As the Sooners gear up for their Armed Forces Bowl clash against Navy, their initial depth chart, unveiled Thursday, offers insights into how they’ll line up on December 27.
The Sooners will be missing a few familiar faces, notably All-American linebacker Danny Stutsman and safety Billy Bowman Jr. With their eyes set on the NFL Draft, these standout seniors have wrapped up their college eligibility. However, defensive end Ethan Downs remains in the mix and is expected to be available for the matchup.
Another head-turner is the exclusion of running back Jovantae Barnes. Despite being listed as available in Oklahoma’s latest availability report before they faced LSU, Barnes didn’t see action against the Tigers, leaving fans curious about his role moving forward.
Wide receiver Deion Burks, who has committed to returning for the 2025 season, is listed alongside Jacob Jordan. Burks has been working through concussion protocols, but his determination to play against the Midshipmen is apparent. “I’ve been gone for about five weeks or so,” Burks mentioned, “so I’m trying to get used to it and get back into my mojo. I hope to be out there.”
On the defensive front, Damonic Williams finds himself in a decision-making phase about his future as he shares the OR spot with Da’Jon Terry. Williams plans to make a decision about his return next week, leaving fans on tenterhooks.
The quarterback situation presents an exciting development: Michael Hawkins Jr. and Casey Thompson are slated as the signal callers for the bowl game. With Jackson Arnold headed to Auburn and Brendan Zurbrugg entering the transfer portal, Hawkins has an opportunity to reassert his leadership. Having been benched earlier in the season following turnovers, Hawkins is eager for redemption. “I’m going to be at Oklahoma,” Hawkins affirmed, “This is where I want to be, I want to play at Oklahoma and be the quarterback at Oklahoma. I feel like this bowl game can help me, so I feel like that’s a big step.”
Here’s a look at the Sooners’ initial depth chart as they prepare for battle against Navy:
OU Football Armed Forces Bowl Depth Chart vs. Navy
Offense
Defense
- Defensive end: Ethan Downs; Adepoju Adebawore; Taylor Wein
- Defensive tackle: Jayden Jackson OR Gracen Halton; David Stone
- Nose tackle: Damonic Williams OR Da’Jon Terry
- Defensive end: R Mason Thomas; Trace Ford OR Danny Okoye
- Middle linebacker: Kobe McKinzie; Jaren Kanak
- Weakside linebacker: Kip Lewis OR Lewis Carter; Owen Heinecke
- Cheetah: Sammy Omosigho OR Lewis Carter; Reggie Powers III
- Cornerback: Eli Bowen; Devon Jordan; Jeremiah Newcombe
- Strong safety: Peyton Bowen; Jaydan Hardy
- Free safety: Robert Spears-Jennings; Michael Boganowski
- Cornerback: Jacobe Johnson OR Woodi Washington
Specialists
This depth chart sets the stage for an intriguing showdown, with plenty of talent ready to shine under the bright lights of the Armed Forces Bowl. As they prepare for their duel with Navy, the Sooners aim to leverage this mix of seasoned veterans and eager newcomers to cap off their season on a high note.
