**Oklahoma Will Be Without Key Receivers at LSU; Barnes, Thompson Unknown**
The Oklahoma Sooners will face a significant challenge on offense this week as they prepare for their highly anticipated matchup with LSU. The team will be without two key receivers for the game, and the status of another top pass catcher remains uncertain, as the Sooners’ first SEC Availability Report of the week revealed.
On Wednesday, Oklahoma officially ruled out wide receivers **Jahleel Barnes** and **Theo Wease**, who will not be available for the upcoming contest against LSU. Both Barnes and Wease have been key contributors to the Sooners’ aerial attack this season. Barnes, known for his speed and ability to stretch the field, has been an explosive playmaker for Oklahoma, and his absence will be felt in their passing game. Wease, a senior, has provided stability and experience, serving as a trusted target for quarterback Dillon Gabriel. Together, they have helped form a dynamic receiving corps, but with both unavailable, the Sooners will have to rely on other players to step up and fill the void.
Perhaps even more concerning for Oklahoma is the status of **Brenen Thompson**, another key receiver, who has been listed as questionable. Thompson has been a rising star in the offense, with his game-breaking speed and ability to make big plays down the field. His potential absence creates further uncertainty for the Sooners, as they prepare to face one of the top defensive units in the SEC. Head coach Brent Venables has not yet provided a clear timeline for Thompson’s availability, leaving fans and analysts alike speculating on his chances of playing.
With these injuries, Oklahoma’s depth at wide receiver will be tested. While the Sooners still have some talented options on the roster, including **Drake Stoops**, **Marvin Mims**, and **Jaren Kanak**, the loss of Barnes, Wease, and possibly Thompson presents a significant blow. Stoops, known for his reliable hands and toughness, will likely be counted on to take on a larger role in the offense. Mims, a playmaker in his own right, will be expected to step up and provide that deep threat capability that Barnes would have brought to the field. Kanak, who has primarily been a backup, may be asked to contribute more as well, depending on the team’s game plan for the Tigers.
In addition to the absence of key receivers, the Sooners are also navigating a challenging environment. Playing in Death Valley at LSU is never easy, and the Tigers’ defense, led by defensive coordinator Matt House, has proven to be a tough unit to crack. LSU’s secondary is formidable, and Oklahoma will need to adjust its game plan accordingly to exploit any weaknesses without the full complement of its receiving corps.
The absence of Barnes and Wease is certainly a setback for Oklahoma, but the team’s offensive identity has been about balance, with Gabriel under center and an efficient running game to complement the passing attack. The Sooners will need to lean on their other weapons, including a strong running back committee, to help control the tempo of the game and give their remaining receivers opportunities to make plays. The uncertainty surrounding Thompson’s availability only adds to the challenge, but Oklahoma’s ability to adapt and find production from other sources could determine the outcome of this high-stakes SEC clash.
As the game approaches, the status of Thompson remains a key storyline, and the Sooners’ ability to overcome these challenges will be critical if they are to keep pace with LSU in one of the most hostile environments in college football.
