Oklahoma poised to make roster additions on eve of season opener
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Oklahoma poised to make roster additions on eve of season opener
Aaron Gelvin, Sooners Wire·Sooners Wire
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3 min read
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The 2026 college football season is underway, and theOklahoma Soonerswill kick things off at home on Friday nightagainst the UTEP Miners. OU's roster has been mostly set since the transfer portal madness died down in January, but the madness of eligibility lawsuits in college football has given the Sooners the opportunity to make some very last-minute additions to their roster.
Fely was invited to an NFL minicamp, but he never signed an NFL contract. Heplans to transfer to and play for Oklahomain 2026. Fely spent four seasons with theBroncos. He was listed at 6-foot-1 and 296 pounds last season, and he was a starter at defensive tackle forBoise State. Fely was a second-team all-conference player for each of the last two years, and was a starter for three straight years.
Of course, Fely's status still depends on a preliminary injunction hearing, a process college football fans have become all too familiar with this offseason. The same goes for defensive lineman and incoming Arkansas transferDanny Saili, who had an update in his case on Thursday as well. Sailicommitted to OU out of the transfer portal in August, having never pursued the NFL.
According to On3 SoonerScoop.com's George Stoia III, the Soonersexpect both Saili and Fely to be on the roster this year. Stoia also reported that the Soonersdid not have to cut anyone on the rosterto make this all happen. Clearly, Oklahoma wants to add more defensive tackle depth, and while both cases are far from over, it sure sounds like OU believes that both players will eventually be available to play and that both players will be able to help them in some way.
Oklahoma's core group at defensive tackle consists of startersJayden JacksonandDavid Stone, along with backups Bishop Thomas,Trent Wilson, Nigel Smith II, and James Carrington. However, if Saili and Fely both get ruled fully eligible to play this year, and if both do in fact suit up for the Sooners, Venables and general managerJim Nagywill have significantly bolstered their defensive tackle depth for this season.
September 1, 2012; Dallas, TX, USA; A general view of the Sun Bowl Stadium during the football game between UTEP Miners and Oklahoma Sooners. Oklahoma won 24-7. Mandatory Credit: Jim Cowsert-USA TODAY Sports
(Jim Cowsert-US PRESSWIRE, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
September 1, 2012; Dallas, TX, USA; Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver Kenny Stills (4) during the game against the UTEP Miners at Sun Bowl Stadium. The Oklahoma Sooners won 24-7 beating the UTEP Miners. Mandatory Credit: Jim Cowsert-USA TODAY Sports
(Jim Cowsert-US PRESSWIRE, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
September 1, 2012; Dallas, TX, USA; Oklahoma Sooners head coach Bob Stoops during the second quarter against the UTEP Miners at Sun Bowl Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Cowsert-USA TODAY Sports
(Jim Cowsert-US PRESSWIRE, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
September 1, 2012; Dallas, TX, USA; Oklahoma Sooners running back Damien Williams (26) runs for a touchdown against the UTEP Miners in the fourth quarter at Sun Bowl Stadium. Oklahoma won 24-7. Mandatory Credit: Jim Cowsert-USA TODAY Sports
(Jim Cowsert-US PRESSWIRE, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
September 1, 2012; Dallas, TX, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback Landry Jones (12) throws a pass in the first quarter against the UTEP Miners at Sun Bowl Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Cowsert-USA TODAY Sports
(Jim Cowsert-US PRESSWIRE, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
September 1, 2012; Dallas, TX, USA; UTEP Miners head coach Mike Price leads the team out to the field for the game against the Oklahoma Sooners at Sun Bowl Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Cowsert-USA TODAY Sports
(Jim Cowsert-US PRESSWIRE, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
September 1, 2012; Dallas, TX, USA; Oklahoma Sooners running back Brennan Clay (24) rushes against the UTEP Miners at Sun Bowl Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Cowsert-USA TODAY Sports
(Jim Cowsert-US PRESSWIRE, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
September 1, 2012; Dallas, TX, USA; Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver Kenny Stills (4) scores a touchdown against UTEP Miners defensive back Derrick Morgan (21) in the first quarter at Sun Bowl Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Cowsert-USA TODAY Sports
(Jim Cowsert-US PRESSWIRE, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oklahoma's Drake Stoops during a college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the UTEP Miners at Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022.
cover main
(BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect)
Sep 2, 2017; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners fullback Dimitri Flowers (36) reacts after scoring a touchdown against the UTEP Miners during the first quarter at Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
(Mark D. Smith, USA Today Sports)
Sep 2, 2017; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners running back Rodney Anderson (24) scores a touchdown in front of UTEP Miners defensive lineman Denzel Chukwukelu (11) during the first quarter at Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
(Mark D. Smith, USA Today Sports)
Oklahoma coach Brent Venables runs onto the field before a college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the UTEP Miners at Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022. Oklahoma won 45-13.
(BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect)
Oklahoma coach Brent Venables sings the OU alma mater with players after a college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the UTEP Miners at Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022. Oklahoma won 45-13.
Ou Vs Utep
(BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect)
Oklahoma's Dillon Gabriel (8) runs for a touchdown during a college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the UTEP Miners at Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022. Oklahoma won 45-13.
Ou Vs Utep
(BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect)
Sep 3, 2022; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver Marvin Mims (17) runs with the ball as UTEP Miners defensive back Dennis Barnes (13) defends during the game at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
(Kevin Jairaj, USA TODAY Sports)
Sep 3, 2022; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners running back Marcus Major (24) runs with the ball during the game against the UTEP Miners at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
(Kevin Jairaj, USA TODAY Sports)
Sep 3, 2022; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners drum major performs before the game against the UTEP Miners at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
(Kevin Jairaj, USA TODAY Sports)
Sep 3, 2022; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners cheer member before the game against the UTEP Miners at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
(Kevin Jairaj, USA TODAY Sports)
Sep 3, 2022; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners cheer member before the game against the UTEP Miners at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
(Kevin Jairaj, USA TODAY Sports)
Sep 3, 2022; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners cheer member during the game against the UTEP Miners at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
(Kevin Jairaj, USA TODAY Sports)
Sep 3, 2022; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback Dillon Gabriel (8) runs with the ball during the second half against the UTEP Miners at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
(Kevin Jairaj, USA TODAY Sports)
Sep 3, 2022; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; UTEP Miners running back Jalen Joseph (25) is tackled by Oklahoma Sooners defensive back Justin Broiles (25) and Oklahoma Sooners defensive back Jaden Davis (4) during the first half at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
(Kevin Jairaj, USA TODAY Sports)
Sep 3, 2022; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners tight end Brayden Willis (9) celebrates with Oklahoma Sooners quarterback Dillon Gabriel (8) after scoring a touchdown during the first quarter against the UTEP Miners at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
(Kevin Jairaj, USA TODAY Sports)
Sep 3, 2022; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners running back Eric Gray (0) runs with the ball during the first quarter against the UTEP Miners at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
(Kevin Jairaj, USA TODAY Sports)
Sep 3, 2022; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver Gavin Freeman (82) runs past UTEP Miners linebacker Jerome Wilson Jr. (4) for a touchdown during the first quarter at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
(Kevin Jairaj, USA TODAY Sports)
Sep 3, 2022; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners head coach Brent Venables walks in a line with his players before the game against the UTEP Miners at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
(Kevin Jairaj, USA TODAY Sports)
1/26
A look back at some of the best photos of Oklahoma vs. UTEP
September 1, 2012; Dallas, TX, USA; A general view of the Sun Bowl Stadium during the football game between UTEP Miners and Oklahoma Sooners. Oklahoma won 24-7. Mandatory Credit: Jim Cowsert-USA TODAY Sports
(Jim Cowsert-US PRESSWIRE, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
1/26
A look back at some of the best photos of Oklahoma vs. UTEP
September 1, 2012; Dallas, TX, USA; A general view of the Sun Bowl Stadium during the football game between UTEP Miners and Oklahoma Sooners. Oklahoma won 24-7. Mandatory Credit: Jim Cowsert-USA TODAY Sports
(Jim Cowsert-US PRESSWIRE, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
2/26
A look back at some of the best photos of Oklahoma vs. UTEP
September 1, 2012; Dallas, TX, USA; Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver Kenny Stills (4) during the game against the UTEP Miners at Sun Bowl Stadium. The Oklahoma Sooners won 24-7 beating the UTEP Miners. Mandatory Credit: Jim Cowsert-USA TODAY Sports
(Jim Cowsert-US PRESSWIRE, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
3/26
A look back at some of the best photos of Oklahoma vs. UTEP
September 1, 2012; Dallas, TX, USA; Oklahoma Sooners head coach Bob Stoops during the second quarter against the UTEP Miners at Sun Bowl Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Cowsert-USA TODAY Sports
(Jim Cowsert-US PRESSWIRE, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
4/26
A look back at some of the best photos of Oklahoma vs. UTEP
September 1, 2012; Dallas, TX, USA; Oklahoma Sooners running back Damien Williams (26) runs for a touchdown against the UTEP Miners in the fourth quarter at Sun Bowl Stadium. Oklahoma won 24-7. Mandatory Credit: Jim Cowsert-USA TODAY Sports
(Jim Cowsert-US PRESSWIRE, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
5/26
A look back at some of the best photos of Oklahoma vs. UTEP
September 1, 2012; Dallas, TX, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback Landry Jones (12) throws a pass in the first quarter against the UTEP Miners at Sun Bowl Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Cowsert-USA TODAY Sports
(Jim Cowsert-US PRESSWIRE, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
6/26
A look back at some of the best photos of Oklahoma vs. UTEP
September 1, 2012; Dallas, TX, USA; UTEP Miners head coach Mike Price leads the team out to the field for the game against the Oklahoma Sooners at Sun Bowl Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Cowsert-USA TODAY Sports
(Jim Cowsert-US PRESSWIRE, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
7/26
A look back at some of the best photos of Oklahoma vs. UTEP
September 1, 2012; Dallas, TX, USA; Oklahoma Sooners running back Brennan Clay (24) rushes against the UTEP Miners at Sun Bowl Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Cowsert-USA TODAY Sports
(Jim Cowsert-US PRESSWIRE, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
8/26
A look back at some of the best photos of Oklahoma vs. UTEP
September 1, 2012; Dallas, TX, USA; Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver Kenny Stills (4) scores a touchdown against UTEP Miners defensive back Derrick Morgan (21) in the first quarter at Sun Bowl Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Cowsert-USA TODAY Sports
(Jim Cowsert-US PRESSWIRE, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
9/26
A look back at some of the best photos of Oklahoma vs. UTEP
Oklahoma's Drake Stoops during a college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the UTEP Miners at Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022.
cover main
(BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect)
10/26
A look back at some of the best photos of Oklahoma vs. UTEP
Sep 2, 2017; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners fullback Dimitri Flowers (36) reacts after scoring a touchdown against the UTEP Miners during the first quarter at Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
(Mark D. Smith, USA Today Sports)
11/26
A look back at some of the best photos of Oklahoma vs. UTEP
Sep 2, 2017; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners running back Rodney Anderson (24) scores a touchdown in front of UTEP Miners defensive lineman Denzel Chukwukelu (11) during the first quarter at Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
(Mark D. Smith, USA Today Sports)
12/26
A look back at some of the best photos of Oklahoma vs. UTEP
Oklahoma coach Brent Venables runs onto the field before a college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the UTEP Miners at Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022. Oklahoma won 45-13.
(BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect)
13/26
A look back at some of the best photos of Oklahoma vs. UTEP
Oklahoma coach Brent Venables sings the OU alma mater with players after a college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the UTEP Miners at Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022. Oklahoma won 45-13.
Ou Vs Utep
(BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect)
14/26
A look back at some of the best photos of Oklahoma vs. UTEP
Oklahoma's Dillon Gabriel (8) runs for a touchdown during a college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the UTEP Miners at Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022. Oklahoma won 45-13.
Ou Vs Utep
(BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect)
15/26
A look back at some of the best photos of Oklahoma vs. UTEP
Sep 3, 2022; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver Marvin Mims (17) runs with the ball as UTEP Miners defensive back Dennis Barnes (13) defends during the game at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
(Kevin Jairaj, USA TODAY Sports)
16/26
A look back at some of the best photos of Oklahoma vs. UTEP
Sep 3, 2022; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners running back Marcus Major (24) runs with the ball during the game against the UTEP Miners at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
(Kevin Jairaj, USA TODAY Sports)
17/26
A look back at some of the best photos of Oklahoma vs. UTEP
Sep 3, 2022; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners drum major performs before the game against the UTEP Miners at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
(Kevin Jairaj, USA TODAY Sports)
18/26
A look back at some of the best photos of Oklahoma vs. UTEP
Sep 3, 2022; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners cheer member before the game against the UTEP Miners at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
(Kevin Jairaj, USA TODAY Sports)
19/26
A look back at some of the best photos of Oklahoma vs. UTEP
Sep 3, 2022; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners cheer member before the game against the UTEP Miners at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
(Kevin Jairaj, USA TODAY Sports)
20/26
A look back at some of the best photos of Oklahoma vs. UTEP
Sep 3, 2022; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners cheer member during the game against the UTEP Miners at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
(Kevin Jairaj, USA TODAY Sports)
21/26
A look back at some of the best photos of Oklahoma vs. UTEP
Sep 3, 2022; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback Dillon Gabriel (8) runs with the ball during the second half against the UTEP Miners at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
(Kevin Jairaj, USA TODAY Sports)
22/26
A look back at some of the best photos of Oklahoma vs. UTEP
Sep 3, 2022; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; UTEP Miners running back Jalen Joseph (25) is tackled by Oklahoma Sooners defensive back Justin Broiles (25) and Oklahoma Sooners defensive back Jaden Davis (4) during the first half at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
(Kevin Jairaj, USA TODAY Sports)
23/26
A look back at some of the best photos of Oklahoma vs. UTEP
Sep 3, 2022; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners tight end Brayden Willis (9) celebrates with Oklahoma Sooners quarterback Dillon Gabriel (8) after scoring a touchdown during the first quarter against the UTEP Miners at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
(Kevin Jairaj, USA TODAY Sports)
24/26
A look back at some of the best photos of Oklahoma vs. UTEP
Sep 3, 2022; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners running back Eric Gray (0) runs with the ball during the first quarter against the UTEP Miners at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
(Kevin Jairaj, USA TODAY Sports)
25/26
A look back at some of the best photos of Oklahoma vs. UTEP
Sep 3, 2022; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver Gavin Freeman (82) runs past UTEP Miners linebacker Jerome Wilson Jr. (4) for a touchdown during the first quarter at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
(Kevin Jairaj, USA TODAY Sports)
26/26
A look back at some of the best photos of Oklahoma vs. UTEP
Sep 3, 2022; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners head coach Brent Venables walks in a line with his players before the game against the UTEP Miners at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
(Kevin Jairaj, USA TODAY Sports)
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