Oklahoma Spring Depth Chart Preview: TEs Rebuilding Again, But There’s Potential

As the Oklahoma Sooners gear up for another spring football season under head coach Brent Venables, the focus is once again on rebuilding and improving key areas of their depth chart. One of the most intriguing and important position groups to watch in 2025 is the tight end (TE) unit. After a year that saw significant turnover and changes, the Sooners are once again looking to rebuild at the tight end position, a group that has historically been a crucial part of their offensive scheme. With new talent coming in and experienced players trying to step up, the tight end position presents a mixture of uncertainty and potential.

Oklahoma has long been known for its potent offense, producing talented skill players, including elite quarterbacks, wide receivers, and running backs. However, the tight end position has seen its ups and downs in recent years. Whether it’s due to injuries, lack of depth, or players transitioning in and out of the program, the Sooners’ tight ends have not always been able to fill the crucial role that head coach Brent Venables desires in his offense. Nevertheless, this spring offers an opportunity for the team to reload and develop the tight ends into a weapon that can impact both the passing and running game.

As the Sooners prepare for their spring practices, it’s important to examine the current depth chart, the challenges ahead for the tight end unit, and the players who could rise to the occasion. The tight end group at Oklahoma is full of potential, but much of it is unproven. Let’s take a closer look at what fans can expect from the position as the spring practice season unfolds.

The Importance of the Tight End Position in Oklahoma’s Offense

Before diving into the individual players and their potential for the 2025 season, it’s essential to understand the role of tight ends in Oklahoma’s offensive system. While head coach Brent Venables is known for his defensive prowess, offensive coordinator Jeff Lebby, who is in his second season with the Sooners, runs a high-tempo, spread-style offense that places significant emphasis on versatility. The tight end position is crucial in this system, serving as both an additional blocker in the run game and a threat in the passing game.

In recent years, the Sooners have used tight ends in a variety of ways, from traditional inline blockers to move tight ends who line up in the slot or as an H-back. Tight ends are expected to be capable of both blocking in the run game, particularly in short-yardage and goal-line situations, and providing mismatches in the passing game. With Oklahoma’s offensive philosophy prioritizing up-tempo play and spreading the field, tight ends need to be able to run crisp routes, provide a reliable target for the quarterback, and create mismatches against defenders who are often tasked with covering a bigger player in the passing game.

The tight end position is crucial for balance in Oklahoma’s offense. When successful, it opens up opportunities for the wide receivers and running backs, as defensive coordinators must account for an additional player who can catch passes and block effectively. With this in mind, the Sooners’ ability to rebuild and develop the tight end position in 2025 will be a key factor in their offensive success.

The Current Tight End Depth Chart: Uncertainty with Potential

At the start of the 2025 spring season, the tight end position at Oklahoma is one of the most uncertain on the roster. The Sooners lost some key contributors from the previous year, leaving the team in a position where they must rely on unproven players or younger recruits to step up and make an impact. However, the talent is there, and there is a sense of optimism about the potential of the group.

At the top of the depth chart, the Sooners have several key players who could be poised for breakout seasons. While none of them have yet proven themselves as full-time starters, there is significant potential for these tight ends to make an immediate impact. Here’s a breakdown of the players to watch this spring:

1. Austin Stogner – Senior (6’6”, 250 lbs)

The most experienced and arguably the most well-known tight end on the roster, Austin Stogner is a player that Sooner fans are excited to see return to form in 2025. After transferring back to Oklahoma from South Carolina in 2024, Stogner has a lot to prove in his final year of eligibility. He is a big, physical target who stands at 6’6″ and weighs in at 250 pounds, making him a mismatch for defenders in both the passing and run games.

Stogner has been a key contributor throughout his college career, but inconsistency has plagued him at times. He has shown flashes of brilliance as both a blocker and a receiver but has struggled to maintain consistency over the course of an entire season. For the Sooners to get the most out of Stogner in 2025, they will need him to step up as a leader, be a reliable red-zone target, and become more of a consistent presence in the passing game. If he can remain healthy and regain his previous form, Stogner could be one of the top tight ends in the Big 12 and a major asset for Oklahoma’s offense.

2. Brayden Willis – Junior (6’4”, 240 lbs)

Brayden Willis is another returning tight end who has the chance to make a significant impact in 2025. A versatile player, Willis has the ability to line up both in-line and in the slot, providing flexibility for offensive coordinator Jeff Lebby. At 6’4″ and 240 pounds, Willis has solid size and athleticism, allowing him to excel both as a blocker and as a receiving option.

Willis has shown flashes of potential in previous seasons but has yet to establish himself as a primary weapon in the offense. This spring, he will look to prove that he can be an integral part of the Sooners’ offensive scheme. Whether it’s catching passes in the middle of the field or helping to open up running lanes, Willis could be the player who takes the next step in 2025. If he can develop a stronger rapport with quarterback Dillon Gabriel and improve his consistency, Willis could emerge as a key target in the passing game.

3. Jason Llewellyn – Freshman (6’5”, 235 lbs)

One of the most intriguing players on the depth chart is incoming freshman Jason Llewellyn. As a highly rated recruit, Llewellyn has the size, athleticism, and potential to make an immediate impact for Oklahoma. Standing at 6’5″ and weighing 235 pounds, he possesses excellent length and has the ability to create mismatches with defenders. Although he is a freshman, Llewellyn is a player who could push for significant playing time early in his career.

While it’s unclear exactly how much playing time Llewellyn will see in his first season, his ability to block and catch passes could make him a key player in the Sooners’ rotation. The spring season will be crucial for him to develop his skills and familiarize himself with the offensive system. If he shows promise during spring practices, Llewellyn could earn a significant role in the offense.

4. Other Contenders:

While the top three tight ends on the depth chart are the most likely to make an impact in 2025, there are several other players vying for spots in the rotation. These players may not have seen significant action in previous seasons, but spring practice offers a fresh start and an opportunity to earn playing time.

• Kaden Helms (Sophomore, 6’4”, 220 lbs) – Helms is an athlete with solid hands and good speed. If he can bulk up and improve his blocking technique, he could push for more playing time as a move tight end in the slot.
• Jahleel Billingsley (Junior, 6’5”, 240 lbs) – Billingsley is another player to watch, though he may need to refine his game before seeing significant action. He has good size and athleticism, but his development will be key to his role in the offense.

The Challenges Ahead

While the tight end group at Oklahoma has some promising players, there are certainly challenges ahead. One of the biggest hurdles is the need for consistent play from the position. In recent years, Oklahoma has had issues with tight end injuries and inconsistent production. In 2025, the Sooners must hope that their tight ends can stay healthy and play at a high level throughout the season.

Another challenge is the development of the younger players. While Stogner and Willis provide a solid foundation, the younger players like Llewellyn and Helms need to develop quickly if they are going to provide the depth and versatility that Oklahoma’s offense demands. This spring is critical for them to gain experience and improve their skills.

 A Position Group with Promise

The tight end position at Oklahoma in 2025 may have its uncertainties, but it also holds considerable promise. With a mixture of experienced players like Austin Stogner and Brayden Willis, as well as young talent like Jason Llewellyn, the Sooners have the opportunity to develop a strong and versatile tight end group. If the coaching staff can get the most out of this position, the tight ends could become one of the most valuable assets for Oklahoma’s high-powered offense in 2025.

As spring practices unfold, the tight end position will be one to watch closely. With plenty of competition and potential for growth, it’s clear that the Sooners’ tight end group could play a pivotal role in their success moving forward. Whether they’re blocking for the running backs or catching passes in critical moments, the tight ends at Oklahoma have the chance to be difference-makers for the program in 2025.