Although it may just be because it seemed like things couldn't get any worse, the latest SEC availability report for the Oklahoma Sooners was overall encouraging, just days before the Red River Rivalry.
The Sooners will still be shorthanded while trying to upset No. 1 Texas on Saturday in Dallas, but maybe, at least, not as vulnerable as initially expected. Of the 13 OU players listed on the first availability report ahead of the Red River Rivalry, four were upgraded 24 hours later on Thursday evening.
Thursday's availability report: Many of the questionable guys have moved to probable.
— George Stoia III (@GeorgeStoia) October 9, 2026
Baby steps. #Sooners pic.twitter.com/z4nXHf7CeZ
That included wide receiver Jer'Michael Carter, linebacker Cole Sullivan, safety Michael Boganowski, and tight end Jack Van Dorselear all improving from questionable to probable from day-to-day. A probable designation gives a player a 75% chance of playing that week.
Those four getting elevated left starting left guard Eddy Pierre-Louis as the only player left under questionable, which means a 50% chance of playing. Pierre-Louis was also listed as questionable on Wednesday after being a surprise addition coming out of the bye week.
The only player who was downgraded from Wednesday to Thursday was offensive lineman Fred Hinton, who won't really be missed after being deemed out. Linebacker Taylor Heim, wide receiver Trell Harris, running back Xavier Robinson (another unexpected bye-week addition), and cornerback Jacobe Johnson will also be out against Texas.
That still leaves starting left tackle Michael Fasusi, who was again listed as doubtful, as the greatest concern heading into the Red River Rivalry. Tight end Trynae Washington was also listed as doubtful, but his likely absence won't be as consequential if Van Dorselaer is able to go.
Fans shouldn't expect either of those players to play. It would be the fourth straight game Fasusi has missed since injuring his shoulder in the first quarter of the season opener. Not having Fasusi on Saturday will be detrimental as the Sooners take on Texas' top-5 pass rush and try to keep edge rusher Colin Simmons away from quarterback John Mateer.
Likely return of Michael Boganowski and Cole Sullivan puts Sooners defense at full-strength
Back to the good news, though, as Thursday's update points to the Sooners returning two major defensive contributors in Boganowski and Sullivan. OU's defense being at 100% will be vital in what should be a slugfest between two teams with elite defenses that are carrying struggling offenses.
Boganowski will start at safety again for the Sooners after missing the last two games. Sullivan is listed as the starter at SAM linebacker for when OU needs larger personnel. That will be needed a lot to stop Texas' strong running game and force quarterback Arch Manning to make plays. Sullivan has also missed the past two games.
The Sooners' defense is good enough to give them a chance in any game, even against the top team in college football, and it should now be at its best to go up against Texas for the first time since Week 1.
Most hope, though, has been lost for the other side of the ball, especially if Fasusi and Pierre-Louis are both sidelined. We'll get our next update on them Friday evening to really know how much of a chance the Sooners' offense has to turn things around.
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