NORMAN, Okla. — Oklahoma will be without wide receiver Trell Harris — who led all wide receivers (not including tight ends) in yards the first two weeks — for more than one week — at least.
Oklahoma head coach Brent Venables confirmed Monday that Harris remains under evaluation after absorbing a forceful hit at Michigan, but the early outlook is clear.
“He’s going to be out for the foreseeable future,” Venables said.
Venables did not disclose the nature of the injury or establish a timetable. Harris’ absence nevertheless creates an immediate opening in an offense already searching for consistency.
The Sooners are not merely replacing receptions. Harris brought experience, blocking strength and a willingness to operate through contact. Venables praised his speed, toughness and functional strength after Michigan, where Harris returned to the game after the hit.
“He’s a really good football player,” Venables said during Sooners Sports Talk. “He plays big. He plays strong.”
Oklahoma’s first answer will likely be a larger role for Elijah Thomas. Venables called Thomas one of the offense’s most explosive players and said the Sooners must get him more involved. Thomas is now taking first-team repetitions and also remains one of Oklahoma’s best special-teams contributors.
“Elijah Thomas, again, is one of our most explosive guys. We’ve got to get him involved more,” Venables said of Oklahoma sophomore wide out Elijah Thomas. “The more he plays—and now he’ll be taking one reps—he’ll have a great opportunity to get detailed up and be ready to go.”
Mackenzie Alleyne strengthened his case at Michigan by converting his opportunity into a 22-yard touchdown reception. Offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle said Alleyne was prepared when his number was called.
“You never know when the moment is going to happen,” Arbuckle said. “Mack was ready for it.”
Alleyne’s reliability has been visible since spring. Venables called him possibly Oklahoma’s most productive player during spring practice and praised his instincts as a football player.
Oklahoma expects receivers Manny Choice, Jaden Petit and Daniel Odom are also among the young receivers pushing for opportunities. Venables said Odom has begun to come on, giving Oklahoma several options to mix with its veterans.
No single player must become Harris immediately. The Sooners instead need Thomas’ explosiveness and big play ability, Alleyne’s consistency and improved readiness throughout the room.
Harris’ absence removes a proven physical presence. It also creates the kind of moment Oklahoma has spent months telling its young receivers to prepare for.
