APPLE PODCAST LINK: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ouinsider-com-under-the-visor-sooners-podcast/id1691890561?i=1000786851667
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Game week has officially arrived in Norman.
Oklahoma opens the 2026 season Friday night against UTEP, finally giving Sooners fans their first look at a team that has generated considerable optimism throughout the offseason.
Before the official depth chart is released and the Sooners take the field, the latest episode of the OUInsider Under the Visor Sooners Podcast delivers a loaded discussion featuring new sourced team intel from inside the program.
The show examines several of Oklahoma’s most compelling position battles and identifies where the projected opening-night lineup could contain a few surprises. I break down the competition across the offense, explain which players strengthened their standing during fall camp and offer my complete prediction for how the Sooners could line up against the Miners.
There is plenty to discuss along the offensive line, at running back, wide receiver and tight end. Which camp developments will carry into the season opener? Which young players have positioned themselves for meaningful roles? Could Oklahoma’s opening lineup look different than many fans expect?
The defensive side features fewer questions among the established starters, but the depth behind them could become one of the biggest stories of the season. We discuss several young defenders generating internal buzz, the position battles that remain worth watching and the players who could use Friday night to announce their arrival.
The conversation then moves to the recruiting trail, where OUInsider has gathered new information on several priority Oklahoma targets.
The Sooners are attempting to capitalize on longstanding relationships in the 2028 class, and the program’s upcoming visitor list could provide several important opportunities. I share my latest read on where Oklahoma stands with key national prospects, what could happen during upcoming visits and why the Sooners have positioned themselves to assemble a special class.
The podcast also provides an early look at UTEP, head coach Scotty Walden and the personnel Oklahoma will face Friday night. Although the Sooners enter as the clear favorite, the Miners bring an aggressive coaching philosophy and a roster filled with new additions.
From sourced Week 1 team intel and projected standouts to depth-chart battles, emerging players and major recruiting developments, this episode provides Sooners fans with a complete primer before Oklahoma begins the season.
Watch the latest OUInsider Under the Visor Sooners Podcast for the complete discussion, and visit OUInsider.com for the most in-depth Oklahoma team and recruiting coverage.
PODCAST TOPIC TIMESTAMPS
00:00 Show Open
00:15 Game Week Has Arrived
01:21 Riverwind Casino and Jani-King
02:12 Sooners Depth Chart Predictions
03:24 Why National Takes on Oklahoma’s Schedule Are Lazy
08:24 Projected OU Depth Chart Begins
08:39 Quarterback Rotation
10:04 Running Back Battle and Sourced Intel
10:39 OUInsider Membership Offer
14:30 Wide Receiver Competition
17:09 Elijah Thomas’ Growth and Development
26:43 Tight End Breakdown
31:06 Offensive Line Predictions
31:32 OUInsider Promotional Break
32:02 Who Starts at Center?
32:40 Could a True Freshman Start?
38:54 More Wide Receiver Depth Talk
41:52 Oklahoma Defensive Depth Chart
45:54 Defensive Line Battles
47:37 Linebackers, Cheetah and Secondary
52:00 Sooners Defensive Versatility and Depth
56:14 Secondary Rotation
59:23 Taylor Wein on Wyatt Gilmore
60:10 Oklahoma Recruiting Notes Galore
60:48 In-State Prospects Who Stood Out
65:14 What Stood Out About Mustang
66:39 2029 QB Jeymon Reed Evaluation
69:13 Latest on Four-Star LB Jay Schell
71:35 Oklahoma’s Major 2028 Recruiting Opportunity
73:46 Early Look at UTEP
74:07 UTEP Head Coach Scotty Walden’s Background
76:36 UTEP Players to Know
79:01 Closing Thoughts
