Brent Venables confirmed the status of 2 Oklahoma wide receivers ahead of the Sooners’ season-opener.

On Wednesday’s SEC coaches teleconference, Venables addressed the availability of Nic Anderson and Andrel Anthony.

“Andrel will be available and Nic will not be,” Venables told media members.

Venables had mentioned Anderson being limited in practice on Monday. At the time, he expressed optimism that Anderson would be able to play in Week 1, but that’s no longer the case.

Anderson is one of OU’s leading returning receivers. The redshirt sophomore from Katy, Texas was a co-leader in receiving touchdowns with 10, tied with departed senior Drake Stoops. Anderson was second on the team in receiving yards with 798 and third in receptions with 38. Stoops led all Sooner pass-catchers with 84 receptions for 962 yards. Jalil Farooq had 45 catches for 694 yards and 2 TDs as a junior.

On OU’s depth chart, Anderson and Brenen Thompson received the “OR” designation indicating co-starters. Thompson, a 2023 transfer from Texas, now appears to be in line for the start.

Anthony’s return provides a boost to the wide receiver room. Anthony played in 6 games last season, seeing his season end early due to an ACL injury. In limited action, he had 27 catches, which ranked 4th on the team, behind Stoops, Anderson and Farooq who each played in all 13 contests. Anderson was also 4th in receiving yards with 429, behind the same trio.

Oklahoma opens the 2024 season at home against Temple on Friday. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. ET, with the game airing on ESPN.

FanDuel Sportsbook has the Sooners favored by 42.5 points in the season-opener. ESPN’s Football Power Index gives OU a 98.7% chance to emerge victorious on Friday night.

At DraftKings Sportsbook, Oklahoma’s season win total has an over/under of 7.5. The over is priced at -120 for a $120 wager to win $100 and generate a $220 payout. Under is priced at +100, meaning a $100 winning wager would produce a $200 payout.