28 days ago
NORMAN — Oklahoma received some positive injury news Monday.
During an appearance on his coach's show, Brent Venables said linebacker Kip Lewis, who exited Saturday's loss to Michigan with an apparent knee injury, might be back sooner rather than later.
"I think we got maybe some good news and he'll be back sooner than maybe we initially thought," Venables said.
Lewis, one of the Sooners' captains and their leading tackler a season ago, was missed in the second half against the Wolverines.
It's expected Cole Sullivan, who has mostly been playing Venables' hybrid cheetah position, is expected to start in Lewis' place if he's not able to play against New Mexico. Third-year linebacker James Nesta replaced Lewis and held his own.
#injury #maybe #expected #oklahoma
During an appearance on his coach's show, Brent Venables said linebacker Kip Lewis, who exited Saturday's loss to Michigan with an apparent knee injury, might be back sooner rather than later.
"I think we got maybe some good news and he'll be back sooner than maybe we initially thought," Venables said.
Lewis, one of the Sooners' captains and their leading tackler a season ago, was missed in the second half against the Wolverines.
It's expected Cole Sullivan, who has mostly been playing Venables' hybrid cheetah position, is expected to start in Lewis' place if he's not able to play against New Mexico. Third-year linebacker James Nesta replaced Lewis and held his own.
#injury #maybe #expected #oklahoma
1 month ago
The Oklahoma Sooners dropped to 1-1 in the 2026 season after a 17-10 loss on the road against the Michigan Wolverines. OU failed their first test of the season and played poor, sloppy football in a bad loss.
Expectations were sky-high entering the season, but just two games into Year 5 under head coach Brent Venables, the Sooners saw their season crumble in Ann Arbor. All of the offseason talk and hype that surrounded Oklahoma fell flat in the Big House.
Firstly, though the defense was much better in the second half, the Sooners did not look like a Venables-led defense in the first half. After riding the defense to 10 wins and a spot in the College Football Playoff last season, this year's defense isn't nearly as good, at least not yet. In addition to a loss on their record, the OU defense will also be without their heart and soul for a large chunk of time, as linebacker Kip Lewis was injured in the loss.
Despite only giving up 17 total points, Oklahoma's defense tackled poorly, didn't force any turnovers, and was outflanked often in the first half. The second half was far better on that side of the ball, but the Sooners still lost because of their anemic offense.
All offseason, the Sooners talked about being better at running the ball and more committed to it. That lasted one game, as Oklahoma actually looked worse on offense on Saturday than they did last year. They abandoned the running backs in the running game, and the multiple-look structure-wise largely went out the window.
#defense
Expectations were sky-high entering the season, but just two games into Year 5 under head coach Brent Venables, the Sooners saw their season crumble in Ann Arbor. All of the offseason talk and hype that surrounded Oklahoma fell flat in the Big House.
Firstly, though the defense was much better in the second half, the Sooners did not look like a Venables-led defense in the first half. After riding the defense to 10 wins and a spot in the College Football Playoff last season, this year's defense isn't nearly as good, at least not yet. In addition to a loss on their record, the OU defense will also be without their heart and soul for a large chunk of time, as linebacker Kip Lewis was injured in the loss.
Despite only giving up 17 total points, Oklahoma's defense tackled poorly, didn't force any turnovers, and was outflanked often in the first half. The second half was far better on that side of the ball, but the Sooners still lost because of their anemic offense.
All offseason, the Sooners talked about being better at running the ball and more committed to it. That lasted one game, as Oklahoma actually looked worse on offense on Saturday than they did last year. They abandoned the running backs in the running game, and the multiple-look structure-wise largely went out the window.
#defense
1 month ago
Oklahoma head coach Brent Venables had good things to say about Michigan quarterback Bryce Underwood after a 17-10 victory for Michigan over his Oklahoma Sooners. Underwood gashed Oklahoma for 87 yards on the ground, including a rushing score from 38 yards out.
"He's actually exactly who we thought he was," Venables said. "A really talented guy. He's big. He's strong. He's hard to get down one-on-one. He fell forward too often on the quarterback run game. He's got a great future in front of him."
This isn't the first time Venables has been highly complimentary of Underwood. Last year, he compared Underwood to Jacksonville Jaguars QB and former Clemson star Trevor Lawrence. And earlier this week, he said great things about Michigan's young QB even after he struggled against Western Michigan in the season opener.
"One of the most talented players at any position in all of college football. All of his best days are still in front of him," Venables said.
Saturday was certainly a good day for Underwood. Michigan was an underdog, and they weren't expected to win by virtually anyone, yet they did, albeit in a close game and one that Underwood threw for just 111 yards while completing 53% of his passes. Venables is as good a defensive game planner as there is in college football; therefore, his compliments of Underwood should hold some weight. Underwood's best days could be in front of him, as long as improvement continues for him and the Michigan team as a whole.
#good
"He's actually exactly who we thought he was," Venables said. "A really talented guy. He's big. He's strong. He's hard to get down one-on-one. He fell forward too often on the quarterback run game. He's got a great future in front of him."
This isn't the first time Venables has been highly complimentary of Underwood. Last year, he compared Underwood to Jacksonville Jaguars QB and former Clemson star Trevor Lawrence. And earlier this week, he said great things about Michigan's young QB even after he struggled against Western Michigan in the season opener.
"One of the most talented players at any position in all of college football. All of his best days are still in front of him," Venables said.
Saturday was certainly a good day for Underwood. Michigan was an underdog, and they weren't expected to win by virtually anyone, yet they did, albeit in a close game and one that Underwood threw for just 111 yards while completing 53% of his passes. Venables is as good a defensive game planner as there is in college football; therefore, his compliments of Underwood should hold some weight. Underwood's best days could be in front of him, as long as improvement continues for him and the Michigan team as a whole.
#good
1 month ago
The Oklahoma Sooners lost one of their very best players to injury on Saturday in their 17-10 loss against the Michigan Wolverines. In the game's first quarter, star fifth-year linebacker Kip Lewis injured his right knee, initially returning to the game with a brace on. However, he quickly exited again, and was in the sideline in street clothes for the remainder of the contest.
After the game, head coach Brent Venables gave a quick update on Lewis' status, which wasn't a positive one for the Sooners.
"He'll miss some time," Venables said.
OU struggled mightily on defense in the first half, at least relative to their standards in Norman. However, the second half was better. The Sooners gave up just seven points when they were backed up following an interception from quarterback John Mateer.
Brent Venables on #Sooners star LB Kip Lewis:
“He’ll miss some time.” pic.twitter.com/N38qMRW1ym
#Sooners
After the game, head coach Brent Venables gave a quick update on Lewis' status, which wasn't a positive one for the Sooners.
"He'll miss some time," Venables said.
OU struggled mightily on defense in the first half, at least relative to their standards in Norman. However, the second half was better. The Sooners gave up just seven points when they were backed up following an interception from quarterback John Mateer.
Brent Venables on #Sooners star LB Kip Lewis:
“He’ll miss some time.” pic.twitter.com/N38qMRW1ym
#Sooners
1 month ago
Oklahoma football panic meter: Can Sooners still make CFP push despite ugly Michigan loss? appeared first on ClutchPoints. Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Oklahoma football faced, arguably, the most questionable 1-0 team in the nation Saturday. Now fans are questioning coach Brent Venables, quarterback John Mateer and company. Michigan stunned the No. 11 Sooners 17-10 in Ann Arbor to spark early panic out of OU.
And the Wolverines pulled off the upset following a widely scrutinized week. Michigan became criticized and ridiculed following its controversial finish against Western Michigan. Quarterback Bryce Underwood then faced a potential benching following some strong words from head coach Kyle Whittingham.
But now it's the Sooners who'll face the critics. Including determining if the panic meter is high already in Norman.
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#michigan #panic #following
Oklahoma football faced, arguably, the most questionable 1-0 team in the nation Saturday. Now fans are questioning coach Brent Venables, quarterback John Mateer and company. Michigan stunned the No. 11 Sooners 17-10 in Ann Arbor to spark early panic out of OU.
And the Wolverines pulled off the upset following a widely scrutinized week. Michigan became criticized and ridiculed following its controversial finish against Western Michigan. Quarterback Bryce Underwood then faced a potential benching following some strong words from head coach Kyle Whittingham.
But now it's the Sooners who'll face the critics. Including determining if the panic meter is high already in Norman.
Watch sports LIVE with fuboTV (free trial)
#michigan #panic #following
1 month ago
The Oklahoma Sooners hit the road for the first time in 2026 on Saturday afternoon. OU heads to Ann Arbor to take on the Michigan Wolverines in the Big House in Week 2.
Michigan went 9-4 last year, but the Wolverines have changed a lot since then. Former head coach Sherrone Moore was fired at the end of the regular season, with Biff Poggi serving as the interim head coach. Michigan hired former Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham as the new head man on December 26th.
Whittingham coached Utah from 2005 to 2025, posting a 177-88 record as the head man of the Utes. His teams won three conference ****** les and played in three more conference ****** le games. The Wolverines were looking for a stable presence in the wake of everything that happened with Moore and his predecessor Jim Harbaugh, and they certainly got that in the veteran Whittingham. He'll square off with Oklahoma head coach Brent Venables in a huge game for both programs.
Michigan won at home last week against Western Michigan, 13-12. That victory came in controversial fashion, as the Wolverines were given an extra second on the clock after it appeared the game was over. Michigan used that second to throw a Hail Mary that was caught for the win. After escaping by the slimmest of margins, the Wolverines will certainly play a lot better on Saturday than they did last week.
On offense, Venables will be matched up against offensive coordinator Jason Beck, who came over with Whittingham. Beck has led strong offenses at New Mexico in 2024 and at Syracuse in 2023. His scheme is know for a stout rushing attack that also runs the quarterback a lot, something the Sooners got a heavy dose of last week against UTEP.
#head #whittingham #last #Sooners
Michigan went 9-4 last year, but the Wolverines have changed a lot since then. Former head coach Sherrone Moore was fired at the end of the regular season, with Biff Poggi serving as the interim head coach. Michigan hired former Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham as the new head man on December 26th.
Whittingham coached Utah from 2005 to 2025, posting a 177-88 record as the head man of the Utes. His teams won three conference ****** les and played in three more conference ****** le games. The Wolverines were looking for a stable presence in the wake of everything that happened with Moore and his predecessor Jim Harbaugh, and they certainly got that in the veteran Whittingham. He'll square off with Oklahoma head coach Brent Venables in a huge game for both programs.
Michigan won at home last week against Western Michigan, 13-12. That victory came in controversial fashion, as the Wolverines were given an extra second on the clock after it appeared the game was over. Michigan used that second to throw a Hail Mary that was caught for the win. After escaping by the slimmest of margins, the Wolverines will certainly play a lot better on Saturday than they did last week.
On offense, Venables will be matched up against offensive coordinator Jason Beck, who came over with Whittingham. Beck has led strong offenses at New Mexico in 2024 and at Syracuse in 2023. His scheme is know for a stout rushing attack that also runs the quarterback a lot, something the Sooners got a heavy dose of last week against UTEP.
#head #whittingham #last #Sooners
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1 month ago
The Oklahoma Sooners come to Ann Arbor for the first time in history. Oklahoma is 2-0 all-time versus Michigan, but will they remain undefeated after the game on Saturday?
Here's a look at Oklahoma ahead of the showdown against Michigan.
Oklahoma head coach Brent Venables won two national championships as defensive coordinator of Clemson and is considered one of the best defensive minds in the nation. Venables is 33-20 at Oklahoma but has struggled in bowl games, going 0-4. In Oklahoma's lone playoff appearance under Venables, they lost 34-24 to Alabama in the CFP First Round last season.
Oklahoma beat UTEP 51-0 last week, holding their opponent to 2-of-13 on third-down with just 198 yards of total offense. Oklahoma's offense had 401 total yards and quarterback John Mateer threw for three passing touchdowns.
Passing offense: 69
#offense #defensive
Here's a look at Oklahoma ahead of the showdown against Michigan.
Oklahoma head coach Brent Venables won two national championships as defensive coordinator of Clemson and is considered one of the best defensive minds in the nation. Venables is 33-20 at Oklahoma but has struggled in bowl games, going 0-4. In Oklahoma's lone playoff appearance under Venables, they lost 34-24 to Alabama in the CFP First Round last season.
Oklahoma beat UTEP 51-0 last week, holding their opponent to 2-of-13 on third-down with just 198 yards of total offense. Oklahoma's offense had 401 total yards and quarterback John Mateer threw for three passing touchdowns.
Passing offense: 69
#offense #defensive
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1 month ago
The 2026 college football season is underway, and the Oklahoma Sooners will kick things off at home on Friday night against the UTEP Miners. OU's roster has been mostly set since the transfer portal madness died down in January, but the madness of eligibility lawsuits in college football has given the Sooners the opportunity to make some very last-minute additions to their roster.
According to multiple reports, former Boise State defensive lineman Braxton Fely has been granted a temporary restraining order against the NCAA. That TRO allows him to enter the transfer portal and play this season.
Fely was invited to an NFL minicamp, but he never signed an NFL contract. He plans to transfer to and play for Oklahoma in 2026. Fely spent four seasons with the Broncos. He was listed at 6-foot-1 and 296 pounds last season, and he was a starter at defensive tackle for Boise State. Fely was a second-team all-conference player for each of the last two years, and was a starter for three straight years.
Of course, Fely's status still depends on a preliminary injunction hearing, a process college football fans have become all too familiar with this offseason. The same goes for defensive lineman and incoming Arkansas transfer Danny Saili, who had an update in his case on Thursday as well. Saili committed to OU out of the transfer portal in August, having never pursued the NFL.
According to multiple reports, Saili was also granted a temporary restraining order on Thursday in a separate ruling from Fely's case. His situation is also pending a preliminary injunction hearing. However, Saili now appears on OU's official roster, and head coach Brent Venables stated that he is on the team and practicing. Saili has been allowed to go through team activities, but not play, at least until he was ruled eligible to play.
#saili #fely #play #college
According to multiple reports, former Boise State defensive lineman Braxton Fely has been granted a temporary restraining order against the NCAA. That TRO allows him to enter the transfer portal and play this season.
Fely was invited to an NFL minicamp, but he never signed an NFL contract. He plans to transfer to and play for Oklahoma in 2026. Fely spent four seasons with the Broncos. He was listed at 6-foot-1 and 296 pounds last season, and he was a starter at defensive tackle for Boise State. Fely was a second-team all-conference player for each of the last two years, and was a starter for three straight years.
Of course, Fely's status still depends on a preliminary injunction hearing, a process college football fans have become all too familiar with this offseason. The same goes for defensive lineman and incoming Arkansas transfer Danny Saili, who had an update in his case on Thursday as well. Saili committed to OU out of the transfer portal in August, having never pursued the NFL.
According to multiple reports, Saili was also granted a temporary restraining order on Thursday in a separate ruling from Fely's case. His situation is also pending a preliminary injunction hearing. However, Saili now appears on OU's official roster, and head coach Brent Venables stated that he is on the team and practicing. Saili has been allowed to go through team activities, but not play, at least until he was ruled eligible to play.
#saili #fely #play #college
1 month ago
Oklahoma Sooners football printable 2026 schedule with dates, times and TV lineup originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Quarterback John Mateer returns after leading the Sooners to the College Football Playoff last season, and he has the Sooners poised to make coach Brent Venables' fifth season overall and third in the Southeastern Conference his best yet.
Oklahoma's offensive line is much more experienced than last year, and the Sooners have an enviable stable of capable running backs, led by Xavier Robinson, Tory Blaylock and Colorado State transfer Lloyd Avant.
The defense established itself as one of the nation's best last season, and it could be better this time around. Six players who started at least six games last season return from a unit that led the nation in sacks per game and tackles for loss per game.
MORE: Oklahoma coach Brent Venables says Sooners likely won't play Friday games in the future
#last #oklahoma #brent
Quarterback John Mateer returns after leading the Sooners to the College Football Playoff last season, and he has the Sooners poised to make coach Brent Venables' fifth season overall and third in the Southeastern Conference his best yet.
Oklahoma's offensive line is much more experienced than last year, and the Sooners have an enviable stable of capable running backs, led by Xavier Robinson, Tory Blaylock and Colorado State transfer Lloyd Avant.
The defense established itself as one of the nation's best last season, and it could be better this time around. Six players who started at least six games last season return from a unit that led the nation in sacks per game and tackles for loss per game.
MORE: Oklahoma coach Brent Venables says Sooners likely won't play Friday games in the future
#last #oklahoma #brent
1 month ago
The Oklahoma Sooners kick off their 2026 college football season on Friday against the University of Texas at El Paso Miners. This will mark the first step of Oklahoma's pursuit of a return to the College Football Playoff.
This season will feature some players who are expected to have an enhanced role compared to last year. One of those is second-year safety Omarion Robinson. The former four-star appeared in nine games last year, totaling just three tackles. He mainly played on special teams. This year, he's listed as the backup to Peyton Bowen and Michael Boganowski at both safety spots.
Head coach Brent Venables revealed at his game week press conference that he can already see Robinson playing with more confidence.
"I see him playing with a different level of confidence than he did a year ago," Venables said. "Just on a different planet from that standpoint. And again, the consistency thing is what jumps out the most. He's earned a lot of trust. The more he plays, the better he gets."
That trust could be especially important for Robinson as Oklahoma looks to maintain the strength of it secondary. The Sooners lost Robert Spears-Jennings to the NFL draft and Jaydan Hardy to the Colorado Buffaloes, creating opportunities for younger safeties behind Bowen and Boganowski.
#year #oklahoma #college #season
This season will feature some players who are expected to have an enhanced role compared to last year. One of those is second-year safety Omarion Robinson. The former four-star appeared in nine games last year, totaling just three tackles. He mainly played on special teams. This year, he's listed as the backup to Peyton Bowen and Michael Boganowski at both safety spots.
Head coach Brent Venables revealed at his game week press conference that he can already see Robinson playing with more confidence.
"I see him playing with a different level of confidence than he did a year ago," Venables said. "Just on a different planet from that standpoint. And again, the consistency thing is what jumps out the most. He's earned a lot of trust. The more he plays, the better he gets."
That trust could be especially important for Robinson as Oklahoma looks to maintain the strength of it secondary. The Sooners lost Robert Spears-Jennings to the NFL draft and Jaydan Hardy to the Colorado Buffaloes, creating opportunities for younger safeties behind Bowen and Boganowski.
#year #oklahoma #college #season
1 month ago
Week 0 of the 2026 college football season has arrived. The Sooners kick off the season in six days. It's almost football time in Oklahoma. The Sooners are coming off of the second 10-win season of the Brent Venables era and a College Football Playoff appearance.
This offseason, OU made significant additions on both sides of the ball to retool in hopes of a return trip to the playoff. Oklahoma faces a tough schedule, but entering the season, they're considered one of the best teams in college football.
With a ton of talent and a team that feels like it has something to prove, the Sooners have a chance to make some noise in 2026. To get you ready for the start of the season, here are our predictions from the staff here at Sooners Wire.
Lead Writer John Williams' Pick: Oklahoma
Contributor Aaron Gelvin's Pick: Oklahoma
#Sooners #oklahoma #week #brent
This offseason, OU made significant additions on both sides of the ball to retool in hopes of a return trip to the playoff. Oklahoma faces a tough schedule, but entering the season, they're considered one of the best teams in college football.
With a ton of talent and a team that feels like it has something to prove, the Sooners have a chance to make some noise in 2026. To get you ready for the start of the season, here are our predictions from the staff here at Sooners Wire.
Lead Writer John Williams' Pick: Oklahoma
Contributor Aaron Gelvin's Pick: Oklahoma
#Sooners #oklahoma #week #brent
2 months ago
The 2026 college football season is now just nine days away, and the Oklahoma Sooners are set to embark on what could be a magical season. Coming off a 10-2 year and a playoff appearance, the Sooners have the talent and the leadership to go make another run this season.
There were few questions about the roster entering fall camp, and few still remain as Oklahoma readies for its Week 1 matchup with the UTEP Miners. The roster that head coach Brent Venables and general manager Jim Nagy have constructed has the talent to make a lot of noise this season.
Certainly, Oklahoma has something to prove with the way 2025 ended in their playoff loss to Alabama. If Oklahoma can avoid some of the mistakes that cost them, as it did against Texas, Ole Miss, and the Crimson Tide, and if it can find a running game to provide some balance to the offense, OU will be in good shape.
As we get ready for the start of the 2026 season, here's our final depth chart projection ahead of Week 1.
John Mateer
#make
There were few questions about the roster entering fall camp, and few still remain as Oklahoma readies for its Week 1 matchup with the UTEP Miners. The roster that head coach Brent Venables and general manager Jim Nagy have constructed has the talent to make a lot of noise this season.
Certainly, Oklahoma has something to prove with the way 2025 ended in their playoff loss to Alabama. If Oklahoma can avoid some of the mistakes that cost them, as it did against Texas, Ole Miss, and the Crimson Tide, and if it can find a running game to provide some balance to the offense, OU will be in good shape.
As we get ready for the start of the 2026 season, here's our final depth chart projection ahead of Week 1.
John Mateer
#make
2 months ago
Fall camp is underway in Norman, and the Oklahoma Sooners are less than two weeks away from kicking off the 2026 regular season. After a 10-win season in 2025 that resulted in a trip to the College Football Playoff, the focus has been on taking the team from good to great under head coach Brent Venables.
With the offseason drawing to a close, it's time to take a look at each position on OU's roster to see where things stand heading into the season. After players from last year's team left via the transfer portal or exhausted eligibility and the Sooners replenished the roster via the portal and high school recruiting, there are plenty of new faces looking to make an impact and returning names looking to take a step forward.
Positional Preview: Quarterback
Positional Preview: Running Back
Positional Preview: Wide Receiver
#positional #preview #Sooners #looking
With the offseason drawing to a close, it's time to take a look at each position on OU's roster to see where things stand heading into the season. After players from last year's team left via the transfer portal or exhausted eligibility and the Sooners replenished the roster via the portal and high school recruiting, there are plenty of new faces looking to make an impact and returning names looking to take a step forward.
Positional Preview: Quarterback
Positional Preview: Running Back
Positional Preview: Wide Receiver
#positional #preview #Sooners #looking
2 months ago
The Oklahoma Sooners are hoping to end a new three-decade national championship drought. The Sooners last won a national championship in 2000. The 25-year gap is the longest in program history since winning their first national championship in 1950.
Oklahoma has had some close calls during that time frame. The Sooners played for a national championship in 2003, 2004 and 2008, losing all three. They have also made the College Football Playoff five times but have yet to win a game in the playoff.
That's what head coach Brent Venables is hoping to change this upcoming season. He told News 9's Toby Rowland that Oklahoma has what it takes to win a national championship.
"Yeah, absolutely," Venables said via 'Oklahoma's Own.' "Without question. There's probably, whatever it is, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15 teams, give or take, that can win it all from a roster standpoint, a coaching standpoint. Now, you've got to put it all together. We've got a great schedule that's set up. That will be a worthy schedule when it's all said and done... But you don't play them all at once. You play them one at a time."
The biggest obstacle may be the schedule. Oklahoma faces the Michigan Wolverines, Georgia Bulldogs, Texas Longhorns, Florida Gators and Missouri Tigers away from home, giving the Sooners one of the most challenging slates in college football.
#hoping
Oklahoma has had some close calls during that time frame. The Sooners played for a national championship in 2003, 2004 and 2008, losing all three. They have also made the College Football Playoff five times but have yet to win a game in the playoff.
That's what head coach Brent Venables is hoping to change this upcoming season. He told News 9's Toby Rowland that Oklahoma has what it takes to win a national championship.
"Yeah, absolutely," Venables said via 'Oklahoma's Own.' "Without question. There's probably, whatever it is, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15 teams, give or take, that can win it all from a roster standpoint, a coaching standpoint. Now, you've got to put it all together. We've got a great schedule that's set up. That will be a worthy schedule when it's all said and done... But you don't play them all at once. You play them one at a time."
The biggest obstacle may be the schedule. Oklahoma faces the Michigan Wolverines, Georgia Bulldogs, Texas Longhorns, Florida Gators and Missouri Tigers away from home, giving the Sooners one of the most challenging slates in college football.
#hoping
2 months ago
Believe it or not, we're almost a week away from the start of the 2026 college football season.
The first games will take place in Week 0 on Aug. 29 before Week 1 gets going the following week.
There's a lot of hype about several teams going into the season, including Notre Dame. Notre Dame has star quarterback CJ Carr returning for another season, and he's currently one of the favorites to win the Heisman Trophy. They're also ranked No. 4 in the preseason AP Top 25 poll.
MORE: Oklahoma and Brent Venables agree to new contract
College GameDay host Rece Davis is super bullish on the Fighting Irish for this year and is picking them to win the national **** le.
#college
The first games will take place in Week 0 on Aug. 29 before Week 1 gets going the following week.
There's a lot of hype about several teams going into the season, including Notre Dame. Notre Dame has star quarterback CJ Carr returning for another season, and he's currently one of the favorites to win the Heisman Trophy. They're also ranked No. 4 in the preseason AP Top 25 poll.
MORE: Oklahoma and Brent Venables agree to new contract
College GameDay host Rece Davis is super bullish on the Fighting Irish for this year and is picking them to win the national **** le.
#college
2 months ago
The Oklahoma Sooners and head coach Brent Venables have agreed to a contract extension, the university announced on Thursday. OU Vice President and Director of Athletics Roger Denny announced that Venables has agreed to a new contract that spans six total years. The contract, which is pending approval from the OU Board of Regents, adds two seasons to Venables' current deal, and will run through the 2031 season.
Venables was hired as OU's 23rd full-time head coach in December of 2021. He replaced Lincoln Riley, who left to be the head coach at USC a week earlier. In his four seasons at the helm in Norman, Venables has compiled a 32-20 overall record.
In his first season in 2022, the Sooners went 6-7, but Oklahoma rebounded to a 10-3 mark in 2023, which was their final season in the Big 12 Conference. After Venables signed a contract extension ahead of the 2024 season, that year brought the program's first campaign in the Southeastern Conference, and with it, another 6-7 season.
In Year 4 in 2025, Venables posted his best season yet as a head coach. Oklahoma went 10-3 and made the College Football Playoff, losing in the first round. The Sooners won four big SEC games in the month of November that they absolutely had to have, making the CFP after going just 6-2 through the month of October.
Now, Venables is entering his fifth year as Oklahoma's head coach in 2026, and he's tied to the Sooners long-term. The new deal gives him more stability at OU, after the rocky 2024 season, when some questioned how long he'd be the head coach of the Sooners. His 2025 performance quieted many of his doubters, and now he has inked another extension. The board will meet in mid-September, with Venables' new deal on the agenda.
#venables #season #Sooners
Venables was hired as OU's 23rd full-time head coach in December of 2021. He replaced Lincoln Riley, who left to be the head coach at USC a week earlier. In his four seasons at the helm in Norman, Venables has compiled a 32-20 overall record.
In his first season in 2022, the Sooners went 6-7, but Oklahoma rebounded to a 10-3 mark in 2023, which was their final season in the Big 12 Conference. After Venables signed a contract extension ahead of the 2024 season, that year brought the program's first campaign in the Southeastern Conference, and with it, another 6-7 season.
In Year 4 in 2025, Venables posted his best season yet as a head coach. Oklahoma went 10-3 and made the College Football Playoff, losing in the first round. The Sooners won four big SEC games in the month of November that they absolutely had to have, making the CFP after going just 6-2 through the month of October.
Now, Venables is entering his fifth year as Oklahoma's head coach in 2026, and he's tied to the Sooners long-term. The new deal gives him more stability at OU, after the rocky 2024 season, when some questioned how long he'd be the head coach of the Sooners. His 2025 performance quieted many of his doubters, and now he has inked another extension. The board will meet in mid-September, with Venables' new deal on the agenda.
#venables #season #Sooners
2 months ago
NORMAN — Fresh off a College Football Playoff appearance, Oklahoma football has locked up its head coach.
The Sooners and coach Brent Venables have agreed to a new two-year contract extension, the program announced Thursday. The deal will keep Venables in Norman through the 2031 season.
"Coach Venables is elite at building culture — not just in the locker room, but throughout the entire program," athletic director Roger Denny said in a statement. "I believe strongly in Coach Venables, in the culture he has built and in the structure we have in place around our football program."
More: OU football RB Xavier Robinson finally healthy, ready to show improvements for Sooners
Venables, 55, is entering his fifth season as Oklahoma's head coach. He led the Sooners to their first CFP appearance since 2019 last season, when OU earned the No. 8 seed and hosted a first-round game.
#coach #norman #head
The Sooners and coach Brent Venables have agreed to a new two-year contract extension, the program announced Thursday. The deal will keep Venables in Norman through the 2031 season.
"Coach Venables is elite at building culture — not just in the locker room, but throughout the entire program," athletic director Roger Denny said in a statement. "I believe strongly in Coach Venables, in the culture he has built and in the structure we have in place around our football program."
More: OU football RB Xavier Robinson finally healthy, ready to show improvements for Sooners
Venables, 55, is entering his fifth season as Oklahoma's head coach. He led the Sooners to their first CFP appearance since 2019 last season, when OU earned the No. 8 seed and hosted a first-round game.
#coach #norman #head
2 months ago
A College Football Playoff appearance has led to a significant pay raise for Oklahoma coach Brent Venables.
Per ESPN, Venables and Oklahoma have agreed to a two-year contract extension through the 2031 season. As part of the contract, Venables will have an average salary of $10.5 million over the remaining six years of his deal.
Oklahoma went 10-3 in 2025 and made the playoff for the first time since the 2019 season. The Sooners beat Tennessee, Alabama, Missouri and LSU in November to earn a layoff spot before losing 34-24 to the Tide in the first round of the postseason.
It was a four-win jump for Oklahoma from a 6-7 season in its first season in the SEC.
According to USA Today's coaching salary database, Venables made just over $7.5 million in 2025 and was the 23rd-highest paid coach in the country just behind Washington's Jedd Fisch and ahead of former Florida coach Billy Napier.
#season #coach #salary
Per ESPN, Venables and Oklahoma have agreed to a two-year contract extension through the 2031 season. As part of the contract, Venables will have an average salary of $10.5 million over the remaining six years of his deal.
Oklahoma went 10-3 in 2025 and made the playoff for the first time since the 2019 season. The Sooners beat Tennessee, Alabama, Missouri and LSU in November to earn a layoff spot before losing 34-24 to the Tide in the first round of the postseason.
It was a four-win jump for Oklahoma from a 6-7 season in its first season in the SEC.
According to USA Today's coaching salary database, Venables made just over $7.5 million in 2025 and was the 23rd-highest paid coach in the country just behind Washington's Jedd Fisch and ahead of former Florida coach Billy Napier.
#season #coach #salary
2 months ago
Former Oklahoma Sooners tight end Jaren Kanak had an interesting career in Norman. Kanak was a four-star recruit who followed Brent Venables to Norman after being committed to the Clemson Tigers ahead of the 2022 season.
Kanak had never played linebacker before, but Venables thought his freakish athletic ability would make him ideal for the position. He showed flashes, especially as a sophomore, racking up 62 tackles, six tackles for loss and two sacks, starting multiple games for the Sooners. However, things just never fully clicked for him at linebacker, so he switched to tight end before his final season last year.
Despite being undersized, he had a strong year, catching 44 passes and finishing with 533 yards, which ranked third on the team. That led to his being selected in the seventh round of the 2026 NFL Draft by the Tennessee ***** ans.
Kanak was hoping to make the team and be a contributor in his first season in the NFL; however, he received some unfortunate news. ESPN reporter Turron Davenport, who covers the ***** ans, revealed that Kanak will miss the 2026 season with a torn pectoral muscle.
Kanak's Oklahoma career ultimately became a story of adaptation. He wasn't able to fully establish himself at linebacker, but rather than letting that derail his career, he embraced the move to tight end and quickly became one of the Sooners' more productive offensive weapons.
#Titans
Kanak had never played linebacker before, but Venables thought his freakish athletic ability would make him ideal for the position. He showed flashes, especially as a sophomore, racking up 62 tackles, six tackles for loss and two sacks, starting multiple games for the Sooners. However, things just never fully clicked for him at linebacker, so he switched to tight end before his final season last year.
Despite being undersized, he had a strong year, catching 44 passes and finishing with 533 yards, which ranked third on the team. That led to his being selected in the seventh round of the 2026 NFL Draft by the Tennessee ***** ans.
Kanak was hoping to make the team and be a contributor in his first season in the NFL; however, he received some unfortunate news. ESPN reporter Turron Davenport, who covers the ***** ans, revealed that Kanak will miss the 2026 season with a torn pectoral muscle.
Kanak's Oklahoma career ultimately became a story of adaptation. He wasn't able to fully establish himself at linebacker, but rather than letting that derail his career, he embraced the move to tight end and quickly became one of the Sooners' more productive offensive weapons.
#Titans
2 months ago
There has been a lot made by the playmakers that the Oklahoma Sooners have added around quarterback John Mateer. Last season, the Sooners ranked No. 92 in total offense.
A major reason for the struggles was that the team lacked enough playmakers beyond wide receiver Isaiah Sategna. So, the Sooners attacked the transfer portal, adding Virginia Cavaliers wide receiver Trell Harris and Texas Longhorns wide receiver Parker Livingstone. Those two have received a ton of offseason buzz.
However, during fall camp, two sophomores are getting a lot of attention. That is Manny Choice and Elijah Thomas. Head coach Brent Venables spent time in his press conference on Friday, calling out the two young receivers.
"For the Oklahoma Sooners to be the team that we want to be, that we've talked about wanting to be, it includes Manny and Elijah Thomas being dudes," Venables said via SoonerScoop. "Not being freshmen, who, you know, are forgotten. They're now sophomores, like being dudes. Showing up and having some purpose to what they're doing. So far, camp's been good for those guys. They've taken another step from where we were in the spring."
Venables' comments are significant because Oklahoma needs more than just its veteran playmakers to emerge if the offense is going to take a meaningful step forward in 2026.
#Sooners #wide
A major reason for the struggles was that the team lacked enough playmakers beyond wide receiver Isaiah Sategna. So, the Sooners attacked the transfer portal, adding Virginia Cavaliers wide receiver Trell Harris and Texas Longhorns wide receiver Parker Livingstone. Those two have received a ton of offseason buzz.
However, during fall camp, two sophomores are getting a lot of attention. That is Manny Choice and Elijah Thomas. Head coach Brent Venables spent time in his press conference on Friday, calling out the two young receivers.
"For the Oklahoma Sooners to be the team that we want to be, that we've talked about wanting to be, it includes Manny and Elijah Thomas being dudes," Venables said via SoonerScoop. "Not being freshmen, who, you know, are forgotten. They're now sophomores, like being dudes. Showing up and having some purpose to what they're doing. So far, camp's been good for those guys. They've taken another step from where we were in the spring."
Venables' comments are significant because Oklahoma needs more than just its veteran playmakers to emerge if the offense is going to take a meaningful step forward in 2026.
#Sooners #wide
2 months ago
Arkansas transfer defensive lineman Danny Saili has committed to Oklahoma, On3's Pete Nakos reported. Saili will be playing his final season of college football in Norman for Brent Venables and the Sooners after receiving an extra year of eligibility.
Saili's career began at Hutchinson (KS) CC, where he played from 2022-2023. He then transferred to BYU for the Spring 2024 semester, before subsequently transferring to Arkansas ahead of the 2024 season. Across two seasons at Arkansas, Saili played in 18 games and recorded 14 tackles and 2.5 TFL.
The Topeka, Kansas native heads to an Oklahoma program fresh off an appearance in the College Football Playoff. He joins a Sooners defense that was tabbed as the best in the country by Crain & Cone heading into the 2026 season. Last season, Oklahoma ranked first in the SEC in YPG allowed (272.5 YPG) and PPG allowed (15.5 PPG).
At SEC Media Days last month, head coach Brent Venables opened up about not taking his defense for granted this season. The Sooners are seeking their second consecutive College Football Playoff appearance in 2026, and their defense will be key in making that happen.
"Defensively I don't take anything for granted," Venables said. "I say that to remind certainly myself but everybody that every year there's a new storyline when it comes to players emerging, players coming out of nowhere.
#season
Saili's career began at Hutchinson (KS) CC, where he played from 2022-2023. He then transferred to BYU for the Spring 2024 semester, before subsequently transferring to Arkansas ahead of the 2024 season. Across two seasons at Arkansas, Saili played in 18 games and recorded 14 tackles and 2.5 TFL.
The Topeka, Kansas native heads to an Oklahoma program fresh off an appearance in the College Football Playoff. He joins a Sooners defense that was tabbed as the best in the country by Crain & Cone heading into the 2026 season. Last season, Oklahoma ranked first in the SEC in YPG allowed (272.5 YPG) and PPG allowed (15.5 PPG).
At SEC Media Days last month, head coach Brent Venables opened up about not taking his defense for granted this season. The Sooners are seeking their second consecutive College Football Playoff appearance in 2026, and their defense will be key in making that happen.
"Defensively I don't take anything for granted," Venables said. "I say that to remind certainly myself but everybody that every year there's a new storyline when it comes to players emerging, players coming out of nowhere.
#season
2 months ago
The Oklahoma Sooners' defensive front seven has become one of the best in college football after a disruptive and productive 2025. Despite the losses of Gracen Halton, Damonic Williams, Marvin Jones, Jr., and R Mason Thomas, there's an expectation that the unit will once again be one of the best in the sport.
CBS Sports ranked their top front-sevens in college football, and the Sooners came in at No. 1 in the nation.
Oklahoma's front seven is led by All-SEC second-team defensive end Taylor Wein and preseason All-SEC selection David Stone at defensive tackle. Fellow defensive tackle Jayden Jackson will play a huge role for the Sooners and be as impactful as anyone on OU's defense.
The Sooners need guys like Nigel Smith, Trent Wilson, Bishop Thomas, and James Carrington to raise the talent floor in the defensive tackle rotation. Smith, Wilson, and Carrington were four-star prospects coming out of high school and have the talent and ability to be disruptive in Oklahoma's defense. But they haven't played meaningful snaps at the collegiate level.
To round out the starting lineup, a competition between Adepoju Adebawore, Danny Okoye, Kenny Ozowalu, and others will determine the snap distribution opposite Wein. But in Brent Venables' defense, you can expect the defensive line to make plays in the backfield throughout the 2026 season. There may not be an answer, but the Sooners like the talent they have to work with in 2026.
#Sooners #smith
CBS Sports ranked their top front-sevens in college football, and the Sooners came in at No. 1 in the nation.
Oklahoma's front seven is led by All-SEC second-team defensive end Taylor Wein and preseason All-SEC selection David Stone at defensive tackle. Fellow defensive tackle Jayden Jackson will play a huge role for the Sooners and be as impactful as anyone on OU's defense.
The Sooners need guys like Nigel Smith, Trent Wilson, Bishop Thomas, and James Carrington to raise the talent floor in the defensive tackle rotation. Smith, Wilson, and Carrington were four-star prospects coming out of high school and have the talent and ability to be disruptive in Oklahoma's defense. But they haven't played meaningful snaps at the collegiate level.
To round out the starting lineup, a competition between Adepoju Adebawore, Danny Okoye, Kenny Ozowalu, and others will determine the snap distribution opposite Wein. But in Brent Venables' defense, you can expect the defensive line to make plays in the backfield throughout the 2026 season. There may not be an answer, but the Sooners like the talent they have to work with in 2026.
#Sooners #smith
2 months ago
NORMAN — Brent "Double Nickels" Venables is the oldest head coach in the SEC, but he was once a 28-year-old co-defensive coordinator on Bob Stoops' first OU staff.
Even younger than Ben Arbuckle, then 29, when Venables hired the former Washington State offensive coordinator to run OU's offense. Arbuckle, who's since turned 30 and is a month shy of 31, is set to enter his second season as the Sooners' OC.
Year 1 was as rocky as the mountains that bear his name. Oklahoma ranked ninth in passing, 13th in rushing and 14th in yards per play in the 16-team SEC. Quarterback John Mateer, who followed Arbuckle from Wazzu to OU, was ineffective after injuring his hand. OU's offensive line was green. The running game stagnated. The passing attack was void of big plays.
But now Mateer is healthy, and his supporting cast is more experienced.
Arbuckle included.
#mateer #coordinator #passing #norman
Even younger than Ben Arbuckle, then 29, when Venables hired the former Washington State offensive coordinator to run OU's offense. Arbuckle, who's since turned 30 and is a month shy of 31, is set to enter his second season as the Sooners' OC.
Year 1 was as rocky as the mountains that bear his name. Oklahoma ranked ninth in passing, 13th in rushing and 14th in yards per play in the 16-team SEC. Quarterback John Mateer, who followed Arbuckle from Wazzu to OU, was ineffective after injuring his hand. OU's offensive line was green. The running game stagnated. The passing attack was void of big plays.
But now Mateer is healthy, and his supporting cast is more experienced.
Arbuckle included.
#mateer #coordinator #passing #norman
2 months ago
NORMAN — The University of Oklahoma announced its football tailgating plans for the 2026 season on Wednesday.
The school is keeping the North Oval as the centerpiece of Sooners gameday and will continue to keep the area free and open for public tailgating, according to a release. Fans are encouraged to continue bringing their own tents, chairs and tailgating equipment following the success of last season's debut in the area.
OU also announced a new addition to its tailgating scene — turnkey packages at nearby Boyd Lawn. Fans looking for a hassle-free experience can now reserve professionally managed turnkey tailgating packages, which includes fully furnished tailgating setups, allowing groups to simply arrive and enjoy gameday without the work of setup or teardown.
"The response to opening the North Oval for public tailgating last season exceeded our expectations," OU president Joseph Harroz Jr said in a release. "Sooner Nation embraced the opportunity to gather on one of the most iconic places on campus, creating an incredible gameday atmosphere. As we continue to enhance the fan experience, we're excited to add a new turnkey tailgating option at Boyd Lawn while preserving the North Oval as a free tradition that every fan can enjoy."
More: OU football coach Brent Venables' seat has cooled, but not his intensity to succeed
#tailgating #north #gameday #boyd
The school is keeping the North Oval as the centerpiece of Sooners gameday and will continue to keep the area free and open for public tailgating, according to a release. Fans are encouraged to continue bringing their own tents, chairs and tailgating equipment following the success of last season's debut in the area.
OU also announced a new addition to its tailgating scene — turnkey packages at nearby Boyd Lawn. Fans looking for a hassle-free experience can now reserve professionally managed turnkey tailgating packages, which includes fully furnished tailgating setups, allowing groups to simply arrive and enjoy gameday without the work of setup or teardown.
"The response to opening the North Oval for public tailgating last season exceeded our expectations," OU president Joseph Harroz Jr said in a release. "Sooner Nation embraced the opportunity to gather on one of the most iconic places on campus, creating an incredible gameday atmosphere. As we continue to enhance the fan experience, we're excited to add a new turnkey tailgating option at Boyd Lawn while preserving the North Oval as a free tradition that every fan can enjoy."
More: OU football coach Brent Venables' seat has cooled, but not his intensity to succeed
#tailgating #north #gameday #boyd
2 months ago
The Oklahoma Sooners have a total of seven Heisman Trophy winners in the program's storied history. Running backs Billy Vessels (1952), Steve Owens (1969), and Billy Sims (1978) took home the coveted award in the 20th century, while quarterbacks Jason White (2003), Sam Bradford (2008), Baker Mayfield (2017), and Kyler Murray (2018) captured the trophy in the 21st century.
However, the last time OU had a player finish the season as a Heisman finalist came in 2019. That means Oklahoma has yet to have a Heisman finalist in the Brent Venables era.
One ESPN **** yst thinks that could all change this season. Jordan Rodgers highlighted his top five Heisman Trophy candidates coming into the season, and he placed OU starting quarterback John Mateer at No. 5 on his list. Mateer finished behind Ole Miss QB Trinidad Chambliss, Texas QB Arch Manning, Indiana QB Josh Hoover, and Ohio State QB Julian Sayin.
"He's gonna be 100% healthy," Rodgers said. "When he is, he's one of the more dynamic dual-threat quarterbacks in the country ... John Mateer's gonna put up massive numbers."
Of course, Mateer was the Heisman Trophy favorite through the first month of the season last year, but his broken hand derailed that train. His play dropped off after having surgery, and he couldn't place the ball the same way he had in September.
#rodgers #john
However, the last time OU had a player finish the season as a Heisman finalist came in 2019. That means Oklahoma has yet to have a Heisman finalist in the Brent Venables era.
One ESPN **** yst thinks that could all change this season. Jordan Rodgers highlighted his top five Heisman Trophy candidates coming into the season, and he placed OU starting quarterback John Mateer at No. 5 on his list. Mateer finished behind Ole Miss QB Trinidad Chambliss, Texas QB Arch Manning, Indiana QB Josh Hoover, and Ohio State QB Julian Sayin.
"He's gonna be 100% healthy," Rodgers said. "When he is, he's one of the more dynamic dual-threat quarterbacks in the country ... John Mateer's gonna put up massive numbers."
Of course, Mateer was the Heisman Trophy favorite through the first month of the season last year, but his broken hand derailed that train. His play dropped off after having surgery, and he couldn't place the ball the same way he had in September.
#rodgers #john
2 months ago
Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer has a chance to be the first Sooner quarterback since Josh Heupel in 2000 to win a national championship. This comes after Mateer elected to return to Norman rather than pursue an NFL career.
Mateer had a down year in his first year in Norman. He completed 62.2% of his passes for 2,885 yards, 14 touchdowns and 11 interceptions, while rushing for 431 yards and eight scores. This comes after leading college football in 2024 at Washington State with 44 total touchdowns.
But there is some optimism for Mateer as the Sooners revamped the playmakers around him. It's due to those new players that ESPN's Greg McElroy believes Mateer could be in for a bounce-back season.
"He had to do a lot of it on his own," McElroy said on 'Always College Football.' "The run game last year was not what you were looking for. I mean, Venables even described it as not good. So, they go out and hire a great running backs coach who helped develop Ashton Jeanty and Jeremiyah Love... They upgraded the receiver room with Parker Livinstone from Texas and Trell Harris from Virginia. Remember those two names. I think those two names will be really good."
Mateer's 2025 season showed the challenges of transitioning to the SEC, especially when an offense lacks consistent playmakers around its quarterback. This season should look much different. Oklahoma has improved its running back room, added more weapons at receiver and returns an offensive line that gained valuable experience last season.
#year #mcelroy
Mateer had a down year in his first year in Norman. He completed 62.2% of his passes for 2,885 yards, 14 touchdowns and 11 interceptions, while rushing for 431 yards and eight scores. This comes after leading college football in 2024 at Washington State with 44 total touchdowns.
But there is some optimism for Mateer as the Sooners revamped the playmakers around him. It's due to those new players that ESPN's Greg McElroy believes Mateer could be in for a bounce-back season.
"He had to do a lot of it on his own," McElroy said on 'Always College Football.' "The run game last year was not what you were looking for. I mean, Venables even described it as not good. So, they go out and hire a great running backs coach who helped develop Ashton Jeanty and Jeremiyah Love... They upgraded the receiver room with Parker Livinstone from Texas and Trell Harris from Virginia. Remember those two names. I think those two names will be really good."
Mateer's 2025 season showed the challenges of transitioning to the SEC, especially when an offense lacks consistent playmakers around its quarterback. This season should look much different. Oklahoma has improved its running back room, added more weapons at receiver and returns an offensive line that gained valuable experience last season.
#year #mcelroy
2 months ago
Ever since Brent Venables became the head coach of the Oklahoma Sooners in December of 2021, he's worked tirelessly to build the kind of defense in Norman that Sooner Nation can be proud of. It took time, but that vision has been realized over the last couple of seasons.
Venables' defensive chops are well-known in college football circle. Oklahoma general manager Jim Nagy claimed he was the best defensive play-caller in the nation back at SEC Media Days during an interview with Brooks Austin of "The Film Guy Network."
"I mean the two years he's coordinated the defense at Oklahoma (2023 and 2025), they've won 10 games," Nagy said. "As the defensive coordinator, I don't want to hear any argument who the best one is. We can have the argument who the second-best one is."
Nagy isn't the only one who thinks highly of Venables' defensive prowess. On3's Crain & Cone ranked the top defenses in college football for 2026, and they placed the Sooners right at the very top of the list.
Of course, Venables is only part of the recipe. He's got a great staff around him on the defensive side of the ball, and there are some truly terrifying players that the Sooners will trot out this fall.
#defensive #best #nation
Venables' defensive chops are well-known in college football circle. Oklahoma general manager Jim Nagy claimed he was the best defensive play-caller in the nation back at SEC Media Days during an interview with Brooks Austin of "The Film Guy Network."
"I mean the two years he's coordinated the defense at Oklahoma (2023 and 2025), they've won 10 games," Nagy said. "As the defensive coordinator, I don't want to hear any argument who the best one is. We can have the argument who the second-best one is."
Nagy isn't the only one who thinks highly of Venables' defensive prowess. On3's Crain & Cone ranked the top defenses in college football for 2026, and they placed the Sooners right at the very top of the list.
Of course, Venables is only part of the recipe. He's got a great staff around him on the defensive side of the ball, and there are some truly terrifying players that the Sooners will trot out this fall.
#defensive #best #nation
2 months ago
The Oklahoma Sooners went 6-7 in 2022, the first year of the Brent Venables era. Then, OU went 10-3 in 2023. However, a regression in 2024 led to another 6-7 mark on the head coach's record. Then, the Sooners bounced back with another 10-3 season in 2025, making it to the College Football Playoff for the first time under Venables' watch.
As Oklahoma enters its third season in the SEC and its fifth season with Venables at the helm, the focus isn't just on avoiding regression again and breaking the pattern. The focus inside the Switzer Center is all about going from good to great in 2026.
To exceed what the program accomplished last season, OU will first need to navigate a very difficult SEC schedule to put themselves back in the CFP. The Sooners have learned the hard way that this league is much better and deeper than the Big 12.
Athlon Sports' Steve Lassan placed each of the 16 teams in the SEC into tiers ahead of this season. Out of his five total tiers, Lassan placed the Sooners in Tier 2, a grouping labeled "Playoff Contenders".
This tier showcases the depth of the SEC. Six teams outside of Georgia and Texas should be playoff contenders, including four — Oklahoma, Texas A&M, Ole Miss and Alabama — that earned a spot in the 12-team field last season ... Will Oklahoma's offense take a big step forward with a healthy John Mateer returning at quarterback?" - Steve Lassan, Athlon Sports.
#playoff
As Oklahoma enters its third season in the SEC and its fifth season with Venables at the helm, the focus isn't just on avoiding regression again and breaking the pattern. The focus inside the Switzer Center is all about going from good to great in 2026.
To exceed what the program accomplished last season, OU will first need to navigate a very difficult SEC schedule to put themselves back in the CFP. The Sooners have learned the hard way that this league is much better and deeper than the Big 12.
Athlon Sports' Steve Lassan placed each of the 16 teams in the SEC into tiers ahead of this season. Out of his five total tiers, Lassan placed the Sooners in Tier 2, a grouping labeled "Playoff Contenders".
This tier showcases the depth of the SEC. Six teams outside of Georgia and Texas should be playoff contenders, including four — Oklahoma, Texas A&M, Ole Miss and Alabama — that earned a spot in the 12-team field last season ... Will Oklahoma's offense take a big step forward with a healthy John Mateer returning at quarterback?" - Steve Lassan, Athlon Sports.
#playoff
3 months ago
Fall camp will get underway next week as the Oklahoma Sooners look to build on their College Football Playoff appearance from a year ago. But it's a new season with many of the same returning characters, but this year's group will create its own identity. It's a roster filled with talent, including 10 preseason All-SEC selections. There's an optimism heading into the year despite being voted seventh in the preseason SEC predicted order of finish.
The Sooners will have one of the best starting lineups in college football in 2026, led by a defense that was one of the best units in the sport last season. The offense, which had some shortcomings in 2025, will be much improved this season. It's a group that's hungry to get back to the playoff and do more damage this time around.
But like every team, the Oklahoma Sooners have some questions heading into fall camp. Here's a look at the questions we're asking about each position group heading into the preseason.
In Brent Venables' tenure at Oklahoma, the Sooners have had their Week 1 starter play every game in a season just one time: the 2023 season with Dillon Gabriel. You don't want to rely on your backup, but as we've seen, when you have to go to him, you need a guy that can help you win a game. In 2024 and 2025, Michael Hawkins Jr. helped Oklahoma beat Auburn and Kent State.
Heading into fall camp, sophomore Whitt Newbauer has the leg up on true freshman Bowe Bentley after their performances in the spring. There's no rush on Bentley to play meaningful snaps, especially when you have Newbauer, who has experience in offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle's system and has played meaningful snaps at the collegiate level.
#oklahoma #season #bentley
The Sooners will have one of the best starting lineups in college football in 2026, led by a defense that was one of the best units in the sport last season. The offense, which had some shortcomings in 2025, will be much improved this season. It's a group that's hungry to get back to the playoff and do more damage this time around.
But like every team, the Oklahoma Sooners have some questions heading into fall camp. Here's a look at the questions we're asking about each position group heading into the preseason.
In Brent Venables' tenure at Oklahoma, the Sooners have had their Week 1 starter play every game in a season just one time: the 2023 season with Dillon Gabriel. You don't want to rely on your backup, but as we've seen, when you have to go to him, you need a guy that can help you win a game. In 2024 and 2025, Michael Hawkins Jr. helped Oklahoma beat Auburn and Kent State.
Heading into fall camp, sophomore Whitt Newbauer has the leg up on true freshman Bowe Bentley after their performances in the spring. There's no rush on Bentley to play meaningful snaps, especially when you have Newbauer, who has experience in offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle's system and has played meaningful snaps at the collegiate level.
#oklahoma #season #bentley
3 months ago
With the 2026 edition of SEC media days wrapping up in Tampa, Florida, on Thursday, the regular season is just over a month away. The Oklahoma Sooners will kick off fall camp in a couple of weeks, all in preparation for the season-opener against UTEP on September 4th.
Head coach Brent Venables, quarterback John Mateer, defensive lineman Taylor Wein, and offensive lineman Eddy Pierre-Louis were the quartet that represented OU during their availability on Monday. While the selections of Mateer and Wein were fairly expected, it was the choice of Pierre-Louis that raised more than a few eyebrows in Sooner Nation. Venables was asked about Pierre-Louis' inclusion in the group, and he glowed about the third-year guard.
"Eddy, he's an alpha," Venables said. "Eddy is a guy that's had to work incredibly hard. I think he was the top-rated guard by many recruiting outlets coming out of high school. Eddy had some things he needed to work on fundamentally, from his body standpoint, flexibility, things of that nature. Eddy has been somebody that has shown up in the facility from the day he got to Norman, Oklahoma with tremendous gratitude."
Venables had previously pointed out that it was difficult to choose the three players who would represent the Sooners in Tampa, lauding the leadership in his locker room.
"One of the many reasons that gets us excited about this year's team is finding the three guys and telling several other guys that were more deserving they weren't going to make the cut," Venables said. "The depth of the leadership we have in our locker room right now is as good as we've had, better than we've probably had here in the five years at Oklahoma. Really excited about that."
#eddy #wein
Head coach Brent Venables, quarterback John Mateer, defensive lineman Taylor Wein, and offensive lineman Eddy Pierre-Louis were the quartet that represented OU during their availability on Monday. While the selections of Mateer and Wein were fairly expected, it was the choice of Pierre-Louis that raised more than a few eyebrows in Sooner Nation. Venables was asked about Pierre-Louis' inclusion in the group, and he glowed about the third-year guard.
"Eddy, he's an alpha," Venables said. "Eddy is a guy that's had to work incredibly hard. I think he was the top-rated guard by many recruiting outlets coming out of high school. Eddy had some things he needed to work on fundamentally, from his body standpoint, flexibility, things of that nature. Eddy has been somebody that has shown up in the facility from the day he got to Norman, Oklahoma with tremendous gratitude."
Venables had previously pointed out that it was difficult to choose the three players who would represent the Sooners in Tampa, lauding the leadership in his locker room.
"One of the many reasons that gets us excited about this year's team is finding the three guys and telling several other guys that were more deserving they weren't going to make the cut," Venables said. "The depth of the leadership we have in our locker room right now is as good as we've had, better than we've probably had here in the five years at Oklahoma. Really excited about that."
#eddy #wein
