The early look at the 2026 college football season is already stirring up some debate, thanks to On3’s just-released top 100 players list. Oklahoma landed four players on the board-defensive tackle David Stone, linebacker Kip Lewis, defensive end Taylor Wein, and wide receiver Isaiah Sategna-but the bigger story might be who didn’t make the cut.
Let’s start with the four Sooners who did earn recognition. Stone leads the way at No. 20, a nod to his dominant presence on the interior defensive line.
Lewis slots in at 47, Wein at 58, and Sategna rounds out the group at 62. All four are returning starters from a 2025 Oklahoma squad that went 10-3 and punched a ticket to the College Football Playoff.
So yeah, these guys have earned their stripes.
But it’s the omissions that are raising eyebrows-and for good reason.
Jayden Jackson: The Quiet Force in the Trenches
When you look at the numbers and the tape, it’s hard to justify leaving Jayden Jackson off this list. He and Stone arrived in Norman together in 2024 as highly touted recruits, both earning early playing time at defensive tackle.
But it was Jackson, not Stone, who cracked the starting lineup as a true freshman. Fast forward to 2025, and both were key contributors on a stout defensive front.
Stone may have finished with more tackles, but Jackson had the edge in sacks-arguably the more disruptive stat for a defensive lineman.
Stone’s top-20 ranking is well deserved, no question. But if he’s that high, it’s tough to see how Jackson doesn’t even crack the top 100.
These two were neck-and-neck all season, and Jackson’s production speaks for itself. It’s not about pitting one teammate against another-it’s about recognizing that Jackson belongs in the national conversation too.
John Mateer: From Top 65 to Off the Radar
Then there’s quarterback John Mateer. Before the 2025 season, On3 had him pegged as the 65th-best player in college football.
Fast forward a year, and he’s nowhere to be found. Yes, his sophomore campaign didn’t go as planned-injuries hampered his play, and the offense never quite found its rhythm-but let’s not forget the context.
Mateer battled through multiple injuries and still managed to keep Oklahoma competitive in a tough slate. Now, with a full offseason to recover and refine, there’s every reason to believe he’ll bounce back in Year 2 as the Sooners’ starter.
It’s not about giving him a spot out of sympathy-it’s about projecting forward. If the list is meant to spotlight the top players heading into 2026, then a healthy Mateer should absolutely be in that mix.
Tate Sandell: The Kicker Conundrum
Finally, there’s Tate Sandell-arguably the most glaring snub of the bunch. In 2025, he was named the Lou Groza Award winner as the top kicker in college football.
That’s not a small feat. Sandell was clutch all season, delivering in high-pressure moments and consistently flipping field position in Oklahoma’s favor.
Simply put, he was one of the most valuable players on the roster.
So why the omission? Let’s be honest-kickers often get left out of these conversations unless they’re hitting 60-yarders every week.
But Sandell's impact goes beyond the stat sheet. He was a cornerstone of the Sooners’ special teams unit and a key reason they made it to the CFP.
If any kicker deserves a seat at the table, it’s him.
Bottom line: Oklahoma’s presence on the list is solid, but the omissions of Jackson, Mateer, and Sandell raise legitimate questions. These aren’t fringe contributors-they’re players who’ve already proven they can perform on the big stage. As the 2026 season approaches, don’t be surprised if this trio forces their way into the spotlight, whether they’re on preseason lists or not.