Which Sooners will miss Armed Forces Bowl?

Oklahoma will not be at full strength for its bowl game, but that's become the norm by 2024.

The Sooners will play Navy in the Armed Forces Bowl at 11 a.m. CT on Friday in Fort Worth, Texas. Although it will be OU's last game of the season, that doesn't mean it will be the final outing for everyone.

OU released its first depth chart of bowl season last week with some noteable players missing, plus those who have entered the transfer portal or already found a new home. Here's a look at starters who the Sooners will have to take on Navy without.

Danny Stutsman, LB

After 47 games, we've witnessed Danny Stutsman play in the crimson and cream for the last time.

Stutsman was missing from OU's depth chart and somewhat confirmed on social media that his college career was over. On Dec. 13, Stutsman posted a thank you message to Sooner Nation but didn't actually say he was sitting out the bowl game. However, last week, a fan posted on X asking if Stutsman opted out or not, and Stutsman replied, "Hate to be the bearer of bad news .... lol."

Stutsman finished his college career as a consensus All-American this year and is projected to be a second-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.

Although not playing to prepare for the draft, Stutsman also noted on social media that he will still be at the bowl game to support his team.

Starting at the Mike in replace of Stutsman will be redshirt sophomore Kobie McKinzie with junior Jaren Kanak backing him up.

Billy Bowman Jr., S

Like Stutsman, Billy Bowman Jr. is opting out of the bowl game and concluding his college career.

Bowman, a safety, also posted a thank you letter to fans on social media the day after Stutsman. He played in 47 games just like Stutsman while starting 41 of those.

At strong safety on Friday will be sophomore Peyton Bowen, who will start alongside his brother, Eli, at cornerback. Freshman Jaydan Hardy will back up Peyton at safety.

Jovantae Barnes, RB

Jovantae Barnes isn't going anywhere (that we know of), but has been battling an ankle injury since Nov. 2.

Barnes injured his ankle against Maine during a breakout game and was sidelined until OU's regular-season finale against LSU. He is apparently not fully healthy because Barnes was nowhere to be found on OU's depth chart at running back.

The Sooners are loaded at running back, though. The position included three "ORs" of possible starters between Gavin Sawchuk, Sam Franklin, Taylor Tatum and Xavier Robinson.

Jackson Arnold, QB

Jackson Arnold entered the transfer portal after starting at quarterback for nine games this season. While Arnold is already settling in at Auburn, freshman Michael Hawkins Jr. will lead the Sooners' offense against Navy.

Hawkins replaced Arnold at one point this season and started three games. There will also be a new man in charge of the quarterbacks during bowl season, too.

New offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle, who was hired Dec. 2, will coach quarterbacks during the bowl game, but Joe Jon Finley will still have play-calling duties. Arbuckle is just filling in early because former quarterbacks coach Kevin Johns accepted a new job in the same role with Oklahoma State.

Bauer Sharp, TE

Bauer Sharp was the Sooners' leading receiver this season as a tight end but is now headed to LSU. Redshirt senior Jake Roberts, from Norman, will get the start in his final college football game.

Brenen Thompson, WR

Brenen Thompson was part of the six-receiver exodus OU experienced during transfer portal season. His departure to Mississippi State opens up an opportunity for freshman Ivan Carreon to get his first career start.

Behind Carreon will be two more freshmen -- Zion Kearney and Trey Brown.

Jalil Farooq / J.J. Hester, WR

On the other side at receiver, Jalil Farooq and J.J. Hester also bolted.

It'll be another freshman in Zion Ragins, again followed by even more freshmen in Kearney and Eli Merck.

Dasan McCullough, Cheetah

Another portal departure will give Sammy Omosigho or Lewis Carter a chance to start at Brent Venables' hybrid cheetah position. Freshman Reggie Powers III will back them up.

All unavailable players (will update if needed)

Jackson Arnold, QB
Jovantae Barnes, RB
Billy Bowman Jr., S
Jalil Farooq, WR
J.J. Hester, WR
Dasan McCullough, Cheetah
Bauer Sharp, TE
Danny Stutsman, LB
Brenen Thompson, WR