Mason Young

Tulsa World OU Sports Reporter

NORMAN — Oklahoma football released its initial 2025 depth chart Tuesday ahead of its season opener versus Illinois State at 5 p.m. Saturday.

It was pretty obvious that Washington State transfer John Mateer would be OU’s starting quarterback, with Michael Hawkins Jr. backing him up, but elsewhere, there were some surprises.

Here are a few takeaways regarding the Sooners’ projected starters:

Jovantae Barnes, Tory Blaylock on top at RB

When Oklahoma acquired Cal transfer Jaydn Ott in the spring portal, it was assumed that he’d immediately plug in as a three-down running back.

Ott may indeed assume the lion’s share of carries as the season progresses, but he has been limited by an injury in fall camp, so he won’t be the top rusher to start.

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