5 true freshmen who could earn a role with the Oklahoma Sooners

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Oklahoma spring ball is getting underway as the Sooners look to build off the success they had in 2025. The roster is reloaded with talent on both sides of the ball following a successful transfer portal cycle and the signing of their 2026 recruiting class.

Under Brent Venables, the Oklahoma Sooners have seen several true freshmen break out and make an impact in year one. Jayden Jackson, Eli Bowen, Courtland Guillory, and Michael Fasusi have all enjoyed successful true freshmen seasons for the Sooners. But who will be next? Oklahoma has several first-year players who could break out in 2026.

1. Jake Kreul, DE

Few players arrived to Norman as technically refined as ESPN five-star signee Jake Kreul. One of Oklahoma’s big fish in the 2026 class, Kreul is already an impressive pass rusher. He has the ability to win with speed and power and has crafted a diverse set of pass-rush moves that will make him a problem for offensive tackles.

There is an opportunity for playing time at defensive end behind Taylor Wein. The Sooners will have some competition between Adepoju Adebawore and Danny Okoye for a starting role, but the Sooners like to play four defensive ends to keep them fresh. Kreul has the pass-rush ability to earn an opportunity in pass-rushing situations even as a true freshman.

2. Derrick Johnson II, CB

Coming out of the 2026 early signing period, the Oklahoma Sooners signed just one cornerback. That was Derrick Johnson, II, a four-star prospect out of California. On national signing day, the Sooners signed LeBron Bauer to add to the class. The fact that they took just two at the position this cycle and had only one committed through the early signing period should speak volumes to the team’s belief in Johnson.

He has everything you’re looking for in an outside cornerback, in particular, the toughness and tenacity needed to battle against SEC wide receivers. The Sooners have their starters back in Eli Bowen and Courtland Guillory but there’s an opportunity to earn rotational snaps at corner. Jacobe Johnson will play a significant role for the Sooners on the outside and Jeremiah Newcombe could as well, in addition to his cheetah duties. But there’s an opportunity for Johnson to be the team’s fourth cornerback.

Oklahoma had five cornerbacks play at least 175 snaps in 2025 but with Gentry Williams and Devon Jordan gone, there’s a void on the depth chart.

3. James “Tank” Carrington, DT

Becoming a contributor in year one at defensive tackle is tough to do. Not only do you have to have the size to not get pushed off your spot, you have to be up for the increased level of physicality that comes from making the jump from high school to college. That’s the challenge ahead of James Carrington. But he’s already gotten to where he needs to be from a size standpoint at 6-foot-2 and 290 pounds. By the time Week 1 rolls around, Tank could be up over 300 pounds.

He’s an incredibly talented interior defensive lineman who displays a good get-off and the power to wreak havoc inside. Beyond David Stone and Jayden Jackson, the competition for a rotational spot at defensive tackle is wide open. Carrington will have to beat out returning players like Nigel Smith and Trent Wilson along with transfers Bishop Thomas and Kenny Ozowalu for snaps, but don’t count out the former blue-chip prospect.

4. Kristian Moore, LB

The Oklahoma Sooners have Kip Lewis back and Cole Sullivan arrives through the transfer portal to fortify a spot that lost Kobie McKinzie and Sammy Omosigho and is still waiting on Owen Heinecke’s eligibility pursuit. There’s an expectation that James Nesta and Marcus James will have bigger roles this season. At cheetah, Reggie Powers III is expected to start, and Jeremiah Newcombe will play a role there and at corner as well. But the Sooners could use someone with Kristian Moore’s size, athleticism, and versatility to contribute at cheetah as well.

Moore spent much of his high school career as an edge rusher before making the switch to inside linebacker as a senior. That versatility is going to provide him an opportunity to contribute in a number of ways for the Sooners. He’s a dynamic playmaker on defense who has a knack for finding the football and creating splash plays.

5. Jonathan Hatton, RB

Jonathan Hatton was one of the most sought-after running backs in the 2026 recruiting cycle. Originally committed to Oklahoma, he flipped to Texas A&M before flipping back to the Sooners. He’s a big, physical, and fast running back who has all the tools to be a part of the Sooners’ running back rotation.

Running back is a position to watch this offseason with a new voice leading the room in running backs coach Deland McCullough. Xavier Robinson and Tory Blaylock are back after leading the position in 2025, but neither guy really established themselves as the lead guy, and the competition for carries will be fierce this offseason. Don’t count Hatton or fellow true freshman runner Dezephen Walker out.

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This article originally appeared on Sooners Wire: 5 Oklahoma Sooners true freshmen who could earn a role this spring

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