Pair of Former Oklahoma wide receivers heading to the east coast

Pair of former Sooners find new homes on the East Coast.

More former Oklahoma Sooners have found new homes via the [autotag]transfer portal[/autotag]. As of Friday night, OU has added seven players in the portal and seen 25 leave Norman to play elsewhere.

[autotag]Jalil Farooq[/autotag], who spent four seasons at Oklahoma, is transferring to Maryland. He was part of the 2021 recruiting class, the final one under former head coach Lincoln Riley. He decided to stay a Sooner when Riley and quarterback Caleb Williams bolted for Southern California, playing for new head coach [autotag]Brent Venables[/autotag].

Farooq had productive seasons in 2022 and 2023 and was supposed to have another one in 2024. However, he broke his foot in the season-opener against Temple, and missed all but one game (Missouri) for the rest of the year.

His fellow wide receiver, [autotag]Andrel Anthony[/autotag] hopped in the portal again, after previously playing for the Michigan Wolverines before two seasons in Norman. He was a breakout player for the first half of 2023 before tearing his ACL in the Texas win.

That injury has continued to nag him, as he was only able to play in the Temple game in 2024. He could never get healthy, and he’ll now be moving on.

Anthony will be playing for the Duke Blue Devils, as he’ll try and get back on the field and be the deep threat that he was for a brief handful of games in a Sooners jersey.

Farooq’s move to Maryland and Anthony’s move to Duke are just the latest in a line of pass-catchers leaving OU this offseason. Nic Anderson (LSU), Brenen Thompson (Mississippi State), J.J. Hester (Kentucky) Jaquaize Pettaway (East Carolina) and Bauer Sharp (LSU) have all found new schools as well.

Oklahoma has added Javonnie Gibson (Arkansas Pine-Bluff), Keontez Lewis (Southern Illinois), and Isaiah Sategna (Arkansas) to the roster in an effort to replenish the wide receiver depth chart. They shouldn’t be done, but the returns of Deion Burks and Jayden Gibson will also be a huge help as well.

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Deion Burks returning huge for the Oklahoma Sooners

The Oklahoma Sooners got great news with the return of wide receiver Deion Burks.

The Oklahoma Sooners have watched a number of players leave the team via the [autotag]transfer portal[/autotag] in December. Most have come from an offense that was in shambles in 2024 due to injury and inexperience.

One of the players who battled injuries in 2024 was wide receiver [autotag]Deion Burks[/autotag]. Burks announced his return to the Oklahoma Sooners on social media on Saturday evening.

Burks’ return provides the Sooners with a little continuity on offense. He was second on the team in receptions despite only playing in five games. He finished the season with 31 receptions for 245 yards and three touchdowns. That after a productive year at Purdue that made him one of the more highly sought-after wide receivers in last year’s transfer portal class.

Oklahoma is retooling the wide receiver room after [autotag]Jalil Farooq[/autotag], [autotag]Nic Anderson[/autotag], and [autotag]Andrel Anthony[/autotag] departed via the portal. They were anticipated to lead the way in 2025, and Burks was a candidate to leave for the NFL. But Burks’ return helps provide the wide receiver room with starting experience as Brent Venables, Ben Arbuckle, and Emmett Jones scour the wide receiver market.

“Easy decision, man,” Burks said after practice on Monday via The Oklahoman. “Just want to come back. … Got great characters here, coach BV, I believe in his plan, what he has going on. I believe in coach Emmett Jones. … I wanted to leave the place better than I found it.”

The Sooners need leadership in the room. A guy who knows what’s expected in the offseason program, especially as the Sooners look to add talent via the transfer portal.

But beyond what he provides off the field, the Sooners will be glad to get his explosiveness and route-running back on the field for whoever plays quarterback for the team in 2025. Burks is a big play threat every time he steps foot on the field. Oklahoma’s issues along the offensive line didn’t allow the Sooners offense to take advantage of his big-play ability. But with a developing offensive line room and, hopefully, a healthier wide receiver group in 2025, the Sooners can get everything out of Burks that he’s capable of.

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Oklahoma Sooners lose another wide receiver to the transfer portal

Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver Andrel Anthony entering the transfer portal.

The Oklahoma Sooners have experienced a lot of transition on the offensive side of the ball this offseason. They have a new offensive coordinator. Oklahoma will also deploy a new starting quarterback and a new group of pass catchers projected to start for Oklahoma in 2025.

Joining [autotag]Nic Anderson[/autotag], [autotag]Jaquaize Pettaway[/autotag], [autotag]Jalil Farooq[/autotag], and [autotag]J.J. Hester[/autotag] in the [autotag]transfer portal[/autotag] is [autotag]Andrel Anthony[/autotag], according to On3. Anthony joined the Sooners prior to the 2023 season, coming over from Michigan. He was Oklahoma’s leading receiver before tearing his ACL in the Sooners’ win over Texas in the Red River Showdown. That injury kept him out of action during the offseason, but there was optimism he could contribute at some point in 2024.

He appeared in the season opener against Temple and caught one pass for four yards but couldn’t get back on the field for the remainder of the season.

Now, he’ll look for his third college team in 2025, hoping to rebound from missing nearly all of the 2024 season.

In response to their departures, the Sooners are actively pursuing wide receivers Donaven McCulley and Reginald Virgil via the portal.

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Oklahoma veteran wide receiver entering the transfer portal

The Oklahoma Sooners are losing another wide receiver to the transfer portal according to On3 Sports.

The Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver room has been in turmoil throughout 2024. Injuries and inexperience limited production from a unit originally considered one of the deepest in the country in 2024. Just a couple of days into the [autotag]transfer portal[/autotag] period, [autotag]Nic Anderson[/autotag], [autotag]Jaquaize Pettaway[/autotag] and J.J. Hester have entered the portal. Now, [autotag]Jalil Farooq[/autotag] has joined them, entering the portal on Tuesday afternoon, according to On3 Sports.

Farooq, a four-star prospect in the 2021 recruiting class, was among the few holdovers from the Lincoln Riley era. He started at wide receiver in 2022 and 2023, but was limited to two games in 2024 after breaking his foot in the season opener against Temple on a 47-yard reception.

He didn’t play until the loss to Missouri, when he played 27 snaps and had two receptions for 11 yards.

In 2023, Farooq had 45 receptions for 694 yards and two touchdowns. His best performance as a Sooner came in the 2023 Red River Showdown, when he had five receptions for a career-high 130 yards, including big plays just before halftime and on the Sooners’ game-winning drive. Both receptions set up opportunities for the Sooners to score against the Longhorns.

Farooq will have one more year of eligibility after redshirting in 2024. He’s a talented player who can do a lot for an offense with his route running and athleticism.

To retool the wide receiver room with the key departures of Farooq and Anderson, the Sooners are pursuing wide receivers [autotag]Donaven McCulley[/autotag] and [autotag]Reginald Virgil[/autotag].

Though the Sooners have talented wide receivers remaining on the depth chart, Oklahoma will need a player or two with collegiate production to lead the way.

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Oklahoma Sooners vs LSU Tigers injury report: Key pieces slated to play in Week 14?

All the latest updates and news on Oklahoma’s injury report ahead of a Week 14 game vs. LSU Tigers. 

The Oklahoma Sooners are trending to have two key pieces to the offense available for their Week 14 clash with the LSU Tigers. Running back [autotag]Jovantae Barnes[/autotag] and wide receiver [autotag]Brenen Thompson[/autotag] aren’t listed on the most recent injury report released on Friday night.

Barnes’ return provides another dynamic running threat to the Sooners offense. Prior to his injury, he was Oklahoma’s best player, sparking the emergence of their rushing attack. In his absence, [autotag]Xavier Robinson[/autotag] has taken the reigns at running back, culminating in his 100-yard, two-touchdown day in the win over Alabama. With both players set to be available for Oklahoma on the road against LSU, the Sooners can lean heavily into the running game.

Thompson has started every game this season for the Oklahoma Sooners. Though the receiving numbers won’t wow anyone, he provides a vertical threat in the passing game that defenses have to respect. As Oklahoma attempts to be more run-heavy, having Thompson available to stress the LSU secondary can help alleviate some of the pressure on the run game.

Let’s take a look at the updated Friday injury report for Oklahoma vs. LSU.

Oklahoma Sooners Injury Report

Player Position Status 11/29
Jayden Gibson WR OUT
Gentry Williams DB OUT
Geirean Hatchett OL OUT
Nic Anderson WR OUT
Kendel Dolby DB OUT
Jacob Sexton OL OUT
Jake Taylor OL OUT
Deion Burks WR OUT
Joshua Bates OL OUT
Jalil Farooq WR OUT
Caiden Woullard DE OUT
Kade McIntyre TE OUT
Andrel Anthony WR OUT

 

LSU Tigers Injury Report

Player Position Status 11/28
Jordan Allen S OUT
Harold Perkins Jr. LB OUT
JK Johnson CB OUT
Kyle Parker WR OUT
John Emery Jr. RB OUT
Princeton Malbrue DE OUT
Jacobian Guillory DT OUT
Garrett Dellinger OL Questionable
Jalen Lee DT Questionable
CJ Daniels WR Probable
Miles Frazier OL Probable

 Jovantae Barnes Injury Update

Jovantae Barnes was probable on the first two days of the injury report and looks slated to make his return for the Sooners against LSU. Barnes, along with Xavier Robinson should provide a nice 1-2 punch for the Sooners new run-heavy attack.

Brenen Thompson Injury Update

After being listed as questionable for the first two days of injury updates, Brenen Thompson wasn’t listed on the Friday evening update. He looks ready to play barring any setbacks, but look for true freshman wide receiver Zion Kearney to get more snaps.

Andrel Anthony Injury Update

Andrel Anthony initially was listed as questionable for the first two days of injury updates, but has been downgraded to out. He hasn’t played since Week 1 and is still trying to get fully back after suffering an ACL injury in the 2023 Red River Showdown.

Caiden Woullard Injury Update

Oklahoma will be without veteran defensive end Caiden Woullard this weekend after injuring his knee in the win over Alabama. That will provide more snaps for Adepoju Adebawore this week against LSU.

Oklahoma Sooners vs LSU Tigers injury report: Running back trending for return in Week 14

All the latest updates and news on Oklahoma’s injury report ahead of a Week 14 game vs. LSU Tigers. 

The Oklahoma Sooners and the LSU Tigers will each be looking to finish the season on a high note on Saturday night in Baton Rouge.

The two teams aren’t where they want to be at this point in the year. Both OU and LSU expected to be playoff contenders, especially the Tigers, who were 6-1 a month ago. But a three-game losing streak to Texas A&M, Alabama, and Vanderbilt had them heading in the wrong direction.

Still, it’s a dangerous football team with a really good offense in arguably the most difficult home environment in sports.

Let’s take a look at the updated Thursday injury report for Oklahoma vs. LSU.

Oklahoma Sooners Injury Report

Player Position Status 11/28
Jayden Gibson WR OUT
Gentry Williams DB OUT
Geirean Hatchett OL OUT
Nic Anderson WR OUT
Kendel Dolby DB OUT
Jacob Sexton OL OUT
Jake Taylor OL OUT
Deion Burks WR OUT
Joshua Bates OL OUT
Jalil Farooq WR OUT
Caiden Woullard DE OUT
Kade McIntyre TE OUT
Andrel Anthony WR Questionable
Brenen Thompson WR Questionable
Jovantae Barnes RB Probable

LSU Tigers Injury Report

Player Position Status 11/28
Jordan Allen S OUT
Harold Perkins Jr. LB OUT
JK Johnson CB OUT
Kyle Parker WR OUT
John Emery Jr. RB OUT
Princeton Malbrue DE OUT
Jacobian Guillory DT OUT
Garrett Dellinger OL Questionable
Jalen Lee DT Questionable
CJ Daniels WR Probable
Miles Frazier OL Probable

 Jovantae Barnes Injury Update

Jovantae Barnes remained probable on the second injury report of the week, providing some positive momentum for Oklahoma’s leading rusher.

Brenen Thompson Injury Update

Brenen Thompson made a big play against Alabama to help convert a third down and showed tremendous toughness as a blocker in the run game.

Andrel Anthony Injury Update

Andrel Anthony remains questionable on the injury report, but it would be a surprise to see him play after not getting on the field since week one.

Caiden Woullard Injury Update

Oklahoma will be without veteran defensive end Caiden Woullard this weekend after injuring his knee in the win over Alabama. That will provide more snaps for Adepoju Adebawore this week against LSU.

Oklahoma Sooners vs LSU Tigers injury report: Latest updates, news for Week 14

All the latest updates and news on Oklahoma’s injury report ahead of a Week 14 game vs. LSU Tigers. 

The Oklahoma Sooners and the LSU Tigers will each be looking to finish the season on a high note on Saturday night in Baton Rouge.

Oklahoma is coming off of a dominant win over the Alabama Crimson Tide, where the defense shut down the rushing attack of Jalen Milroe and the Tide. The Sooners put together a strong rushing effort behind the best performance of the season from the offensive line.

LSU snapped a three-game losing streak in their 24-17 win over Vanderbilt. The Tigers have been trying to find more balance from their offense and did so behind a strong rushing effort from Josh Williams, who ran for 90 yards and two touchdowns. Garrett Nussmeier recorded his seventh 300-yard passing game of the season in the win.

Oklahoma’s battled injuries all season long but have been able to put together more consistent performances over the last few weeks. But they’ll likely be without another one of their wide receivers as they travel to face the Tigers.

Let’s take a look at the initial injury report for Oklahoma vs. LSU.

Oklahoma Sooners Injury Report

Player Position Status 11/27
Jayden Gibson WR OUT
Gentry Williams DB OUT
Geirean Hatchett OL OUT
Nic Anderson WR OUT
Kendel Dolby DB OUT
Jacob Sexton OL OUT
Jake Taylor OL OUT
Deion Burks WR OUT
Joshua Bates OL OUT
Jalil Farooq WR OUT
Caiden Woullard DE OUT
Kade McIntyre TE Doubtful
Andrel Anthony WR Questionable
Brenen Thompson WR Questionable
Jovantae Barnes RB Probable

LSU Tigers Injury Report

Player Position Status 11/27
Jordan Allen S OUT
Harold Perkins Jr. LB OUT
JK Johnson CB OUT
Kyle Parker WR OUT
John Emery Jr. RB OUT
Princeton Malbrue DE OUT
Jacobian Guillory DT OUT
Garrett Dellinger OL Questionable
CJ Daniels WR Probable
Miles Frazier OL Probable

Jovantae Barnes Injury Update

Jovantae Barnes has missed the last two games after injuring his ankle against Maine. He looks like he’s tracking to return this week against LSU. With Xavier Robinson’s emergence and Taylor Tatum’s fumble issues, the Sooners will likely lean into Barnes and the true freshman Robinson for their running back snaps.

Brenen Thompson Injury Update

Brenen Thompson made a big play against Alabama to help convert a third down and showed tremendous toughness as a blocker in the run game.

Andrel Anthony Injury Update

Andrel Anthony hasn’t played since Week 1 and it didn’t appear like he’d be available this year. However, he’s been upgraded from out the last few months to questionable for this Saturday night against LSU.

Caiden Woullard Injury Update

Oklahoma will be without veteran defensive end Caiden Woullard this weekend after injuring his knee in the win over Alabama. That will provide more snaps for Adepoju Adebawore this week against LSU.

Oklahoma vs Alabama injury report: Jalil Farooq out vs. Alabama Crimson Tide

Oklahoma Sooners Wide Receiver Jalil Farooq was ruled out for Saturday’s game against Alabama on the Friday injury update.

The Oklahoma Sooners haven’t had any luck on their side when it comes to injuries. Jalil Farooq, who played a limited role against Missouri and started the week off the injury report has now been ruled out for Saturday’s game.

Farooq and the wide receiver room was supposed to be a strength for the Oklahoma Sooners this season, but that never materialized. In addition to Farooq, Nic Anderson, Deion Burks, and Jayden Gibson have played sparingly or not at all this season, severely limiting Oklahoma’s passing attack.

While depth options like Brenan Thompson and J.J. Hester have provided some promising moments, the most consistency the Sooners have had in the passing game has come from true freshman walk-on Jacob Jordan. With Farooq and Burks out this week, Jordan should be in line for a significant role Saturday night against Alabama.

About the only good news that came this week is that offensive tackle Michael Tarquin will be available after missing the Maine and Missouri games. He should replace Spencer Brown at right tackle, allowing Logan Howland to continue to play and develop on the left side of the offensive line.

The offensive line has displayed some promising things in recent weeks, especially in the run game. How the offensive line performs against Alabama will be key to their success.

Oklahoma injury report

Player Position Status 11/22
Jayden Gibson WR OUT
Gentry Williams DB OUT
Geirean Hatchett OL OUT
Nic Anderson WR OUT
Kendel Dolby DB OUT
Andrel Anthony WR OUT
Jacob Sexton OL OUT
Jake Taylor OL OUT
Deion Burks WR OUT
Joshua Bates OL OUT
Jalil Farooq WR OUT
Jovantae Barnes RB Questionable

 Alabama injury report

Player Position Status 11/22
Keon Sabb DB OUT
Cole Adams WR OUT
Quandarrius Robinson LB OUT

Michael Tarquin injury update

After missing Oklahoma’s last two games against Maine and Missouri, it looks like starting tackle Michael Tarquin will be back in action this week after not landing on the initial injury report. Now, the question becomes, does he take over at right or left tackle?

Jalil Farooq injury update

Jalil Farooq has been recovering from a surgically repaired broken foot suffered in week one. He’s now been downgraded to out for Saturday night’s game.

Deion Burks injury update

Deion Burks was downgraded to out for Saturday’s game against Alabama. He suffered a concussion in the second half of the Missouri game. He’s been ruled out for the game against Alabama.

Jovantae Barnes injury update

Jovantae Barnes sprained his ankle during his 200-yard effort against Maine and was forced to miss the game against Missouri. Barnes was listed as questionable on the Friday night injury report and looks unlikely to pay this week.

Gavin Sawchuk injury update

Running back Gavin Sawchuk was off the injury report for Oklahoma’s game against Missouri but didn’t play. Instead, Taylor Tatum, Xavier Robinson, and Sam Franklin who got the running back snaps. Could Sawchuk be available this week to help the Sooners’ rushing attack?

Joshua Bates injury update

Joshua Bates was moved to out for this Saturday against Alabama.

Oklahoma vs Alabama injury report: Sooners Wide Receivers Downgraded

The Oklahoma Sooners look to be heading into their matchup with Alabama once again without key wide receivers.

Just when it seemed like things were coming together for the Oklahoma Sooners on the injury front, at least a little bit, the Sooners downgraded Jalil Farooq to questionable.

On the initial injury report, Farooq wasn’t even listed, so his presence puts in doubt his availability for Saturday’s game against the Alabama Crimson Tide. Oklahoma can’t seem to find any luck on the injury front, but that’s been the case all year.

Once again, the Sooners are trending to be without their top five wide receivers against Alabama.

Here’s a look at the latest injury report.

Oklahoma injury report

Player Position Status 11/20
Jayden Gibson WR OUT
Gentry Williams DB OUT
Geirean Hatchett OL OUT
Nic Anderson WR OUT
Kendel Dolby DB OUT
Andrel Anthony WR OUT
Jacob Sexton OL OUT
Jake Taylor OL OUT
Deion Burks WR OUT
Joshua Bates OL Doubtful
Jalil Farooq WR Questionable
Jovantae Barnes RB Questionable

 Alabama injury report

Player Position Status 11/20
Keon Sabb DB OUT
Cole Adams WR OUT
Quandarrius Robinson LB OUT

Michael Tarquin injury update

After missing Oklahoma’s last two games against Maine and Missouri, it looks like starting tackle Michael Tarquin will be back in action this week after not landing on the initial injury report. Now, the question becomes, does he take over at right or left tackle?

Jalil Farooq injury update

Jalil Farooq has been recovering from a surgically repaired broken foot suffered in week one. He appeared on a limited basis two weeks ago against Missouri. After initially not showing up on the injury report, Farooq was listed as questionable on Thursday’s update.

Deion Burks injury update

Deion Burks was downgraded to out for Saturday’s game against Alabama. He suffered a concussion in the second half of the Missouri game. Though it’ll be two weeks between games, there’s no reason to rush Burks back from injury at this point in the season.

Jovantae Barnes injury update

Jovantae Barnes sprained his ankle during his 200-yard effort against Maine and was forced to miss the game against Missouri. Though listed as questionable for this week, he’s had two weeks to rest. Depending on how severe the initial injury was, he could be back in action this week.

Gavin Sawchuk injury update

Running back Gavin Sawchuk was off the injury report for Oklahoma’s game against Missouri but didn’t play. Instead, Taylor Tatum, Xavier Robinson, and Sam Franklin who got the running back snaps. Could Sawchuk be available this week to help the Sooners’ rushing attack?

Joshua Bates injury update

Joshua Bates was moved to out for this Saturday against Alabama.

Oklahoma vs Alabama injury report: Initial updates, news for Week 13

All the latest updates and news on Oklahoma’s injury report ahead of a Week 13 game vs. Alabama.

Injuries have plagued the Oklahoma Sooners during the 2024 season. It’s been an unfortunate reality for Brent Venables and his staff, particularly on the offensive side of the football.

With a pivotal game coming this week in Norman against the Alabama Crimson Tide, the Sooners are hoping for any sort of positive news on the injury front. Oklahoma looks like they’ll get one of their key offensive linemen back this week, Michael Tarquin. That should help provide better protection for quarterback Jackson Arnold.

Here’s a look at Wednesday’s initial injury report.

Oklahoma injury report

Player Position Status 11/20
Jayden Gibson WR OUT
Gentry Williams DB OUT
Geirean Hatchett OL OUT
Nic Anderson WR OUT
Kendel Dolby DB OUT
Andrel Anthony WR OUT
Jacob Sexton OL OUT
Jake Taylor OL OUT
Deion Burks WR Doubtful
Jovantae Barnes RB Questionable
Joshua Bates OL Questionable

 Alabama injury report

Player Position Status 11/20
Keon Sabb DB OUT
Cole Adams WR OUT
Quandarrius Robinson LB OUT

Michael Tarquin injury update

After missing Oklahoma’s last two games against Maine and Missouri, it looks like starting tackle Michael Tarquin will be back in action this week after not landing on the initial injury report. Now, the question becomes, does he take over at right or left tackle?

Deion Burks injury update

Deion Burks was concussed late in the Sooners’ loss to Missouri. He had been out of action since the Tennessee game and looks like he’ll be unavailable this week against Alabama.

Jovantae Barnes injury update

Jovantae Barnes sprained his ankle during his 200-yard effort against Maine and was forced to miss the game against Missouri. Though listed as questionable for this week, he’s had two weeks to rest. Depending on how severe the initial injury was, he could be back in action this week.

Gavin Sawchuk injury update

Running back Gavin Sawchuk was off the injury report for Oklahoma’s game against Missouri but didn’t play. Instead it was Taylor Tatum, Xavier Robinson, and Sam Franklin getting the running back snaps. Could Sawchuk be available this week to help the Sooners rushing attack?

Joshua Bates injury update

Joshua Bates missed the game against Missouri with an undisclosed injury. Troy Everett has solidified the center position for the Sooners but you would like to have some depth available.