OU Receiver Manny Choice Taking Big Steps in Year 2

Sooners coaches praise Choice's growth and work ethic as he competes for more playing time

Apr. 13, 2026 at 5:37pm

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A cubist-style painting depicting a football player in motion, broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in a vibrant color palette of crimson, orange, and navy blue, conveying the dynamic energy and potential of the player.Manny Choice's rapid growth and potential has the Oklahoma coaching staff optimistic about the young receiver's future.Norman Today

Manny Choice, a wide receiver for the University of Oklahoma Sooners, is making significant strides in his second year with the team. After a limited role as a true freshman, Choice has impressed coaches with his improved understanding of the offense, work ethic, and physical development. OU offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle and head coach Brent Venables have both noted Choice's growth and the opportunities that could come his way in the fall.

Why it matters

Choice's progression is an important storyline for the Sooners as they look to replace key contributors at wide receiver. His development could provide a boost to the OU offense and give the team more options in the passing game.

The details

As a true freshman, Choice saw limited playing time, logging just 5 snaps on offense in 2 games. However, he became an important part of OU's special teams unit, playing 71 snaps across 10 games. This spring, Choice has taken noticeable steps forward, earning reps with the first-team offense and demonstrating a better understanding of the scheme and his responsibilities as a receiver.

  • Choice arrived at OU as a true freshman in 2025.
  • In the 2025 season, Choice played sparingly on offense but contributed on special teams.
  • This spring (2026), Choice has earned more opportunities with the first-team offense and impressed coaches with his growth.

The players

Manny Choice

A wide receiver for the University of Oklahoma Sooners who is entering his second year with the program.

Ben Arbuckle

The offensive coordinator for the University of Oklahoma Sooners.

Brent Venables

The head coach of the University of Oklahoma Sooners.

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What they’re saying

“Last year he showed as this tall, skinny kid who was just swimming out there. Just trying to get lined up was a huge win. To now, I'm in the receivers room today, I asked a question to the (slot receivers) and Manny answers it. I'm like, 'Huh, Manny's figuring it out big time.' He's seeing the whole picture, he's seeing the field better, he's understating leverage and how to attack things.”

— Ben Arbuckle, Offensive Coordinator

“Manny Choice is a guy we're really excited about. (He's) a big, strong-body guy that's athletic. He's wide open. Plays with tremendous effort and strain. And he's got great awareness and understanding of how to play receiver and still learning and growing in that space as well. But he's got a high give-a-crap meter, as we've talked about before.”

— Brent Venables, Head Coach

What’s next

Choice will look to continue his strong spring and earn a larger role in the Sooners' offense when the 2026 season begins in the fall.

The takeaway

Manny Choice's development in his second year at Oklahoma is an encouraging sign for the Sooners' receiving corps. His improved understanding of the offense and strong work ethic have caught the attention of the coaching staff, and he could be poised to take on a more significant role in the passing game this upcoming season.