Preseason Buzz
The Oklahoma Sooners have entered the conversation for a championship contender after the latest preseason AP Poll placed them at No. 10, a jump from the No. 9 slot they held in the coaches' poll and the No. 7 projection in SEC preseason rankings.
That positioning reflects a broader confidence in the program, as the team is now ranked fifth among all SEC programs, trailing only powerhouses such as Georgia, Texas, Texas A&M, and LSU, while still facing a gauntlet of elite competition.
The Sooners' schedule will test that optimism, as they are slated to meet six opponents who appear in the preseason poll, including five SEC rivals and a non‑conference showdown with Michigan, who sits at No. 16.
A Season of Promise and Challenge
Oklahoma concluded the 2025 season at No. 13 in the AP Poll after a first‑round playoff defeat to Alabama, a result that left the coaching staff and fan base eager for redemption.
Coach Brent Venables has emphasized that the early rankings are just a starting point, urging his squad to translate preseason hype into on‑field execution as they navigate a demanding slate of games.