OU football spring practice begins with key players out, new coaches in
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NORMAN — Oklahoma football started spring practice Wednesday inside the Everest Training Center as Brent Venables and the Sooners begin their quest back to the College Football Playoff.
The Sooners welcomed new position coaches Deland McCullough, LaMar Morgan and Jason Witten to the practice field for the first time.
There is a lot of optimism surrounding OU as it returns quarterback John Mateer and plenty of starters from last season. Spring practice also offers newcomers — freshmen and transfers — their first opportunities to shine.
Here are some observations from the Sooners’ first spring practice of 2026:
Players absent at OU practice
A few notable injury notes to kick things off.
Defensive linemen Adepoju Adebawore, Jayden Jackson and David Stone did not participate in practice drills. Adebawore, who entered his name into the NCAA transfer portal on Jan. 12 before, roughly two minutes later, withdrawing, underwent offseason foot surgery.
Offensively, running back Tory Blaylock and wide receiver Daniel Odom did not practice. Virginia transfer Trell Harris wasn’t present and offensive lineman Daniel Akinkunmi was on a scooter.
Jason Witten makes practice debut
Jason Witten was strolling the OU practice field for the first time on Wednesday.
Witten, who replaced Joe Jon Finley as tight ends coach, likes what he has at tight end with Florida transfer Hayden Hansen, Colorado State transfer Rocky Beers and Tennessee transfer Jack Van Dorselaer.
Over his 17-year NFL career, Witten compiled 1,228 receptions for 13,046 yards and 74 touchdowns. A two-time first-team All-Pro and 11-time Pro Bowler, he ranks fourth all-time in NFL receptions.
First look at #Sooners tight end coach Jason Witten coaching. pic.twitter.com/uN4axPBj7A
— Colton Sulley (@colton_sulley) March 25, 2026
John Mateer back at it
Perhaps the most intriguing offensive storyline for the Sooners this season is how much John Mateer will improve before the season.
What are Mateer’s goals this offseason in order to help him see plays better? To improve his footwork? To cut down on turnovers? We’ll hear from him later Monday night.
John Mateer back at it. pic.twitter.com/1b3z2z69jB
— Colton Sulley (@colton_sulley) March 25, 2026
Notable number changes
- 1: WR Isaiah Sategna III
- 3: DB Reggie Powers
- 5: WR Jer’Michael Carter
- 7: LB Taylor Heim
- 24: DB Jacobe Johnson
Colton Sulley covers the Oklahoma Sooners for The Oklahoman. Have a story idea for Colton? He can be reached at csulley@oklahoman.com or on X/Twitter at @colton_sulley. Support Colton’s work and that of other Oklahoman journalists by purchasing a digital subscription today at subscribe.oklahoman.com.
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: OU football spring practice begins with key players out due to injury
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