NORMAN — It sounds like one of Oklahoma football's major offensive weapons is nearing a full return to the field. Following the Sooners' eighth practice of training camp, coach Brent Venables offered a promising update on Virginia transfer wide receiver Trell Harris, who was limited to begin camp after undergoing a cleanup procedure dating back to an injury from last season. Harris has been fully suited up and participating in drills throughout the week but Venables said he was a factor during OU's seven-on-seven period Friday. "He got behind the defense and made an explosive play down the field today," Venables said of Harris. "That was great to see. Making competitive plays when there’s turbulence." More: Why 'intelligent' Noah Best is impressing everyone during OU football preseason camp
Making competitive plays in traffic was an area the Sooners struggled in last season when they faced eight top 35 defenses nationally. Harris, who OU landed out of the transfer portal this offseason, changes the equation for OU. Known for making athletic and contested catches, he started each of the Cavaliers last 12 games in 2025, totaling 59 receptions for 847 yards and five touchdowns. The 6 feet, 203-pound receiver recorded multiple receptions in every game and at least four catches in nine contests. Having Harris back has been a welcome sight for quarterback John Mateer. "He's a great human, and we've become good friends," Mateer said. "Seeing him be able to succeed and take steps that he wants to, it's been fun. It's going to be a lot of fun." Upgrading at receiver and surrounding Mateer with more talent was a priority for general manager Jim Nagy this offseason. CARLSON: Has OU football gotten a fair shake in scheduling during first three SEC seasons?
The Sooners return leading receiver Isaiah Sategna III and brought in Texas transfer Parker Livingstone and some talented freshmen. Sophomores Manny Choice and Elijah Thomas have also elevated their games and project to receive increased playing time. "They’re developing an identity as a group, some group pride, which is really important to me," Venables said. "Every unit on the team should strive — and it starts with the coaches, but they should strive to be the best group on the team. What does that mean? Show up every day better than everyone else. Bring the juice and the energy for the whole team. "Be the toughest and most dependable, most reliable, most accountable group on and off the field. Choose excellence. That’s got to be a lifestyle, and be the heart and soul of the locker room. Why not you? Why not your group? We should all strive for that. That’s a group that I’m seeing unit pride for the first time in a few years." With what OU is allowed to do in the summer, with player-led practices, the receivers went through 1,700 snaps against defensive backs. That experience and a renewed confidence is starting to show on the practice field. Harris only helps that as he's expected to start alongside Livingstone and Sategna when healthy. It sounds like he's closer to 100% than he's been since he stepped foot on campus. "We're more precise, more explosive," Venables said. "Little more precision, a little more consistency, and there’s still room to grow.” Colton Sulley covers the Oklahoma Sooners for The Oklahoman. Have a story idea for Colton? He can be reached at csulley@oklahoman.com or on X/Twitter at @colton_sulley. Support Colton's work and that of other Oklahoman journalists by purchasing a digital subscription today at subscribe.oklahoman.com. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Trell Harris makes 'explosive' play after being limited in OU football camp