Sooners release Week 1 depth chart

NORMAN — It’s officially football time in Oklahoma.

The Sooners released their first depth chart of the season Monday ahead of this weekend’s opener against Illinois State.

The Sooners open the season at 5 p.m. Saturday against Illinois State (ESPN+).

While some aspects of the depth chart were expected — like John Mateer being listed as the starter at quarterback and R Mason Thomas handling the right defensive end spot — other positions were quite interesting with how they shook out.

Here’s a few notes on the depth chart:

— Jovantae Barnes will draw the start at running back, with no “OR” listed by his name. But it’s not Jaydn Ott listed as the second running back. That’d be true freshman Tory Blaylock, who boosted his stock with a fantastic fall camp.

Ott is listed as the No. 3 running back. Ott dealt with a shoulder injury that limited him for parts of camp.

— Jaren Kanak gets the start at tight end, followed by Will Huggins and Carson Kent. Kaden Helms, who broke his hand early in camp, is not listed on the depth chart.

— Keontez Lewis, Isaiah Sategna and Deion Burks earn the starts at wide receiver.

— Every single offensive line position outside of right guard includes an “OR” atop the depth chart. But true freshman Michael Fasusi is set to draw the start at left tackle.

— Every defensive position includes an OR except strong safety with Peyton Bowen and at right defensive end with Thomas.

— Sophomore Reggie Powers is listed second at both strong safety and cheetah. Kendal Daniels is listed atop the cheetah spot with an “OR.”

— Eli Bowen is not listed on the depth chart, indicating the foot injury he’s been dealing with will keep him off the field. Gentry Williams and Courtland Guillory are set to start at cornerback.

— As of now, Marvin Jones Jr. appears to have won the other starting job at defensive end.

— Sategna will put double duty as both a kick returner and the team’s main punt returner.

— Tate Sandell has won the starting job at kicker.