4 players to watch for OU against Kentucky

The Oklahoma Sooners are back at home this week for the first time since Week 3. OU hosts the Kentucky Wildcats in Norman on Saturday night, with both teams coming off of thrilling and emotional victories. The Sooners need to avoid a hangover from last week's big win over Texas and string together consecutive wins for the first time in 2026.

Oklahoma will need several players to step up to get the home win, whether because of injury or opportunity. Kentucky has been one of the SEC's surprise teams so far this season, and they've already knocked off several talented teams. The Sooners can continue to turn their season around if they can find a way to win this game.

Here are four players to watch for Oklahoma against Kentucky.

1. Trystan Haynes, DB

Defensive back Trystan Haynes made his first career start at cornerback last week against Texas, and though the Longhorns got him a couple of times, he also made his presence felt with some nice plays in the secondary. With Jacobe Johnson out again this week and Eli Bowen listed as questionable on Thursday night's injury report, Haynes could very well be in the spotlight again in this game. He'll have to be sound against a very good Wildcats offense.

2. Noah Best, OL

Offensive lineman Noah Best played well in the second half of the Texas win, and with so many players from his position room on the injury report right now, he's one of a few healthy options heading into this week. As of Thursday night, Eddy Pierre-Louis is doubtful to play against the Wildcats, while Michael Fasusi and Heath Ozaeta are both questionable. That means we don't know what the combination up front against Kentucky will be, but we know that Best is certainly in line to start at one of the guard spots. OU's run game needs to get on track this week.

3. Mackenzie Alleyne, WR

Wide receiver Mackenzie Alleyne had a quiet day against Texas, but he could see more targets come his way this week. Parker Livingstone is doubtful to play against the Wildcats, meaning that when the Sooners play three receivers at the same time, Alleyne could very well be that third player a lot of the time next to Isaiah Sategna III and Elijah Thomas. Oklahoma has been looking for more wideouts to step up, and Alleyne could be what they need.

4. Manny Choice, WR

Much of what is true for Alleyne also goes for fellow wide receiver Manny Choice. With Livingstone trending towards not playing this week, maybe it'll be Choice that sees more snaps and more passes being thrown his way. He was more involved against Texas, catching two passes, and the coaching staff has been wanting to make him a bigger part of the plan for a couple of weeks now. Multiple Oklahoma WRs have an opportunity this week to earn a bigger role going forward.

Oklahoma's Thursday night SEC Availability Report