Oklahoma announces 2026 depth chart ahead of UTEP season opener
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 31, 2026, 4:32 PM
Last updated Aug 31, 2026

The Oklahoma Sooners have released their official depth chart for the season opener against the UTEP Miners on Friday at 7 p.m. Ryan Fodje is set to start at center, moving from his expected role at right guard to accommodate team shifts on the offensive line. Noah Best and Heath Ozaeta are listed as co-starters at right guard, while Xavier Robinson and Lloyd Avant will share carries in a running back committee. Wide receiver Elijah Thomas has earned a significant role following a strong training camp. On the defensive side, the coaching staff plans to rotate Adepoju Adebawore and Danny Okoye at defensive end to keep the unit fresh throughout the contest. This lineup announcement clarifies several position battles that persisted throughout the preseason training camp.
- •Ryan Fodje will start at center for the season opener.
- •Oklahoma faces the UTEP Miners on Friday at 7 p.m.
- •Xavier Robinson and Lloyd Avant are designated as co-starters at running back.
- •Elijah Thomas has earned a prominent role in the wide receiver rotation.
- 4:32 PMYahoo Sports — Oklahoma Sooners name starting center, release depth chart for UTEP
"The Oklahoma Sooners named their starting center for their Week 1 matchup against the UTEP Miners in their initial 2026 depth chart release.
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