The injury bug has hit the Oklahoma Sooners in the 2026 college football season. Several key players have missed games, and more are expected to miss the game this weekend against the No. 15 Kentucky Wildcats.
Last weekend, the Sooners lost cornerback Eli Bowen. He was a late scratch for the Red River Rivalry after suffering an injury in practice late in the week. Bowen brings three years of starting experience. Oklahoma native Trystan Haynes replaced him, and he hadn't started a game in his career. The sophomore entered the game with just three career tackles.
But Haynes played well, given the circumstances. Star receiver Cam Coleman baptized him early with a long touchdown catch, but he settled in and finished with seven tackles and one pass
deflection. He said starting in that game as an Oklahoman meant a lot to him.
"It really meant a lot, being that I'm from Oklahoma," Haynes said via SoonerScoop. "Just seeing all of these games these past years and being able to watch it as a kid and being able to run out of that tunnel the first time as a starter, it was different and exciting. I feel like it went very well, being my first time on the field like that."
Haynes' performance against Texas gives Oklahoma another encouraging sign amid its injury challenges. Being thrust into a rivalry game against an elite opponent is a difficult test for any young defensive back, but he responded with seven tackles and a pass deflection after settling in. That experience could prove valuable as the Sooners navigate the demanding weeks ahead and continue relying on their depth.
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This article originally appeared on Sooners Wire: Trystan Haynes reacts to first career start against Texas
