With Oklahoma’s season opener under a week away, Sooners on SI projected the two-deep for OU’s Week 1 matchup against UTEP.QuarterbackOklahoma quarterback John Mateer prepares to take a snap in practice. | Carson Field / Sooners On SIJohn MateerWhitt Newbauer There’s no drama here. John Mateer’s development has been one of the stories of the offseason for Oklahoma, and while Bowe Bentley has plenty of time to develop, Whitt Newbauer’s experience in the system gave him an upper hand in the backup quarterback battle throughout the offseason. Running BackXavier RobinsonLloyd Avant OR Jonathan HattonLloyd Avant entered fall camp with an advantage, seeing as he was healthy throughout spring football, but running backs coach Deland McCullough has been able to watch Xavier Robinson knock off the rust throughout fall camp. As expected, he’s in position to start the year as OU’s RB1, with Avant and freshman Jonathan Hatton Jr. also ready to factor into the rotation against the Miners. Wide ReceiverTrell HarrisManny ChoiceMuch like Robinson, the only concern for Trell Harris through fall camp was how he was going to progress physically. Once he hit the practice field, any concern quickly washed away. Harris has continued to look more comfortable in the Oklahoma offense, and he’ll be able to pass the baton to sophomore Manny Choice when things get out of hand on Friday night.Wide ReceiverOklahoma wide receiver Isaiah Sategna smiles before scoring a touchdown in the 2026 Spring Game. | Carson Field / Sooners On SIIsaiah SategnaMackenzie Alleyne Isaiah Sategna returns as OU’s go-to guy, but Washington State transfer Mackenzie Alleyne was able to make the most of the spring to earn a shot at being in the rotation. Alleyne, like Choice, should get plenty of opportunities against UTEP.Wide Receiver Elijah Thomas OR Parker LivingstoneSophomore Elijah Thomas has come on strong in fall camp, and he’s pushing for a starting role — something that should excite OU fans. The arrival of Thomas and Choice, paired with the offseason additions of Harris and Livingstone, should give the Sooners a legitimate rotation at receiver. Tight End Hayden HansenRocky BeersJason Witten could easily utilize a four-man rotation with Jack Van Dorselaer and Trynae Washington, but veterans Hayden Hansen and Rocky Beers are in line to take the initial snaps against UTEP. Left TackleOklahoma offensive lineman Michael Fasusi warms up before a contest at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. | Carson Field, Sooners on SIMichael Fasusi Peyton JosephAs long as Michael Fasusi is healthy, he’ll lead the way as Oklahoma’s left tackle. Behind him for the season will likely be Fodje, which would prompt a reshuffle on the interior of the offensive line, but Georgia Tech transfer Peyton Joseph is also in the mix. Left GuardEddy Pierre-LouisHeath OzaetaEddy Pierre-Louis’ growth was on full display at SEC Media Day, and he’s ready to reprise his role as emotional leader along the offensive line. He’s got a capable and experienced backup in Heath Ozaeta, who can provide necessary depth on both sides of the line. Center Oklahoma offensive lineman Ryan Fodje runs onto the field before the Sooners' contest against Temple. | Carson Field, Sooners on SIRyan FodjeCaleb NittaWith Michigan on the horizon, it’s unlikely OU rushes Jake Maikkula back for the opener. That leaves Ryan Fodje, Oklahoma’s do-it-all man, to slide all the way inside and play center. Western Kentucky transfer Caleb Nitta brings experience to the group, but deploying Fodje at center opens things up at right guard for one of the offseason’s biggest surprises.Right GuardNoah BestHeath OzaetaTrue freshman Noah Best has impressed OU’s players and coaches alike. His strength and maturity have him ready to contribute immediately, and he can debut between a pair of experienced hands in the SEC after Fodje was thrown into the mix last year and transfer E’Marion Harris earned plenty of experience at Arkansas.Right TackleE’Marion HarrisDeacon SchmittHarris was brought in to start, so there’s no shock there. Later in the season, if Harris has to miss a drive, Fodje is again a candidate to slide over, but freshman Deacon Schmitt is waiting in the wings if needed. Sign up to our free newsletter and follow us on Facebook and X for the latest news.Add us as a preferred source on GoogleFollow