Oklahoma Sooners 2025 depth chart projection ahead of fall camp features key starters, emerging talents, and position battles shaping the team’s upcoming season prospects.

As the Oklahoma Sooners gear up for the 2025 college football season, anticipation is building among fans and analysts alike. With a roster brimming with talent, a mix of seasoned veterans, and promising young recruits, the Sooners are poised to make a significant impact in the Big 12 and beyond. This projection of the depth chart ahead of fall camp provides a detailed look at the key starters, emerging talents, and the battles that will define Oklahoma’s path to success in 2025.

Offensive Outlook

Quarterback

Projected Starter: Jackson Arnold Jr. (Sophomore)

Jackson Arnold Jr., the former five-star recruit and backup in 2024, enters 2025 with high expectations. His athleticism, arm strength, and leadership qualities position him as the clear leader under center. With a full offseason to develop chemistry with the offense, Arnold is anticipated to take the reins as the starting quarterback.

Key Contenders:

• Dillon Gabriel (Senior) — If Arnold struggles or experiences injury, Gabriel remains a capable veteran with starting experience, providing depth and leadership.
• Freshman QB (TBD) — A highly-rated recruit might push for playing time if Arnold or Gabriel falters early.

Analysis: Arnold’s development will be crucial. The coaching staff will aim for consistency and decision-making, but his athletic ability and playmaking skills give him a significant edge.

Running Back

Starting Running Back: Taylor Tatum (Junior)

Tatum’s explosive running style and pass-catching ability make him the focal point of Oklahoma’s ground attack. He emerged as a dynamic threat in 2024 and is expected to handle the bulk of carries.

Complementary Back: Marcus Washington (Sophomore)

Washington provides speed and versatility, capable of breaking big runs and contributing in the passing game.

Backup Options:

• Freshman recruit (TBD), highly touted, who could push for carries if Tatum faces injury or struggles.

Analysis: Oklahoma’s rushing attack will revolve around Tatum’s vision and explosiveness, with Washington adding versatility.

Wide Receiver

X Receiver: Ethan Downs (Senior)

Downs, a reliable veteran and experienced route runner, will lead the receiver corps, providing leadership and consistency.

Z Receiver: Keyshawn Woods (Junior)

An athletic and speedy receiver, Woods will stretch defenses and make big plays downfield.

Slot Receiver: Jayden Gibson (Sophomore)

Gibson’s quickness and agility make him a prime target in quick-hitting routes and screen plays.

Emerging Talents:

• Freshman standout (TBD) who could carve out a role early in fall camp.

Analysis: The receiving corps is experienced but also features several young talents with upside, providing Oklahoma with both reliability and potential explosiveness.

Tight End

Starting TE: Ethan Davis (Senior)

Davis, a seasoned blocker and dependable receiver, will be the primary tight end, helping in both the passing game and run blocking.

Backup: Jackson Arnold (Sophomore) — Versatile enough to serve as an H-back or inline tight end.

Analysis: The tight end position will be crucial for play-action and blocking schemes, with Davis’s leadership vital.

Offensive Line

Left Tackle: Jacob Sexton (Junior)
Left Guard: David Ugwoegbu (Senior)
Center: Kaden Helms (Senior)
Right Guard: Josh Bates (Senior)
Right Tackle: Tyler Guyton (Senior)

Emerging Talents:

• Freshmen and younger players (TBD) competing for rotational roles and depth.

Analysis: The offensive line boasts experienced starters, but young depth will be tested in fall camp. Continuity and injury management will be key.

Defensive Outlook

Defensive Line

Starting Ends:

• Jaxon Nelson (Senior) — Veteran presence and run-stopping ability.
• Kris Walker (Junior) — Athletic pass rusher with potential to disrupt the backfield.

Nose Tackle:

• Derrick Moore (Junior) — Anchoring the interior, providing run-stopping and interior pass rush.

Rotation and Emerging Talents:

• Freshmen (TBD) with high upside to push for snaps, especially in pass-rushing roles.

Analysis: Oklahoma’s front must control the line of scrimmage, and depth along the defensive line will be tested in a demanding Big 12 schedule.

Linebackers

SAM/Will:

• Jared Smith (Senior) — Experienced leader and versatile linebacker.

Mike:

• Danny Stutsman (Senior) — The heart of the defense, known for leadership and tackling.

Will/MIKE:

• Kobe McKenzie (Junior) — Emerging talent with sideline-to-sideline speed.

Emerging Talents:

• Freshmen (TBD) vying for rotational roles and special teams.

Analysis: The linebacking corps is experienced but will need to develop depth and coverage skills.

Defensive Backs

Cornerbacks:

• Gentry Williams (Senior) — Elite cover corner, team leader.
• Derrick Williams (Junior) — Versatile and physical.

Safeties:

• Billy Bowman (Senior) — Leader in the secondary, strong in coverage and run support.
• Justin Harrington (Senior) — Experienced safety with playmaking ability.

Emerging Talents:

• Young defensive backs (TBD) ready to step into rotational roles and provide depth.

Analysis: The secondary features experienced talent but must improve consistency and pass defense against high-powered offenses.

Special Teams

• Kicker: Alex Fabbro (Senior) — Reliable veteran with strong leg.
• Punter: Ethan Howell (Junior) — Consistent directional punter.
• Return Specialists: Multiple players, including Woods and Gibson, poised to contribute in kick and punt returns.

Key Position Battles and Fall Camp Storylines

1. Quarterback Race: Arnold Jr. vs. Dillon Gabriel — The most anticipated battle, with Arnold looking to cement his role as Oklahoma’s future leader.
2. Running Back Depth: Tatum vs. emerging backs — Establishing a clear primary ball-carrier and rotational depth.
3. Linebacker Rotation: Young talents vs. veterans — Finding the best combination for coverage and tackling.
4. Secondary Competition: Young defensive backs pushing veterans for starting roles, ensuring competition and depth.
5. Offensive Line Cohesion: Developing chemistry among experienced starters and integrating freshmen into rotation.

Prospects and Expectations for 2025

The Sooners’ roster boasts a balanced mix of experienced players and promising young talents, positioning them well for a competitive 2025 season. The quarterback position is a critical focal point, with Jackson Arnold Jr. expected to lead the offense, backed by veteran Dillon Gabriel as insurance.

On offense, the running game and receiving corps will be pivotal in stretching defenses and creating explosive plays. The offensive line’s performance will directly influence the offense’s overall effectiveness.

Defensively, Oklahoma aims to improve its pass defense and create turnovers with a talented secondary and disruptive front line. The linebacker corps, led by seasoned players, will be tasked with controlling the middle and supporting both run defense and pass coverage.

Special teams will play a crucial role in field position and scoring, with experienced specialists providing stability.

Final Thoughts

Oklahoma’s 2025 depth chart projection showcases a team with significant upside and a strong foundation of experienced players complemented by emerging talents ready to make an impact. The fall camp will be crucial in determining the final depth chart, particularly in the quarterback race and linebacker positions.

The coaching staff’s ability to develop young players, foster competition, and maintain team cohesion will be vital for achieving team goals. With a talented roster and a motivated squad, Oklahoma is poised for a competitive and exciting 2025 campaign that could see them contend for conference and national honors.