OU football spring practice begins with key players out, new coaches in
Oklahoma football began spring practice with new coaches and returning QB John Mateer, but several key players were absent.
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: More: Why did OU football LB Owen Heinecke challenge NCAA in court? His father explains 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.