2026 Oklahoma Football Preview
Jake Wimberly
Abby Boyd Contributing-
What’s to like:
One of the biggest positives for Oklahoma entering the season is that the program finally has a clear defensive identity. The Sooners were known for explosive offenses while their defenses were routinely criticized for holding them back. Under Brent Venables that has changed. Oklahoma has become much more physical and disciplined team on the defensive side while still maintaining the explosive offense.
After several years in charge, the roster is now largely built in Venables image. The program has had time to develop and create depth and there is a greater sense of stability. With an established system and a roster that understands the expectations, Oklahoma has the pieces necessary to compete with anyone on its schedule.
What’s not to like:
Like several teams in the SEC, Oklahoma enters the season with uncertainty at the most important position on the field. Regardless how strong the defense may be, success often depends on consistent quarterback play. Until a start emerges and proves capable of leading the offense against SEC competition, there will be questions about the Sooners’ ceiling.
The offensive line is another area that could determine how successful this season becomes. Oklahoma has talent up front, but depth and durability will be critical over the course of the season. If injuries begin to pile up or the line struggles to establish itself against elite defensive fronts, the entire offense could suffer. Add the high expectations that they are expected to deliver week one, the Sooners could overcomplicate and second guess every decision.
What does the Hourglass say?
Oklahoma- SEC (9-3)
Power ranking 115.1. The 5th toughest schedule in the SEC.
2026 Oklahoma Analytics
National recruiting rating (three year metric): #20- outside the boundary of a National Championship Roster.
National Coaching Ranking:
Brent Venables- 21st in Power 5 and 9th in the SEC.
2026 coaching value= 26.9 (average 2026 Power 5 coaching value=21.93) Brent Venables is ranked higher of the pack for coaches in the Power 5.
Quarterback Play: John Mateer- ranked 44th in the Power 4, 10th in the SEC; 2026 QB value= 27.5 (Power 4 average- 26.43).
Impact Ball Catcher Metric: Oklahoma has an Impact Ball Catcher Metric of 3. This puts the Sooners at the middle tier for the SEC in this metric.
Final Thoughts:
Head coach Brent Venables had Oklahoma looking much more like the program he envisioned when he arrived in Norman. The Sooners have established a physical defensive identity while continuing to recruit at a level capable of competing. The biggest questions is whether consistent quarterback play and improved offensive line continuity can unlock the offense’s full potential. Oklahoma has the talent and coaching to challenge for a spot in the College Football Playoff.
2026 Schedule analysis:
Projected Hourglass W/L record: Games in red denote games that could be a one possession game or even a different outcome than projection.
9/4/26 UTEP- Win
9/12/26 At Michigan- Win
9/19/26 New Mexico- Win
9/26/26 At Georgia- Loss
10/10/26 Texas- Loss
10/17/26 Kentucky- Win
10/24/26 At Mississippi State- Win
10/31/26 South Carolina- Win
11/7/26 At Florida- Win
11/14/26 Ole Miss- Loss
11/21/26 Texas A&M- Win
11/28/26 At Missouri- Win
