Sooners 2-Deep Projection: Oklahoma may have a better first and second string in 2026 than they did in 2025

Oklahoma Sooners aim to return to the College Football Playoff in 2026 with what projections describe as stronger first- and second-string depth than in 2025. The two-deep roster centers on QB John Mateer and Bowe Bentley as a true freshman, with Mateer serving as a bridge to Bentley, who many believe could emerge as OU’s next star. In the backfield, Xavier Robinson remains the top option when healthy, followed by Tory Blaylock and true freshman Jonathan Hatton Jr., with Tre Harris and Elijah Thomas (or Jayden Petit) on the outside, Parker Livingstone at Z, and McKenzie Alleyne in reserve.