The Oklahoma Sooners are coming off a strong 2025 campaign that saw them notch 10 wins and earn a spot in the College Football Playoff. Sure, the season ended on a sour note with a loss to Alabama, but the bigger picture shows a program that’s not just adjusting to life in the SEC-it’s thriving in it. Brent Venables’ squad posted a 6-2 conference record, showing they can hang with the heavyweights in college football’s toughest neighborhood.
Now, the page turns to 2026. And if the early buzz is any indication, Oklahoma isn’t just in the mix-they’re firmly in the national conversation.
The Sooners landed at No. 10 in a composite “Way-Too-Early Top 25” ranking compiled from nine major outlets. That puts them ahead of teams like BYU and LSU, and just behind the likes of Miami and Texas A&M, who tied for No.
The top of the rankings features some familiar powerhouses: Ohio State leads the way at No. 1, followed by reigning national champion Indiana, then Texas, Georgia, and Oregon rounding out the top five. For Oklahoma, cracking the top 10 is a sign of respect-and expectation.
A big reason for that? The continued development of the defense under Venables and the return of quarterback John Mateer.
Year one in the SEC was a learning curve for Mateer, but he showed flashes of what he can be. Now, with a full season under his belt and more weapons around him, the Sooners are betting big on his year-two leap.
And Venables didn’t just sit back and hope for internal growth-he hit the transfer portal with purpose. Oklahoma added a pair of proven wideouts in Trell Harris and Parker Livingstone to complement leading receiver Isaiah Sategna, giving Mateer a trio that can stretch the field and move the chains.
Up front, the Sooners added muscle with E’Marion Harris, a two-year starter at Arkansas, to help solidify the offensive line. That group will be key to unlocking a more consistent run game, especially with the additions of tight ends Hayden Hansen, Rocky Beers, and Jack Van Dorselaer-guys who can block, catch, and give this offense more flexibility.
But let’s be clear: the road ahead is brutal. Oklahoma’s 2026 schedule is a gauntlet.
Road trips to Michigan, Georgia, and Florida? That’s as tough a trio as you’ll find.
Then there’s the Red River Showdown with Texas-always a war-and a home date with Texas A&M, who’s loaded and looking to make their own playoff push.
The Sooners won’t be sneaking up on anyone this year. They’ll enter the season with a target on their back and a top-10 ranking to defend.
But they’ve got the pieces, the coaching, and now, the experience. If Mateer takes that next step and the new additions mesh quickly, Oklahoma has a real shot to be more than just a playoff contender-they could be in the hunt for something even bigger.