Story by
Oklahoma's Omarion Robinson ready to make bigger impact in Year 2
- Story by
- Oklahoma's Omarion Robinson ready to make bigger impact in Year 2
The Oklahoma Sooners kick off their 2026 college football season on Friday against the University of Texas at El Paso Miners. This will mark the first step of Oklahoma's pursuit of a return to the College Football Playoff.
This season will feature some players who are expected to have an enhanced role compared to last year. One of those is second-year safety Omarion Robinson. The former four-star appeared in nine games last year, totaling just three tackles. He mainly played on special teams. This year, he's listed as the backup to Peyton Bowen and Michael Boganowski at both safety spots.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Head coach Brent Venables revealed at his game week press conference that he can already see Robinson playing with more confidence.
"I see him playing with a different level of confidence than he did a year ago," Venables said. "Just on a different planet from that standpoint. And again, the consistency thing is what jumps out the most. He's earned a lot of trust. The more he plays, the better he gets."
That trust could be especially important for Robinson as Oklahoma looks to maintain the strength of it secondary. The Sooners lost Robert Spears-Jennings to the NFL draft and Jaydan Hardy to the Colorado Buffaloes , creating opportunities for younger safeties behind Bowen and Boganowski.
Robinson was already a contributor on special teams as a freshman, but his development has put him in a position to compete for a larger defensive role. His presence gives Oklahoma another option behind its two projected starters and could allow Venables and safeties coach Brandon Hall to rotate players throughout the season.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
If the confidence and consistency Venables has seen during the offseason carry over to game action, the sophomore could become an important piece of Oklahoma's defensive rotation as the Sooners begin their pursuit of another CFP appearance.
Oklahoma wide receiver Trell Harris (11) runs drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Oklahoma head coach Brent Venables talks to coaches during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Oklahoma players run drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Oklahoma quarterback Jett Niu (15) runs drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Oklahoma quarterback Jett Niu (15) runs drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Oklahoma long snapper Seth Freeman (50) runs drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Lineman run drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Oklahoma defensive lineman Matthew Nelson (40) runs drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Oklahoma quarterback Bowe Bentley (8) runs drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Oklahoma head coach Brent Venables runs drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Oklahoma players run drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Oklahoma players run drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Oklahoma players run drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer (10) runs drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Oklahoma quarterback Whitt Newbauer (16) runs drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Oklahoma linebacker Dane Bathurst (30) runs drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer (10) runs drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Oklahoma quarterback Whitt Newbauer (16) runs drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Oklahoma quarterback Jett Niu (15) runs drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer (10) runs drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer (10) runs drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Oklahoma players run drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Oklahoma quarterback Whitt Newbauer (16) runs drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Oklahoma players run drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Oklahoma quarterback Jett Niu (15) runs drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Oklahoma quarterback Whitt Newbauer (16) runs drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Oklahoma wide receiver Jer'michael Carter (5) runs drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Oklahoma defensive back Preston Mickens (27) runs drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Oklahoma players run drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
1
/29
Best photos from Oklahoma Sooners practice on Tuesday
Oklahoma wide receiver Trell Harris (11) runs drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
1
/29
Best photos from Oklahoma Sooners practice on Tuesday
Oklahoma wide receiver Trell Harris (11) runs drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
2
/29
Best photos from Oklahoma Sooners practice on Tuesday
Oklahoma head coach Brent Venables talks to coaches during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
3
/29
Best photos from Oklahoma Sooners practice on Tuesday
Oklahoma players run drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
4
/29
Best photos from Oklahoma Sooners practice on Tuesday
Oklahoma quarterback Jett Niu (15) runs drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
5
/29
Best photos from Oklahoma Sooners practice on Tuesday
Oklahoma quarterback Jett Niu (15) runs drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
6
/29
Best photos from Oklahoma Sooners practice on Tuesday
Oklahoma long snapper Seth Freeman (50) runs drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
7
/29
Best photos from Oklahoma Sooners practice on Tuesday
Lineman run drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
8
/29
Best photos from Oklahoma Sooners practice on Tuesday
Oklahoma defensive lineman Matthew Nelson (40) runs drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
9
/29
Bowe Bentley continues to impress with his development at Oklahoma
Oklahoma quarterback Bowe Bentley (8) runs drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
10
/29
Best photos from Oklahoma Sooners practice on Tuesday
Oklahoma head coach Brent Venables runs drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
11
/29
Best photos from Oklahoma Sooners practice on Tuesday
Oklahoma players run drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
12
/29
Best photos from Oklahoma Sooners practice on Tuesday
Oklahoma players run drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
13
/29
Best photos from Oklahoma Sooners practice on Tuesday
Oklahoma players run drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
14
/29
Best photos from Oklahoma Sooners practice on Tuesday
Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer (10) runs drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
15
/29
Best photos from Oklahoma Sooners practice on Tuesday
Oklahoma quarterback Whitt Newbauer (16) runs drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
16
/29
Best photos from Oklahoma Sooners practice on Tuesday
Oklahoma linebacker Dane Bathurst (30) runs drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
17
/29
Best photos from Oklahoma Sooners practice on Tuesday
Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer (10) runs drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
18
/29
Best photos from Oklahoma Sooners practice on Tuesday
Oklahoma quarterback Whitt Newbauer (16) runs drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
19
/29
Best photos from Oklahoma Sooners practice on Tuesday
Oklahoma quarterback Jett Niu (15) runs drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
20
/29
Best photos from Oklahoma Sooners practice on Tuesday
Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer (10) runs drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
21
/29
Best photos from Oklahoma Sooners practice on Tuesday
Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer (10) runs drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
22
/29
Best photos from Oklahoma Sooners practice on Tuesday
Oklahoma players run drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
23
/29
Best photos from Oklahoma Sooners practice on Tuesday
Oklahoma quarterback Whitt Newbauer (16) runs drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
24
/29
Best photos from Oklahoma Sooners practice on Tuesday
Oklahoma players run drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
25
/29
Best photos from Oklahoma Sooners practice on Tuesday
Oklahoma quarterback Jett Niu (15) runs drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
26
/29
Best photos from Oklahoma Sooners practice on Tuesday
Oklahoma quarterback Whitt Newbauer (16) runs drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
27
/29
Best photos from Oklahoma Sooners practice on Tuesday
Oklahoma wide receiver Jer'michael Carter (5) runs drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
28
/29
Best photos from Oklahoma Sooners practice on Tuesday
Oklahoma defensive back Preston Mickens (27) runs drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
29
/29
Best photos from Oklahoma Sooners practice on Tuesday
Oklahoma players run drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Contact/Follow us @SoonersWire on X (formerly known as Twitter), and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oklahoma news, notes, and opinions. You can also follow Jaron on X @jaronspor .
This article originally appeared on Sooners Wire: Oklahoma's Omarion Robinson ready to make bigger impact in Year 2
