Oklahoma enters the 2026 season with high playoff expectations

The Oklahoma Sooners begin their 2026 campaign with a top-10 ranking following a first-round appearance in the previous College Football Playoff. Coach Brent Venables returns with a roster featuring quarterback John Mateer and a defense described as potent. Staff from The Oklahoman offer varying projections for the upcoming year, with predictions for the team’s final record ranging from 9-3 to 10-2. Several analysts identified the November 7 road game against Florida as a potential trap game for the program. Meanwhile, the biggest games of the schedule are split between the October 10 meeting with Texas and the November 21 contest against Texas A&M. The Sooners look to build upon their previous postseason experience as they chase an eighth NCAA football title in the expanded playoff format.

• 11:41 PMYahoo Sports — OU football predictions for how John Mateer, Sooners will fare in 2026