Oklahoma Lands 10 Players on Coaches’ All-SEC Teams, Second Only to Georgia
The Sooners haven’t even played a snap in the Southeastern Conference yet, but they’re already making noise. Oklahoma placed 10 players on the All-SEC teams as selected by the league’s coaches last week - the second-most of any program, trailing only Georgia’s 11.
That’s not just a good sign for the future - it’s a clear statement: OU is coming into the SEC with talent that stacks up.
A Historic First for OU Special Teams
Among the honorees, kicker Tate Sandell made program history by becoming the first Sooner to win the Lou Groza Award, given annually to the nation’s top placekicker. That’s a major milestone for a school with a long football tradition but one that, until now, hadn’t had a Groza winner. Sandell’s consistency and clutch leg made him a weapon all season, and now he’s got the hardware to prove it.
Who Made the All-SEC Cut?
The Sooners’ All-SEC selections spanned both sides of the ball and included a mix of veterans and rising stars. That kind of balance bodes well as the program transitions into the SEC's weekly gauntlet.
While the full list of All-SEC honorees wasn’t detailed in the coaches’ release, the presence of 10 players - across first-, second-, and freshman teams - shows that Oklahoma’s roster isn’t just SEC-ready; it’s SEC-tested.
Venables’ Vision Taking Shape
This kind of recognition doesn’t happen by accident. Head coach Brent Venables has been building toward this moment since taking over the program. His emphasis on physicality, depth, and player development is starting to pay dividends - not just in wins, but in national respect.
Venables celebrated with his defense after a big win over LSU to close out the regular season, and it’s easy to see why. That game was a showcase for the kind of defensive toughness he’s been preaching, and the All-SEC nods for several defenders only reinforce that message.
Defensive Depth Shining Through
Oklahoma’s defensive line - a unit that’s been steadily improving under Venables - showed its teeth against SEC competition. Players like Gracen Halton made their presence felt in the trenches, disrupting opposing backfields and proving they can hang with the SEC’s physical brand of football.
The Sooners’ ability to pressure the quarterback and contain explosive plays on the ground has been a major storyline this season. That defensive identity is only going to get more important as they enter a conference known for big-time backs and bruising offensive lines.
The Future Is Now
For Oklahoma fans wondering how their team would stack up in the SEC, this is your answer. Ten All-SEC selections - and a Lou Groza winner - before even playing a full SEC schedule?
That’s more than a foot in the door. It’s a signal that the Sooners aren’t just joining the conference - they’re aiming to contend from day one.
With a deep, talented roster and a coaching staff that’s clearly earning the respect of its peers, Oklahoma’s SEC era is off to a strong start - and it hasn’t even officially begun.