There are storylines galore coming into this Week 2 clash, and the Sooners get a marquee early season game to highlight their nonleague schedule once again in 2026. After the dominant win in Week 1, there are a number of players you need to keep your eye on for OU in the first road game of the season.
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Here are four players to watch for Oklahoma on Saturday.
Noah Best, OL
Oklahoma offensive line coach Bill Bedenbaugh watches warm ups before the college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners and the UTEP Miners at the Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Sept. 4, 2026.
The Sooners have multiple injuries on the offensive line as they approach the Michigan game. Jake Maikkula and Ryan Fodje appear to be improving; Venables said OU would "get them going this week".Michael Fasusi's status is a bit of a question mark, given his injury. That's three of Oklahoma's best offensive linemen that are up in the air right now for the contest with theWolverines.
With the possibility of a patchwork offensive line again this week, Noah Best is a player to watch. He ended up drawing the start at center last week. Heath Ozaeta was next to him at right guard, and Caleb Nitta was behind him on the depth chart. If Best has to start at center or one of the guard spots this week, that's a true freshman making his second career start in college football's largest stadium. It's certainly something worth keeping an eye on, as the O-line shuffle continues.
Sep 4, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners running back Lloyd Avant (9) rushes during the second quarter against the Texas El Paso Miners at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Lloyd Avant drew the start at running back, and he was OU's best ball carrier in the win. WithTory Blaylockstill nursing an injury andXavier Robinsonand Jonathan Hatton Jr. healthy, it's worth watching if Avant will be the lead back against the Wolverines.
Oklahoma is going to have to run the ball well to beat Michigan, and with a patchwork offensive line, it'll need the running backs to create extra yards. If it's again Avant who leads the way in carries, the Sooners will need him to look like a starting running back to get the win.
Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman Adepoju Adebawore (34) hits Maine Black Bears quarterback Carter Peevy (11) after a pass during a college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Maine Black Bears at Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024.
Adepoju Adebawore had a strong start to his season on Friday after getting his first career start as a Sooner. With Danny Okoye injured, it was Adebawore who took advantage and put a lot of good things on tape. Okoye's status is a bit up in the air, though Venablesdidn't sound that concerned postgame.
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Adebawore is a veteran in this defense, and if he can give the Sooners more star power at defensive end, it makes OU's defense all the more suffocating. Against a mobile quarterback,Bryce Underwood, on Saturday, locking down the edge will be a priority for Oklahoma.
Sep 4, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) throws a pass during the first quarter against the Texas El Paso Miners at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
John Mateer mostly took a backseat to some other star performances on Friday night, so the Michigan game is his first of many giant tests this season. He didn't put the ball in harm's way in the season opener, but he also wasn't put in any "gotta have it" situations.
There's a chance that could change against the Wolverines. Last year against Michigan, Mateer announced himself to the general college football public, and he was the engine of the OU offense in the win. While Oklahoma's whole focus is making it where he doesn't have to do it all this year, there very well may come a point on Saturday where he has to put on the Superman cape for the first time in 2026.
Oklahoma runs on to the field before the college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners and the UTEP Miners at the Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Sept. 4, 2026.
(SARAH PHIPPS/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Oklahoma's Reggie Powers III cheers before the college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners and the UTEP Miners at the Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Sept. 4, 2026.
(SARAH PHIPPS/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Sep 4, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners head coach Brent Venables walks with his team before the game against the UTEP Miners Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oklahoma's John Mateer (10) hands the ball off to Lloyd Avant (9) in the second half of the college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners and the UTEP Miners at the Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Sept. 4, 2026.
(SARAH PHIPPS/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Sep 4, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners linebacker James Nesta (47) recovers a fumble during the fourth quarter against the Texas El Paso Miners at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 4, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback Whitt Newbauer (16) rushes for a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Texas El Paso Miners at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 4, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver Trell Harris (11) scores a touchdown during the third quarter against the Texas El Paso Miners at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oklahoma's Rocky Beers (81) celebrates a touchdown in the first half of the college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners and the UTEP Miners at the Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Sept. 4, 2026.
(SARAH PHIPPS/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Oklahoma's Isaiah Sategna III get by UTEP's Carver Cheeks as he returns a punt for a touchdown n the first half of the college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners and the UTEP Miners at the Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Sept. 4, 2026.
(SARAH PHIPPS/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Sep 4, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners kicker Tate Sandell (29) celebrates after making a field goal during the second quarter against the Texas El Paso Miners at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 4, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners tight ends coach Jason Witten reacts during the second quarter against the Texas El Paso Miners at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 4, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive back Reggie Powers III (3) celebrates after making a tackle on Texas El Paso Miners wide receiver Kam Thomas (8) during the second quarter at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 4, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners head coach Brent Venables looks on during the second quarter against the Texas El Paso Miners at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 4, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) throws a pass as Texas El Paso Miners safety Donavan Howard (12) defends during the second quarter at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 4, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) looks to pass during the second quarter against the Texas El Paso Miners at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 4, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners fans cheer during the during the first quarter against the Texas El Paso Miners at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 4, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners running back Lloyd Avant (9) rushes during the second quarter against the Texas El Paso Miners at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 4, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners tight end Rocky Beers (81) hurdles over Texas El Paso Miners cornerback Justin Content (0) during the first quarter at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 4, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners tight end Rocky Beers (81) makes a catch during the first quarter against the Texas El Paso Miners at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 4, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) looks to pass during the first quarter against the Texas El Paso Miners at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 4, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners cheerleaders perform during the first quarter against the Texas El Paso Miners at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 4, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners running back Lloyd Avant (9) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the first quarter against the Texas El Paso Miners at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 4, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver Elijah Thomas (14) makes a catch as Texas El Paso Miners cornerback Kaleb Miles (23) defends during the first quarter at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 4, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) throws a pass during the first quarter against the Texas El Paso Miners at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 4, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) and Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver Trell Harris (11) celebrate after the game against the Texas El Paso Miners at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
1/25
Photos from the Oklahoma Sooners win over UTEP
Oklahoma runs on to the field before the college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners and the UTEP Miners at the Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Sept. 4, 2026.
(SARAH PHIPPS/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
1/25
Photos from the Oklahoma Sooners win over UTEP
Oklahoma runs on to the field before the college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners and the UTEP Miners at the Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Sept. 4, 2026.
(SARAH PHIPPS/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
2/25
Photos from the Oklahoma Sooners win over UTEP
Oklahoma's Reggie Powers III cheers before the college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners and the UTEP Miners at the Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Sept. 4, 2026.
(SARAH PHIPPS/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
3/25
Photos from the Oklahoma Sooners win over UTEP
Sep 4, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners head coach Brent Venables walks with his team before the game against the UTEP Miners Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
4/25
Oklahoma Sooners game-by-game predictions from ESPN
Oklahoma's John Mateer (10) hands the ball off to Lloyd Avant (9) in the second half of the college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners and the UTEP Miners at the Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Sept. 4, 2026.
(SARAH PHIPPS/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
5/25
Photos from the Oklahoma Sooners win over UTEP
Sep 4, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners linebacker James Nesta (47) recovers a fumble during the fourth quarter against the Texas El Paso Miners at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
6/25
Photos from the Oklahoma Sooners win over UTEP
Sep 4, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback Whitt Newbauer (16) rushes for a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Texas El Paso Miners at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
7/25
Photos from the Oklahoma Sooners win over UTEP
Sep 4, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver Trell Harris (11) scores a touchdown during the third quarter against the Texas El Paso Miners at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
8/25
Photos from the Oklahoma Sooners win over UTEP
Oklahoma's Rocky Beers (81) celebrates a touchdown in the first half of the college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners and the UTEP Miners at the Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Sept. 4, 2026.
(SARAH PHIPPS/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
9/25
Photos from the Oklahoma Sooners win over UTEP
Oklahoma's Isaiah Sategna III get by UTEP's Carver Cheeks as he returns a punt for a touchdown n the first half of the college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners and the UTEP Miners at the Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Sept. 4, 2026.
(SARAH PHIPPS/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
10/25
Photos from the Oklahoma Sooners win over UTEP
Sep 4, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners kicker Tate Sandell (29) celebrates after making a field goal during the second quarter against the Texas El Paso Miners at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
11/25
Offensive Coordinator targets for the Oklahoma Sooners
Sep 4, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners tight ends coach Jason Witten reacts during the second quarter against the Texas El Paso Miners at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
12/25
Photos from the Oklahoma Sooners win over UTEP
Sep 4, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive back Reggie Powers III (3) celebrates after making a tackle on Texas El Paso Miners wide receiver Kam Thomas (8) during the second quarter at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
13/25
Photos from the Oklahoma Sooners win over UTEP
Sep 4, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners head coach Brent Venables looks on during the second quarter against the Texas El Paso Miners at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
14/25
Photos from the Oklahoma Sooners win over UTEP
Sep 4, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) throws a pass as Texas El Paso Miners safety Donavan Howard (12) defends during the second quarter at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
15/25
Photos from the Oklahoma Sooners win over UTEP
Sep 4, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) looks to pass during the second quarter against the Texas El Paso Miners at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
16/25
Photos from the Oklahoma Sooners win over UTEP
Sep 4, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners fans cheer during the during the first quarter against the Texas El Paso Miners at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
17/25
Photos from the Oklahoma Sooners win over UTEP
Sep 4, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners running back Lloyd Avant (9) rushes during the second quarter against the Texas El Paso Miners at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
18/25
Photos from the Oklahoma Sooners win over UTEP
Sep 4, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners tight end Rocky Beers (81) hurdles over Texas El Paso Miners cornerback Justin Content (0) during the first quarter at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
19/25
Photos from the Oklahoma Sooners win over UTEP
Sep 4, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners tight end Rocky Beers (81) makes a catch during the first quarter against the Texas El Paso Miners at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
20/25
Photos from the Oklahoma Sooners win over UTEP
Sep 4, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) looks to pass during the first quarter against the Texas El Paso Miners at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
21/25
Photos from the Oklahoma Sooners win over UTEP
Sep 4, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners cheerleaders perform during the first quarter against the Texas El Paso Miners at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
22/25
Photos from the Oklahoma Sooners win over UTEP
Sep 4, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners running back Lloyd Avant (9) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the first quarter against the Texas El Paso Miners at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
23/25
Photos from the Oklahoma Sooners win over UTEP
Sep 4, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver Elijah Thomas (14) makes a catch as Texas El Paso Miners cornerback Kaleb Miles (23) defends during the first quarter at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
24/25
Photos from the Oklahoma Sooners win over UTEP
Sep 4, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) throws a pass during the first quarter against the Texas El Paso Miners at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
25/25
Photos from the Oklahoma Sooners win over UTEP
Sep 4, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) and Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver Trell Harris (11) celebrate after the game against the Texas El Paso Miners at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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