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Oklahoma Sooners looking to add pair of players to 2026 roster
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- Oklahoma Sooners looking to add pair of players to 2026 roster
The Oklahoma Sooners don't appear to be finished adding to their roster for the 2026 season. Oklahoma general manager Jim Nagy and head coach Brent Venables have already taken advantage of the new NCAA 5-for-5 rule by adding defensive tackles Danny Saili and Braxton Fely . According to a report from George Stoia of SoonerScoop (subscription required), the Sooners are also looking to add former Wisconsin defensive back D'Yoni Hill and former Stephen F. Austin linebacker Jaydon Southard .
247Sports' Matt Zenitz is reporting that the move for Hill is confirmed. Hill started nine games for Wisconsin last season. Prior to 2025, Hill spent a season on Miami's roster, starting five games and playing in 11 games in 2024. He spent the first two seasons of his career at Marshall.
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Hill has more than 1,400 snaps of collegiate experience and adds to the Oklahoma Sooners ' cornerback depth.
If it becomes official, Southard brings a lot of experience from Stephen F. Austin and the FCS. He started 13 games last season for the Lumberjacks and played over 700 snaps. According to Pro Football Focus, Southard recorded 76 tackles, 48 stops, had one interception, and generated 14 total pressures.
Southard would add to the depth at linebacker and could contribute on special teams for the Sooners this season.
Depth is the name of the game. With Oklahoma hoping to make a run into January, they may find themselves needing experienced players on the roster to provide quality snaps.
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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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Oklahoma gets key players back in latest availability report
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)
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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)
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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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This article originally appeared on Sooners Wire: Oklahoma Sooners looking to add pair of players to 2026 roster
