Analyzing Oklahoma's injury report ahead of South Carolina matchup

South Carolina will host the Oklahoma Sooners this Saturday inside Williams-Brice Stadium. It will be the second-ever game between the two programs and the first in Columbia.

With both teams coming off a loss, a win would mean a lot on either side of the SEC showdown. Neither group enters the contest at 100%, however. The SEC-mandated availability report for the game has some notable names listed.

As of Friday night, South Carolina has already ruled out offensive linemen Cason Henry and Nolan Hay. They also surprised some folks with Thursday night “out” designations for wide receiver Brian Rowe and defensive tackle Davonte Miles. Neither player had been on the Wednesday version of the reports. Offensive lineman Shed Sarratt was “questionable” after suffering an ankle injury against LSU. He has since been removed from the report. Cornerback Brandon Cisse is probable. Defensive tackle Gabe Brownlow-Dindy moved all the way from “questionable” to off the report. Offensive lineman Markee Anderson was “questionable” earlier in the week but has since come off the report, as well. On Friday night, offensive lineman Jatavius Shivers was a new addition to the report with a “questionable” distinction.

For Oklahoma, offensive linemen Jacob Sexton, Troy Everett, and Jake Taylor have barely played this year. All of them carry an “out” designation heading into the weekend. Fellow blocker Logan Howland is “doubtful.” Joining Howland as “doubtful” were running back Jovantae Barnes, wide receiver Keontez Lewis, and tight end Kade McIntyre, but all have been moved to “out.” Defensive back Kendel Dolby is “out,” as well.

Quarterback John Mateer is not on the Oklahoma availability report. He had thumb surgery just over three weeks ago, returning to action for the first time against Texas last weekend. Previously banged-up offensive lineman Derek Simmons was not on the report, either. He suffered an ankle injury against Texas, and head coach Brent Venables called him “day-to-day” earlier in the week.

But what does all of that mean for Saturday’s matchup between the Gamecocks and the Sooners?

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Oklahoma’s offensive line hasn’t had a stellar 2025 season, and health has been a factor.

Specifically at right tackle, Jake Taylor, Logan Howland, and Derek Simmons are the three players on the team’s depth chart. With Taylor out and Howland doubtful, Simmons’ availability is critical for Oklahoma. Backup left tackle Luke Baklenko played on the right side against Texas following Simmons’ injury. Jacob Sexton is another tackle option, but he is out. Starting left tackle, freshman Michael Fasusi, hasn’t been 100% healthy, either. If he or Simmons aggravate their injuries, Oklahoma’s front could be in trouble.

Troy Everett, a starter in 2024, hasn’t played much in 2025 and won’t again this week. Starting right guard Femechi Nwaiwu has battled some minor injuries this season but will play on Saturday. The Sooners’ interior offensive line depth looks better than their depth at tackle but only somewhat.

At running back, Jovantae Barnes was a starter for part of the 2025 season. However, he was playing in a timeshare this year with Tory Blaylock and Jaydn Ott before falling out of the rotation and then getting injured during pregame last week. Barnes is the best pass protector among the Sooners’ running backs but isn’t expected to play this week. Blaylock is the top back and will continue to occupy that role this weekend. Ott, on the other hand, has struggled after landing in Norman out of the transfer portal.

Keontez Lewis, a top-three wide receiver for OU, won’t play, either. He is a big-bodied senior who has snagged a pair of touchdown receptions this season. Without him, Oklahoma only has two receivers who have caught more than passes all year. Both of them, Isaiah Sategna and Deion Burks, are under 6-feet tall.

With Kendel Dolby out, the Sooners’ secondary depth will be tested. He has played rotationally this season, and Oklahoma will miss his hard-hitting style.

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Though he is 100% available according to his absence from the availability report, quarterback John Mateer’s health will be worth watching on Saturday, too. His surgically repaired thumb was bleeding last time out against Texas, and he threw multiple interceptions in a game for the first time this fall.

Saturday afternoon’s conference matchup will begin at 12:45 p.m. SEC Network will carry the television broadcast, and the ESPN app will make the action available via streaming.

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