Jeremiah Newcombe Carving Out Role in OU Defense After Overcoming Early Struggles

The junior defensive back is ready to prove himself in Year 3 after bouncing between cornerback and 'cheetah' positions.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 5:28pm

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A cubist, geometric illustration depicting the dynamic movements and positioning of a defensive football player, with sharp, overlapping planes of color and form capturing the raw energy and athleticism of the sport.Newcombe's versatility and adaptability have made him a key piece of Oklahoma's defensive puzzle as the Sooners look to rebuild under new leadership.Norman Today

Jeremiah Newcombe, a junior defensive back at the University of Oklahoma, is looking to make a significant impact on the Sooners' defense this season after a challenging first two years on campus. Initially recruited as a cornerback, Newcombe has since transitioned to the 'cheetah' position and is now poised to earn playing time at both spots as he aims to solidify his role on the team.

Why it matters

Newcombe's journey at Oklahoma highlights the perseverance and determination required for a player to overcome early setbacks and earn a meaningful role on a Power 5 football team. His ability to adapt to different positions and his commitment to the program despite limited playing time in his first two seasons could pay dividends for the Sooners as they look to rebuild their defense under new head coach Brent Venables.

The details

After appearing in just three games as a true freshman, Newcombe was moved to the 'cheetah' position prior to last season. However, an early injury kept him out for most of the year, limiting him to just 35 snaps in four appearances. Rather than enter the transfer portal, Newcombe doubled down on his commitment to Oklahoma, determined to prove himself and earn a spot in the rotation. This spring, Newcombe has found a rhythm at the 'cheetah' position, forming a one-two punch there with Reggie Powers. Newcombe's versatility, which includes the ability to cover, play in the box, and deliver big hits, has caught the eye of new cornerbacks coach Lamar Morgan and head coach Brent Venables, who has forecasted a significant role for Newcombe in the fall.

  • Newcombe was initially recruited as a cornerback but appeared in just three games as a true freshman in 2024.
  • Prior to the 2025 season, the coaching staff moved Newcombe to the 'cheetah' position.
  • An early injury kept Newcombe out for most of the 2025 season, limiting him to just 35 snaps in four appearances.

The players

Jeremiah Newcombe

A junior defensive back at the University of Oklahoma who has bounced between cornerback and the 'cheetah' position during his first two seasons with the Sooners.

Reggie Powers

Newcombe's teammate at the 'cheetah' position, forming a one-two punch in Oklahoma's defense.

Brent Venables

The head coach of the University of Oklahoma football team, who has forecasted a significant role for Newcombe in the fall.

Lamar Morgan

The new cornerbacks coach at the University of Oklahoma, who has been impressed by Newcombe's versatility.

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What they’re saying

“'Cheetah, I think, has been more comfortable for me to play. I'm very versatile. I can cover, be in the fits, can go hit. Whatever the coaches need.'”

— Jeremiah Newcombe, Oklahoma Defensive Back

“'Everybody tries to find their niche here. I think of a guy who is very versatile, look at his high school tape and playing quarterback and different things. I think this is a guy who is champing at the bit for an opportunity to impact the game on Saturdays.'”

— Lamar Morgan, Oklahoma Cornerbacks Coach

“'He's a really competitive guy that's disruptive, plays big. He's got really good quickness. He's got some corner skills. He'll tackle like a linebacker. We're really counting on him. He's going to play a big role for us this year.'”

— Brent Venables, Oklahoma Head Coach

What’s next

Newcombe will look to solidify his role in Oklahoma's defense during the team's spring practices and summer workouts, with the goal of earning significant playing time at both cornerback and the 'cheetah' position when the Sooners kick off their 2026 season.

The takeaway

Jeremiah Newcombe's perseverance and commitment to the Oklahoma program, despite early struggles and limited playing time, have positioned him to potentially make a significant impact on the Sooners' defense in his junior season. His versatility and adaptability have impressed the new coaching staff, who are counting on Newcombe to be a key contributor as the team looks to rebuild under Brent Venables.