Alright, Sooner Nation. Let’s cut straight to the chase. You’re here because you want the real deal on who’s likely lining up for the Oklahoma Sooners come Week 1. Forget the fluff and vague promises. We're digging deep into the projected starters, the fierce position battles brewing in Norman, and what it all means for the season ahead. This isn't just another preseason guess list; it's a breakdown fueled by spring ball observations, fall camp whispers, and frankly, years of watching how Brent Venables operates. I remember the anxiety heading into last season, wondering how the O-line would gel. It wasn't always pretty early on, trust me. This year feels different, maybe even special.
Sizing Up the Competition: Key Battles Defining the Roster
Look, projecting starters isn't just picking names out of a hat. It’s about understanding the gritty battles happening daily on the practice field. Venables loves competition, and this roster has plenty of it. Let’s zero in on where jobs are truly up for grabs.
Quarterback Room: Stability or Surprise?
For the first time in what feels like forever, OU enters camp without a massive question mark at QB. Jackson Arnold took his lumps in that Alamo Bowl start (those turnovers... oof!), but the raw talent is undeniable. His arm strength and mobility scream NFL potential. The real intrigue? Who backs him up. General Booty has the experience in the system, but Michael Hawkins Jr., the true freshman, has reportedly impressed early with his poise and athleticism. Don't be shocked if Hawkins pushes hard for that QB2 spot. Arnold is the clear QB1 barring injury, but the depth chart behind him matters.
The QB Pecking Order (Projected)
QB1: Jackson Arnold (Sophomore) - The future is now. Expect a significant jump in consistency with a full offseason as "the guy." Needs to cut down on risky throws. Arm talent and escapability are elite.
QB2 Battle: General Booty (RS Junior) vs. Michael Hawkins Jr. (Freshman) - Booty knows the system cold. Hawkins brings exciting dual-threat upside. This could be a genuine competition deep into camp.
Behind Them: Brendan Zurbrugg (Freshman) - Likely a developmental year.
Offensive Line: Finding the Best Five (Again)
The O-line was a revolving door last season, partly due to injury, partly due to performance. Bill Bedenbaugh has his work cut out for him, but the pieces are there. The anchor is All-Big 12 caliber center Troy Everett. Jacob Sexton at right tackle feels solid. The left side? That gets interesting. Febechi Nwaiwu (Guard) and Michael Tarquin (Tackle, USC transfer) bring massive experience and are strong favorites. Right guard is wide open. Heath Ozaeta has the size and spring buzz, but Jake Taylor and Logan Howland (Michigan transfer) are breathing down his neck. Developing cohesion here is the key to unlocking the offense.
Depth is better than last year, but still a slight concern if injuries hit hard. Let's look at the early projected starters.
Offensive Starting Lineup Projection: Speed Kills
Lebby is gone, but Seth Littrell calling plays likely means the tempo and emphasis on explosive plays remain. Arnold has the weapons. Here’s how the offensive Oklahoma football starting lineup projections are shaping up.
| Position | Projected Starter | Year | Key Notes & Competition |
|---|---|---|---|
| QB | Jackson Arnold | Sophomore | The undisputed leader. Expect more designed runs. Massive upside. |
| RB | Gavin Sawchuk | Junior | Exploded late last season. Breakaway speed. Needs to stay healthy. Jovantae Barnes & Sam Franklin provide quality depth. |
| WR (X) | Nic Anderson | Sophomore | Big-play machine. Red zone nightmare. Should be Arnold's primary outside target. |
| WR (Z) | Andrel Anthony | Senior (Michigan Transfer) | Expected fully healthy from knee injury. Polished route runner. Health is the only question. |
| WR (Slot) | Brenen Thompson | Junior (Texas Transfer) | Blazing speed. Could be the surprise breakout star in this offense. Jayden Gibson is a big target pushing for time. |
| TE | Bauer Sharp | Senior (SE Missouri St Transfer) | Physical blocker with reliable hands. Immediate impact player. Kade McIntyre (RS Freshman) has high ceiling. |
| LT | Michael Tarquin | Senior (USC Transfer) | Massive experience (40+ starts). Plug-and-play anchor on the blind side. |
| LG | Febechi Nwaiwu | Senior (North Texas Transfer) | Powerful run blocker. Brings much-needed experience and physicality. |
| C | Troy Everett | Junior (App State Transfer) | Leader of the unit. Smart, tough, and consistent. Vital for line calls. |
| RG | Heath Ozaeta | RS Junior | Huge frame. Got valuable snaps last year. Still proving consistency. Battling Jake Taylor/Logan Howland. |
| RT | Jacob Sexton | Junior | Solid and improving. Strong run blocker. Needs to lock down pass protection. |
That receiving corps... Anderson, Anthony, Thompson? That's scary speed and size. Sawchuk showed he can be a star. The O-line transfers are crucial – if they gel quickly, this offense could average 40+ again. The biggest question mark remains right guard – Ozaeta has the inside track, but he needs a strong camp.
Defensive Starting Lineup Projection: Venables' Vision Takes Shape
This is where Venables earns his money. Year 2 was better, Year 3 needs to be a leap. The defense has more depth and athleticism than we've seen in Norman for a while. The focus is on generating consistent pressure and eliminating the big plays that killed them last year.
| Position | Projected Starter | Year | Key Notes & Competition |
|---|---|---|---|
| DE | Ethan Downs | Senior | Heart and soul. High motor leader. Needs more sacks but does everything well. |
| DT | Damonic Williams | Junior (TCU Transfer) | HUGE get. Instant starter. Disruptive force inside. Run stuffer with pass rush upside. |
| DT | Danny Okoye | Freshman (Early Enrollee) | Yes, a true freshman. Freak athlete. Turned heads all spring. Raw, but the talent is undeniable. Da'Jon Terry (Senior) will play heavy rotation. |
| DE/Edge | R Mason Thomas | Junior | Breakout candidate. Speed off the edge is elite. Needs to stay healthy. PJ Adebawore (Sophomore) is a beast too. |
| LB (Cheetah) | Dasaan McCullough | Junior | Versatile weapon. Can rush, cover, play in space. Expect a big year. |
| LB (Mike) | Kobie McKinzie | RS Junior | Physical tackler. Leader in the middle. Coverage is the focus. |
| LB (Will) | Danny Stutsman | Senior | All-American candidate. Tackling machine. Emotional leader. Best LB in the Big 12? |
| CB | Kani Walker | Senior (Louisville Transfer) | Long, physical corner. Penciled in as CB1. Needs to lock it down. |
| CB | Dez Malone | Senior (San Diego St Transfer) | Experienced ballhawk. Led nation in PBUs in 2023. Immediate impact expected. |
| Nickel | Peyton Bowen | Sophomore | Elite talent finding his home. Ball skills and tackling fit perfectly here. |
| S | Billy Bowman Jr. | Senior | Playmaker. Pick-six threat. Leader of the secondary. Needs to be more consistent in run support. |
| S | Robert Spears-Jennings | Junior | Big hitter. Has the athleticism. Needs to improve coverage angles. Michael Boganowski (Freshman) is coming. |
Man, that defensive line could be special. Williams is a monster inside, and Okoye... starting a true freshman at DT in the SEC? Bold. But the staff obviously believes. Downs and Thomas off the edge should terrorize QBs. Stutsman and McCullough are as good a LB duo as you'll find. The secondary transfers (Walker, Malone) HAVE to shore up the pass coverage. Bowman is a star. If Peyton Bowen thrives at Nickel, that elevates the whole unit.
Why Danny Okoye Starting Matters
Look, projecting a true freshman to start on the D-line in the SEC is no small thing. It speaks volumes about his physical maturity (already looks the part) and how disruptive he was throughout spring practice. He's not just a body; he's a potential game-wrecker. Da'Jon Terry provides vital experience and will play a ton, but Okoye's upside is too high to keep off the field in base packages. It reminds me a bit of that early Adetomiwa Adebawore buzz years ago. High risk? Maybe. High reward? Absolutely. This is a key piece of the Oklahoma football starting lineup projections that signals Venables' confidence in young talent.
Special Teams: The Often Forgotten Third Phase
Don't overlook this. Games are won and lost here. Good news: both specialists return.
- Kicker: Liam Jones (Senior) - Steady. Hit 17 of 21 FGs last year, including 3/4 from 40+. Needs to improve kickoff depth consistently.
- Punter: Luke Elzinga (Senior - CMU Transfer) - Averaged over 44 yards per punt last season. Big leg, crucial for flipping field position in SEC battles.
- Returners (Projected):
- KR: Gavin Sawchuk / Brenen Thompson - Speed kills back deep.
- PR: Peyton Bowen - Natural hands and elusiveness. High upside here.
Consistency from Jones and big boots from Elzinga are non-negotiables this year. The return game has potential to be electric.
Breaking Down the Depth: Who's Next Up?
A starting lineup projection is only half the story. The grind of an SEC schedule demands depth. Here's a quick look at crucial backups across the board:
- QB: General Booty OR Michael Hawkins Jr. (Arnold's health is paramount)
- RB: Jovantae Barnes (Proven), Sam Franklin (Speedster), Taylor Tatum (True Frosh Power Back)
- WR: Jayden Gibson (Big Target), Jaquaize Pettaway (Speed, needs consistency), Ivan Carreon (RS Freshman Sleeper)
- TE: Kade McIntyre (RS Freshman - High Ceiling), Davon Mitchell (True Frosh - Needs development)
- OL: Jake Taylor (T/G - Pushing Ozaeta), Logan Howland (T - Experience), Spencer Brown (G/T - Versatile depth), Josh Bates (C - Future starter?)
- DL: Da'Jon Terry (DT - Vital Rotation), Gracen Halton (DE - Pass Rush Specialist), Markus Strong (DE - Strong Spring), Ashton Sanders (DT - Young Talent)
- LB: Jaren Kanak (Athlete - Needs defined role), Lewis Carter (Sophomore - Speed), Kobie McKinzie (Will rotate heavily), Kip Lewis (Sophomore - Potential)
- CB: Jacobe Johnson (Sophomore - Raw Talent), Makari Vickers (Sophomore - Competing), Kendel Dolby (Physical Nickel Backup)
- S: Michael Boganowski (True Frosh - Early Enrollee, Impressing), Reggie Powers (True Frosh - Physical), Jaydan Hardy (True Frosh - Speed)
The depth is unquestionably better than the past two years, especially on the lines and in the secondary. True freshmen will contribute, particularly on defense (Okoye, Boganowski, potentially Hardy/Powers). The OL depth feels more functional, though an injury at tackle would still be a major test. Overall, the two-deep looks more SEC-ready.
Impact of the SEC Move on Lineup Decisions?
You can't talk OU football now without mentioning the SEC. It changes everything. Venables and his staff have clearly prioritized:
- Size & Physicality: Look at the transfers: Damonic Williams (DT), Michael Tarquin (LT), Febechi Nwaiwu (LG), Da'Jon Terry (DT). These are grown men built for trench warfare. The days of relying solely on finesse are over.
- Defensive Line Depth: Rotating 8-9 bodies up front is necessary in the SEC. The additions (Williams, Terry, Sanders) and development of young guys (Okoye, Halton, Strong) are aimed squarely at this.
- Secondary Toughness: The transfer CBs (Walker, Malone) are known for being physical at the line. RSJ is a big safety. The emphasis is on tackling and winning contested catches against bigger SEC receivers.
- Experienced Transfers: Plugging holes with proven guys (Tarquin, Nwaiwu, Williams, Malone, Walker, Elzinga) was essential to accelerate the roster build for the league jump. These aren't developmental projects; they're expected starters.
Every position battle, every weight room goal, every practice rep is now viewed through the SEC lens. The Oklahoma football starting lineup projections reflect this new reality.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Sooners' Starting Lineup
When will the official Week 1 depth chart be released?
Typically, Brent Venables releases the first official depth chart about 4-5 days before the first game. So, expect it around Monday or Tuesday leading up to the season opener against Temple (August 30th). That gives you the concrete answers. These projections are based on spring ball, summer workouts, and early fall camp reports.
What's the biggest concern with the projected starting lineup?
Hands down, it's Defensive Tackle depth behind Williams and Okoye. Terry is solid, but true freshman Jayden Jackson needs to develop fast. Ashton Sanders has upside but is raw. If Williams or Okoye miss extended time, the interior could get thin against massive SEC O-lines.
Which true freshmen have the best shot to crack the starting lineup or get major minutes?
Danny Okoye (DT) is projected to start, which is huge. Michael Boganowski (S) is pushing RSJ hard and will play significant snaps regardless. Davon Mitchell (TE) has the talent to force his way onto the field. Taylor Tatum (RB) will get carries in a crowded backfield. Jayden Jackson (DT) needs to be ready in the rotation. Reggie Powers (S) and Jaydan Hardy (S) could see special teams and sub-package roles early. This is a talented class that will contribute.
How will the offense change with Jackson Arnold at QB instead of Dillon Gabriel?
Expect more designed quarterback runs. Arnold is a legitimate threat with his legs in a way Gabriel wasn't. The deep ball might be emphasized even more with Arnold's arm strength and receivers like Anderson and Thompson. Seth Littrell's offense will still be up-tempo and spread-based, but likely incorporates more RPOs (Run-Pass Options) tailored to Arnold's dual-threat ability. Less horizontal passing, more vertical shots and QB runs.
Are there any major injury concerns affecting the Oklahoma football starting lineup projections right now?
The main one is WR Andrel Anthony (knee injury late last season). All reports suggest he's fully recovered and participating fully in camp, but it's something to monitor until we see him in live action. R Mason Thomas (DE) has had injury setbacks in the past – keeping him healthy is crucial for the pass rush. Gavin Sawchuk (RB) has also dealt with injuries; his durability is key. So far, no major new season-ending injuries reported heading into core fall camp practices.
What position battle is flying under the radar but could be crucial?
Right Guard. Heath Ozaeta seems like the leader, but Jake Taylor (coming off injury) and Michigan transfer Logan Howland are serious contenders. Getting the best five O-linemen settled quickly and building chemistry is paramount for Arnold's development and the run game's success. The starter here might not be a household name, but their performance is vital.
Final Thoughts: Expectations for the Season
Projecting starters is fun, but it's just the beginning. This roster, on paper, is the most talented and deepest Venables has had. The influx of transfers fills glaring holes, and the young talent (Arnold, Anderson, Bowen, Okoye, etc.) is exciting.
The schedule is brutal. Welcome to the SEC. Road trips to Auburn, Ole Miss, Missouri, and LSU. Home games against Texas, Tennessee, Alabama, and South Carolina. There will be growing pains. You don't just waltz into this league.
Realistic Ceiling: Challenging for the SEC West title is a stretch year one, but 9-10 wins and a strong bowl game are achievable if the O-line gels quickly, Arnold limits turnovers, and the defense takes the expected step forward (especially against the pass). Winning one or two of those toss-up road games (Auburn, Ole Miss, Mizzou) is key.
Realistic Floor: O-line struggles persist, Arnold makes freshman mistakes against elite defenses, secondary gets exposed, and the SEC grind results in 7-8 wins. Avoiding upsets in the non-conference and against weaker SEC foes at home is crucial.
These Oklahoma football starting lineup projections show a team built to compete. The talent upgrade, particularly in the trenches and secondary, is evident. Success hinges on Arnold's development, O-line cohesion, defensive consistency, and navigating the brutal SEC schedule. It won't be easy, but it sure looks like the Sooners are heading in the right direction. Boomer Sooner!
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