The Oklahoma Sooners enter the 2026 season believing they have the talent to compete for the program's eighth national championship. Oklahoma is still searching for its first national championship since the 2000 season.
The Sooners have had several opportunities to end that championship drought over the past two decades. Oklahoma reached the BCS National Championship Game three times: in 2003, 2004 and 2008, but came up short each time. The Sooners have also made the College Football Playoff five times but are still seeking their first CFP win.
ESPN's Bill Connelly identified the biggest "ifs" facing several national championship contenders entering the season.
If John Mateer's floor gets a little higher. Mateer is tough, fearless and, according to OU's social media, strong as ****** . But he finished 50th in Total QBR last season. Though some of that can be attributed to the numbers he posted while rushing back from a hand injury, he took 21 sacks in his last eight games and threw four picks with a 58% completion rate in his last three. A little consistency and finesse would go a long way. - Connelly, ESPN
Mateer has already shown he can be one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in college football. Now, the challenge is sustaining that level over an entire season. If the veteran can eliminate some of the inconsistency that surfaced late last year, Oklahoma may finally have the quarterback play needed to end its national championship drought.
#oklahoma #season #Football
The Sooners have had several opportunities to end that championship drought over the past two decades. Oklahoma reached the BCS National Championship Game three times: in 2003, 2004 and 2008, but came up short each time. The Sooners have also made the College Football Playoff five times but are still seeking their first CFP win.
ESPN's Bill Connelly identified the biggest "ifs" facing several national championship contenders entering the season.
If John Mateer's floor gets a little higher. Mateer is tough, fearless and, according to OU's social media, strong as ****** . But he finished 50th in Total QBR last season. Though some of that can be attributed to the numbers he posted while rushing back from a hand injury, he took 21 sacks in his last eight games and threw four picks with a 58% completion rate in his last three. A little consistency and finesse would go a long way. - Connelly, ESPN
Mateer has already shown he can be one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in college football. Now, the challenge is sustaining that level over an entire season. If the veteran can eliminate some of the inconsistency that surfaced late last year, Oklahoma may finally have the quarterback play needed to end its national championship drought.
#oklahoma #season #Football
3 months ago
