As of now, there have been no confirmed reports suggesting that significant changes will be made to the Oklahoma Sooners coaching staff in the immediate future. However, college football programs can undergo coaching staff changes at any time, especially after a season ends, based on team performance, recruitment, or coaching opportunities elsewhere. Coaches may leave for head coaching roles, higher-paying assistant jobs, or for personal reasons. To get a clear understanding of the coaching staff’s future, we’ll have to closely follow offseason developments, such as whether the Sooners’ program is satisfied with the results of their current staff or if changes are being made to improve the team’s performance.
Regarding your second request, here is a brief projection of Oklahoma’s two-deep depth chart based on recent seasons and expected returnees (as of January 2025). These projections are subject to change due to player development, recruitment, and potential transfers:
Oklahoma Sooners 2025 Projected Two-Deep Depth Chart
Offense
Quarterback:
- Starter: Dillon Gabriel (Sr.)
- Backup: Jackson Arnold (Fr.)
Gabriel will be the clear leader heading into 2025, assuming he stays healthy. However, Arnold, the highly-touted freshman, could push for playing time and may eventually take the reins in the near future.
Running Back:
- Starter: Javontae Barnes (Soph.)
- Backup: Gavin Sawchuk (Fr.) Barnes showed promise during his freshman season, and Sawchuk could also contribute significantly in the Sooners’ backfield rotation.
Wide Receiver:
- X Receiver (Starter): Andrel Anthony (Jr.)
- Backup: Nic Anderson (Soph.)
- Z Receiver (Starter): Drake Stoops (Sr.)
- Backup: Jayden Gibson (Fr.)
- Slot Receiver (Starter): Jaden Bray (Soph.)
- Backup: Theo Wease (Sr.)
Oklahoma will continue to rely on its talented wide receivers. Andrel Anthony has the potential to be a breakout star, while Drake Stoops will provide leadership and consistency in the slot. Freshman talent like Jayden Gibson could add depth.
Tight End:
- Starter: Austin Stogner (Sr.)
- Backup: Kaden Helms (Soph.) Stogner returns to the program after a stint at South Carolina. He has good hands and will be a key target in the passing game.
Offensive Line:
- Left Tackle: Walter Rouse (Sr.)
- Left Guard: Savion Byrd (Jr.)
- Center: Andrew Raym (Jr.)
- Right Guard: McKade Mettauer (Sr.)
- Right Tackle: Tyler Guyton (Jr.) Oklahoma’s offensive line will be a blend of experienced veterans and talented underclassmen. With Raym leading the line at center, they should provide stability and open running lanes for the backs.
Defense
Defensive Line:
- Left End (Starter): Ethan Downs (Jr.)
- Backup: Rondell Bothroyd (Sr.)
- Defensive Tackle (Starter): Jalen Redmond (Sr.)
- Backup: Jordan Kelley (Sr.)
- Right End (Starter): Reggie Grimes (Jr.)
- Backup: Clayton Smith (Soph.) The defensive line will be an area of strength, with Redmond returning for another season. The pass-rushing presence of Downs and Grimes will be crucial for the Sooners.
Linebacker:
- Will Linebacker (Starter): Danny Stutsman (Jr.)
- Backup: Kip Lewis (Soph.)
- Mike Linebacker (Starter): Justin Harrington (Sr.)
- Backup: Wesley Brady (Fr.)
- Sam Linebacker (Starter): David Ugwoegbu (Sr.)
- Backup: Kobie McKinzie (Soph.) The linebacker unit will be experienced, with Stutsman providing leadership in the middle of the defense. With several solid backups, depth shouldn’t be an issue.
Cornerback:
- Left Cornerback (Starter): Woody Washington (Sr.)
- Backup: Gentry Williams (Soph.)
- Right Cornerback (Starter): C.J. Coldon (Sr.)
- Backup: Josh Eaton (Soph.) Washington and Coldon will lead the secondary, with Gentry Williams expected to make an impact as a sophomore.
Safety:
- Free Safety (Starter): Key Lawrence (Sr.)
- Backup: Billy Bowman Jr. (Soph.)
- Strong Safety (Starter): Reggie Pearson (Sr.)
- Backup: Bryson Washington (Jr.) The safety position will feature a solid mix of experience and youth, with Lawrence being a key contributor.
Special Teams
Kicker:
- Starter: Zach Schmit (Jr.) Schmit will look to continue to be reliable in the kicking game, assuming the role for the Sooners.
Punter:
- Starter: Michael Turk (Sr.) Turk is a proven commodity as a punter and will continue to be a weapon for the Sooners in the field position battle.
2025 SEC Rankings
Although Oklahoma has not yet officially joined the SEC (as of January 2025), the program is preparing for the transition in the coming years. Here’s a rough prediction of how the Sooners might rank once they enter the SEC:
1. Georgia
- Georgia has been dominant in the SEC, with a stacked roster and one of the most efficient programs in college football.
2. Alabama
- Under Nick Saban, Alabama is always in contention for a national title. They continue to recruit at an elite level.
3. LSU
- With a rising star in Brian Kelly, LSU is poised for continued success. The Tigers are one of the top programs in the SEC.
4. Oklahoma
- The Sooners are traditionally a powerhouse program. With the right coaching and player development, Oklahoma should remain a top contender in the SEC.
5. Tennessee
- Tennessee has been making strides in the SEC, with an explosive offense and a defense that’s starting to show improvement.
6. Texas
- As a fellow newcomer to the SEC, Texas will likely face a steep learning curve but still has the talent to compete near the top.
7. Ole Miss
- Ole Miss has a strong program under Lane Kiffin and could remain a contender for the top spots in the SEC.
8. Arkansas
- Arkansas continues to be a tough, gritty team under Sam Pittman, with improvements on both sides of the ball.
9. Florida
- Florida has been inconsistent in recent seasons but remains a threat in the SEC with a talent-rich roster.
10. Kentucky
- Kentucky has built a solid program under Mark Stoops, particularly on defense, and will continue to be a difficult opponent.
11. Auburn
- Auburn has a talented roster but continues to face instability at the coaching position.
12. South Carolina
- South Carolina has made progress under Shane Beamer, but they are still a step behind the top SEC programs.
13. Mississippi State
- Mississippi State is a competitive program but struggles to compete consistently with the elite programs in the SEC.
14. Missouri
- Missouri has shown flashes but remains at the bottom tier of the SEC in terms of overall strength.