibson was hurt during spring ball, but is still likely to start after transferring from Arkansas-Pine Bluff. It's also a surprise that Zion Ragins is missing at receiver after starting five games as a freshman last season.
Western Carolina transfer Derek Simmons could also start at right tackle but is not in the game.
There's also an odd addition to OU's roster in the game with quarterback Gavin Frakes, who just transferred to Northwestern before ever suiting up with OU. His move was probably too late, but he will likely soon be swapped with Mercer transfer Whitt Newbauer in the game.
Every known OU player missing from CFB26 roster
QB- Whitt Newbauer, Jett Niu
RB- Tory Blaylock, Andy Bass
WR- Javonnie Gibson, Zion Ragins, Emmanuel Choice, Josiah Martin, KJ Daniels
TE- Will Huggins
OT- Derek Simmons, Isaiah Autry-Dent
OG- Darius Afalava
C- Owen Hollenbeck
DE- Bergin Kysar, Alex Shieldknight, CJ Nickson
DT- Trent Wilson
LB- Marcus James
CB- Courtland Guillory, Maliek Hawkins, Trystan Haynes
S- Omarion Robinson
LS- Ben Anderson
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