One of the sleepers not only in the SEC, but in the national title conversation. The Oklahoma Sooners are looking to improve on their 10-3 season, which ended in a home CFP loss to Alabama.
After the season ended, it was clear that Oklahoma needed to make roster changes, and they did with high-profile transfers and coaching hires. The receiver room needed some juice; Oklahoma added Trell Harris from Virginia and Parker Livingstone from Texas.
Oklahoma’s tight ends room was shallow; the Sooners not only added Hayden Hansen (Florida) and Rocky Beers (Colorado State), but also made a splash hire. Legendary tight end Jason Witten was added to the Oklahoma staff as the tight ends coach.
There are elite talents in that building, both new and returning. Everyone knows about guys like EDGE Taylor Wein and DT David Stone, but there are breakout candidates all over the roster as well. Here are five to watch in 2026.
Michael Boganowski, Safety
Dec 19, 2025; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive back Michael Boganowski (25) against the Alabama Crimson Tide. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
The safety position at Oklahoma is highlighted by Preseason All-SEC second-team selection Peyton Bowen, and rightfully so. Boganowski was a piece of why Oklahoma’s defense was so deep last season, though.
Posting 31 total tackles, 20 of them solo, and 1 sack on the season, Boganowski is a hard-nosed safety who loves finishing violent tackles.
Now, Pittsburgh Steelers safety Robert Spears-Jennings stated last season that Boganowski is the hardest hitter on the team. RSJ said, “Boganowski is the hardest hitter on the team. I can stamp that for sure. I’ve seen it with my own two eyes; it’s crazy.”
Cole Sullivan, Linebacker
Cole Sullivan (18) runs drills during an Oklahoma (OU) football practice in Norman, Okla., on Wednesday, March 25, 2026.
As far as the defense goes, Cole Sullivan is the best transfer acquisition in this offseason for the Sooners. The former Michigan linebacker is the complete package: high IQ and great instincts against both the pass and run.
Sullivan posted 28 solo tackles, 2 sacks, 3 interceptions, and 1 forced fumble with the Wolverines. Now Sullivan will likely start the season as a rotational linebacker, as returning talents Kip Lewis and Owen Heineckie will start.
Reggie Powers III, Defensive Back
Oklahoma Sooners defensive back Reggie Powers III (13) leaves the field after getting ejected for targeting during a college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Missouri Tigers
Powers’ versatility stands out for this Sooners defense, playing the hybrid cheetah position, having both defensive back and linebacker skills, along with snaps at safety as well.
Powers is another back who thrives playing physically, especially when going downhill and tackling against ball carriers. 31 tackles, 19 of them solo, in 2025, along with 1 sack, 1 forced fumble, and 1 pass defended.
The scary part of this Oklahoma secondary is how deep they are, and Powers will play a huge role in the success of this season.
Danny Okoye, Defensive Lineman
Oct 4, 2025; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman Danny Okoye (16) reacts after recording a sack during the second quarter against the Kent State Golden Flashes. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
The highlight of the Sooners’ defense was the front seven. Okoye contributed to that unit, posting 3 solo tackles and 2 sacks. Those numbers aren’t anything spectacular, but Okoye has the physical intangibles to be a monster pass rusher in 2026.
Standing 6’3 and weighing 260 pounds, Okoye is a power rusher with phenomenal burst on his first step and strength to bully offensive linemen out of his way. Under head coach Brent Venables’ system, which thrives on aggression, Okoye will wreak havoc.
Xavier Robinson, Running Back
Dec 19, 2025; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners running back Xavier Robinson (24) against the Alabama Crimson Tide. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Of course, the defense is the story for this Sooners team. Even so, the next most important storyline heading into this season is that the running game can be much better than it was last season.
The running backs room won’t have a true workhorse; two backs that will lead the charge are Tory Blaylock and Xavier Robinson. Robinson doesn’t get much attention, but he was crucial for the Sooners down the stretch of last season.
A bruiser of an RB, Robinson posted 83 carries for 421 rushing yards and 4 touchdowns. Robinson is a big body at tailback, standing 6’0 tall and weighing over 230 pounds. Despite the bigger frame, Robinson has great acceleration and can beat defensive backs in the open field.
