The University of Oklahoma’s football program opened the 2026 season with a notable milestone, landing at No. 10 in the Associated Press preseason top‑25 poll, collecting 1,047 points.
That placement is more than a number; it reflects a 27‑year run of consecutive appearances in the preseason top‑25, the second‑longest streak behind Ohio State, and underscores the program’s consistency.
A streak that stands the test of time
Across those 68 poll appearances, the Sooners have been ranked 20th or higher in every survey for the past 27 seasons, a record that also gives them the nation’s best average preseason ranking of 7.12.
The upcoming schedule pits Oklahoma against several of the nation’s elite, including Georgia, Texas and Ole Miss, with four of the top‑10 teams and six of the top‑25 squads slated to visit Norman.
The season will kick off on September 4 when the Sooners host UTEP at Oklahoma Memorial Stadium, a venue that has become synonymous with the team’s home‑field advantage.
Fans looking to catch the action will find limited tickets available for five of the six home games, the only exception being the marquee matchup against Texas A&M.
Head coach Brent Venables, now in his third year at the helm, has emphasized discipline and depth as the team prepares for the gauntlet ahead, hoping to translate the preseason optimism into on‑field success.