Position Battles to Watch
The Oklahoma Sooners are entering a critical phase of preparation as they gear up for the 2026 season, with SEC Media Days looming next week and fall camp set to kick off shortly thereafter. The buzz around the program centers on a handful of position battles that could shape the team’s identity on both sides of the ball.
At defensive end, Taylor Wein has already locked down one spot, but the opposite edge remains up for grabs. Danny Okoye and Adepoju Adebawore are the primary competitors vying for that role, each bringing a different skill set that could influence the Sooners’ pass‑rush schemes.
The tight end position also promises intrigue, with Hayden Hansen and Rocky Beers battling for the starting role. Both players have shown flashes of playmaking ability, and the coaching staff is expected to lean on the more consistent performer once the dust settles.
Special teams will see a competition at punter between Jacob Ulrich and Grayson Miller. The winner will not only handle the kicking duties but also affect field position strategy, making the job one of the more quietly consequential battles in camp.
At backup quarterback, Whitt Newbauer and Bowe Bentley are locked in a duel for the second‑string spot. The competition is viewed as a litmus test for depth, especially given the volatility that can accompany the starting role.
Depth questions also linger at running back, where Xavier Robinson and Tory Blaylock headline a crowded room, and at wide receiver, where several aspirants are pushing for meaningful snaps. The right side of the offensive line is similarly unsettled, with Ryan Fodje, E'Marion Harris and Heath Ozaeta among those vying for starting positions. In the secondary, safety duo Peyton Bowen and Michael Boganowski are expected to anchor the backfield, while kick returner duties could fall to Lloyd Avant as the first option.
Looking Ahead
The outcomes of these battles will ripple through the Sooners’ overall game plan, influencing everything from offensive tempo to defensive pressure. As the team moves through fall camp, the coaching staff will be watching each rep closely, knowing that the final depth chart could shift dramatically before the season opener.