Oklahoma State Releases Depth Chart for Season Opener Against Tennessee Martin

STILLWATER – The depth chart is out and as expected there are a lot of “Ors”. The quarterback situation is not cleared up and if you were following Pokes Report and our players lists (alternative to depth charts) on offense and defense, then you got a good preview. As we reported, the deepest positions on the team have been running back (five players all listed as potential starters) and cornerback (four players listed) and we think there are seven players combined capable of starting at those two spots.

Robert Allen - Pokes Report

Opening Game Depth Chart

On offense, below, no real surprises. I think all of those linemen below could see action. The second group has developed into a good offensive line. Also, Austin Kawecki can play any of the five positions on the line of scrimmage. Noah McKinney can play everywhere except center. This is truly the top 10 and it seems that was the way in fall camp that it shook out. There are some injured linemen that will be strong prospects to develop for the future. 

The versatility of both Kawecki and McKinney help and the arrival of the transfer portal pickups in Bob Schick and Markell Samuel were also key to building this offensive line. Three sets of eyes in Andrew Mitchell, Cooper Bassett, and Grant Garner helped as well.

You’ll note the tight ends are split into two, in-line big guys and the h-back types. Three receiver positions with Jackson being the top of the slots receivers and Royal Capell and an emerging freshman not listed in Matrail Lopez can play both as can veteran Da’Wain Lofton. 

Again, the quarterbacks are still fairly equal, and I honestly don’t know which one will get the first snaps on Thursday against UT-Martin. Just like I expect to see any and all of the running backs. That is a darn good problem to have. The recruiting staff hit on every on of those guys, portal or freshmen.

There is no doubt looking at it, that the defense is more reliant on transfers. There are six among the 10 upfront. I think this is a powerful and aggressive group. Watch Thomas as he is a big difference maker in the middle.

One roster move that I think will pay big dividends this season and in the future is the move of former corner-to-safety-and-now-to-linebacker of Jacobi Oliphant Jr. He is going to be a major contributor in the future at linebacker.

Bruce Waterfield/OSU Athletics

Harris (23) makes a play in practice.

This is one of my favorite areas of the depth chart. Let’s start with the depth at cornerback as there are three other players not listed that I think can play there. The top two in Cam Smith, Kale Smith, Jaylin Davies, and JK Johnson are really good.

Safety Parker Robertson is one of my favorite stories. Then Kenneth Harris is going to play and it is about time. I really felt Harris had so much potential and talent when he transferred into Oklahoma State.