4 players to watch for Oklahoma against South Carolina

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4 players to watch for Oklahoma against South Carolina

Aaron Gelvin, Sooners Wire · Sooners Wire

Fri, October 30, 2026 at 2:00 AM UTC ·

4 min read

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The Oklahoma Sooners will be back at home this week. The South Carolina Gamecocks are coming to town, and in what's been a wild SEC season , you never know what will happen from week to week.

OU is looking to win consecutive games for the first time since last November, and it was at this point of last season that they really found their identity as a team. The Sooners need to go on a run to salvage what's been a disappointing season in Norman, but they've got a gauntlet of a schedule that they'll have to do it against.

First things first, OU needs to put together a good performance against the Gamecocks. As always, the Sooners will be looking to some of their stars to help get the job done.

Here are four players to watch for Oklahoma against South Carolina.

1. Reggie Powers III, DB

Oklahoma's Reggie Powers III celebrates a play 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.

Defensive back Reggie Powers III plays a very important role on Oklahoma's defense. As the starter at the Cheetah position, he is the ultimate chess piece that head coach and de facto defensive coordinator Brent Venables can move around the field to wreak havoc. In last week's win over Mississippi State, Powers played much further off the line of scrimmage than usual, in more of a third-safety role against the Bulldogs' run-and-shoot attack.

Powers could face a similar situation this week, despite leaving the game in Starkville with an injury. He looks to be back for this week, and South Carolina's offense has many similarities to MSU's. Last season, Kendal Daniels was one of Oklahoma's most underrated defensive weapons, and Powers could be headed down a similar path. His versatility and ability to play the pass and the run at his size make him a big factor in this game.

2. Taylor Wein, DL

Sep 12, 2026; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive line Taylor Wein (44) reacts after a play against the Michigan Wolverines during the fourth quarter at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images

Defensive lineman Taylor Wein was similarly moved around the field a lot against State, and his play could be a huge factor in determining the outcome on Saturday. South Carolina quarterback LaNorris Sellers is one of the best scramblers in college football, and Wein, as the leaders of the defensive ends, can't let him break contain and hurt OU with his legs or with his arm.

Wein hasn't put up the same numbers yet that he did last year, but it was at about this time a year ago that he burst onto the scene, especially in the injury absence of R Mason Thomas. Another stretch run like that from Wein would only help to benefit an already good Sooner defense. OU's pass rush getting untracked and the overall defense forcing more havoc and turnovers would go a long way toward helping the offense.

3. Tate Sandell, K

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

Kicker Tate Sandell won the Lou Groza Award as the nation's best kicker last year, but this season he's missed six field goals in seven games. That includes three misses on six attempts last week in Starkvegas. The Sooners wouldn't have made it to the College Football Playoff without Sandell's heroics last year, but he's missed at least one kick in four games this season.

Oklahoma's poor offensive play doesn't leave any room for error for the entire rest of the team against good opponents, and Sandell has to prove that he can be counted on for the stretch run. As OU's offense focuses more on scoring touchdowns than field goals, it's a safe bet that Sandell is going to be called upon to kick a lot of field goals over the next five weeks.

4. John Mateer, QB

Oct 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) passes the ball during warm ups prior to the game against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

Quarterback John Mateer had perhaps his best game as a decision-maker in an OU uniform last week. Now, the expectation is that he'll build on that success. This isn't the quarterback situation of two years ago in Norman. Mateer is capable; he's shown he can play well and even occasionally make the spectacular happen for the Oklahoma offense.

Taking care of the ball is a must for Mateer. When he doesn't turn the ball over, the Sooners can hang with a lot of teams, due to their defense. When he does, it takes all of OU's margins away. On the other hand, Mateer can't play indecisively or cautiously. Like he showed last week, he has the ability to rip some throws and give OU an advantage without giving the ball away. Now, he just has to keep doing that. It's a hard line to walk, but that's the deal when you're a starting quarterback in the SEC, and certainly at Oklahoma.

Oct 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) passes the ball for a touchdown during the second quarter against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Oct 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Oklahoma Sooners tight end Trynae Washington (22) intercepts a pass intended for Mississippi State Bulldogs wide receiver Anthony Evans III (3) during the fourth quarter at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Oct 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Kip Lewis (10) celebrates with defensive back Trystan Haynes (14) after a tackle during the third quarter at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Oct 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs cheerleaders during the third quarter against the Oklahoma Sooners at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Oct 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Oklahoma Sooners tight end Rocky Beers (81) attempts to hurdle over Mississippi State Bulldogs safety Jardin Gilbert (5) during the third quarter at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Oct 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Oklahoma Sooners tight end Rocky Beers (81) makes a touchdown catch during the third quarter against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Oct 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver Isaiah Sategna III (1) runs after a catch for a touchdown during the second quarter against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Oct 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) runs the ball as Mississippi State Bulldogs linebacker Fatt Forrest (0) makes the tackle during the second quarter at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Oct 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) huddles with his team during the second quarter against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Oct 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) hands the ball off to running back Lloyd Avant (9) during the second quarter against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Oct 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Kip Lewis (10) reacts after a turnover during the second quarter against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Oct 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Oklahoma Sooners head coach Brent Venables looks on during the second quarter against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Oct 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs running back Fluff Bothwell (24) runs the ball during the second quarter against the Oklahoma Sooners at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Oct 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs quarterback Kamario Taylor (1) runs the ball as Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman David Stone (0) makes the tackle during the first quarter at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Oct 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) passes the ball during the first quarter against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Oct 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Oklahoma Sooners running back Lloyd Avant (9) runs the ball during the first quarter against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Oct 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman Jayden Jackson (65) reacts with defensive lineman Adepoju Adebawore (34) during the first quarter against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Oct 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Oklahoma Sooners cheerleaders pose for a photo prior to the game against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Oct 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs quarterback Kamario Taylor (1) and Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) talk after the game at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

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This article originally appeared on Sooners Wire: 4 players to watch for Oklahoma against South Carolina

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Wemby delivers historic statline vs. Mavs

4 players to watch for Oklahoma against South Carolina

1. Reggie Powers III, DB

2. Taylor Wein, DL

3. Tate Sandell, K

4. John Mateer, QB

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