Spring Football Updates: April 8, 2026 | Oklahoma Sooners LIVE 207

Intro & Show Reminders (0:00–2:20) Welcome to Oklahoma Sooners fans and college football fans. Presented by FanDuel; part of the Voice of College Football Network. Follow the show on X and Instagram (links in description); stay active there for updates. Call to action: Like, subscribe, join as a member (as low as $2.99/month via YouTube "Join" or description link), or use Super Chat for live comments. Invite live chat participation. Overall Spring Football Tone (2:20–10:00) Spring ball is underway with ~10 practices completed; exciting but nerve-wracking time due to injury reports. Focus: Team chemistry/meshing, play flow on both sides of the ball (similar to evaluating a spring game). Brent Venables is "very excited" in every media session — high energy, no major negatives. Key positives from Venables: High energy in practices (guys stayed active in offseason, no rust/slumping). Newcomers (freshmen/transfers) have plugged in and meshed well. Competitive/tough mindset; strong depth creating "iron sharpens iron" competition. Young players pushing veterans; bottom of roster challenging the top half. Just finished installing situational football (two-minute offense/defense, third-and-medium, etc.). No spring transfer portal window makes the Red-White Spring Game (April 18 at noon in Norman) more meaningful for evaluating the true depth chart and roster. Busy weekend note: Spring game + OU baseball + OU softball. Position Group Highlights Wide Receivers Injuries opening reps for young/depth players: Trill Harris and Parker Livingstone missing time. Standouts getting praise from Venables: Manny Choice (6'4", 210 lbs, prior hype), McKenzie Alleyne (Washington State transfer), and Jaden Petit (true freshman, former Wisconsin commit who flipped late; size, hands, contested-catch ability shining; standing out in recent practices). Other notes: Elijah Thomas (sophomore, in boot but expected fine); Jer'Michael Carter (in boot/crutches — some concern, limited info). Projected top group still Harris/Livingstone/Isaiah Sategna types, but depth building is crucial. Reminder: Don't overreact to spring injuries — OU often plays it very cautious. Tight Ends (Most transformed position on roster) Venables highlighted how dramatically different/better/deeper/bigger/more talented this room feels vs. last year. Additions via portal + experience upgrades; no true "blocking + receiving" tight ends last season. Jason Witten (new TE coach, NFL legend/Pro Bowler) making a big positive impact — teaching run/pass utilization, intensity, and scheme fit. Key names: Hayden Hansen (6'7"), Rocky Beers (Colorado State transfer), Jack Van Dorselaer (Tennessee transfer with SEC experience). Potential for major role in improved run game and as reliable targets for John Mateer (check-downs, high-percentage throws). Ties into broader offensive goals under new scheme/coaching. Quarterback Room John Mateer drawing buzz for offseason work (mechanics, footwork, decision-making); he's been self-critical and vocal about improvements. Expected big leap in 2026; strong leader who needs to instill confidence in the locker room. Depth: Bo Bentley (freshman) creating competition and seen as likely #2; Whit Newbauer, Jett Niu as reliable options for short-term needs. Injury Report Caution (Around 21:00+) Multiple players limited/out (take with grain of salt — cautious approach common at OU): RBs: Tory Blaylock (out all spring, possible summer return — positive outlook after breakout prior season); Xavier Robinson (banged up). WRs: Harris, Livingstone, Carter (as noted). Defense: David Stone (limited for health reasons); Jaden Jackson (recovering from shoulder surgery). Extra reps going to young/transfer DTs (e.g., James Carrington, Brian Harris, Kenny Oszu, Bishop Thomas). Venables/coaching staff not overly concerned long-term; focus on smart management. Broader Team & Schedule Outlook Venables emphasizing depth, competition, and situationa