Joe Lunardi’s latest bracketology places the Oklahoma Sooners squarely in the Opening Round of the NCAA tournament’s revamped play‑in, a stage that now accommodates 24 teams, with the 12 lowest‑seeded conference champions and the 12 lowest‑seeded at‑large qualifiers battling for the final spots.
A New Play‑In Landscape
The Sooners are not listed among the final four at‑large qualifiers, a detail that signals they sit on the cusp of the play‑in bracket, either as a top seed or just above the cutoff, and Lunardi projects them to open against Baylor in an 11‑seed matchup.
The winner of that contest would then face a No. 6‑seeded USC, while the other side of the bracket could see the victor of a California‑Arkansas clash meet a high‑seeded Arkansas team, adding another layer of intrigue to the Sooners’ path.
Moser’s Tournament Pedigree
Coach Porter Moser enters his fifth season with a modest tournament résumé: a single appearance and a Final Four run with Loyola Chicago in 2018, followed by a Sweet 16 showing in 2021, achievements earned during his earlier tenure that still shape his reputation.
Those past successes were forged in the Mid‑America Conference, but the transition to the SEC and the rigors of Big 12 competition present a stark contrast, demanding a new level of resilience and adaptability.
Schedule and Expectations
The upcoming slate features marquee non‑conference tests, notably the Texas series, a showdown with Oklahoma State, and a potential clash with Purdue, all of which could set the tone for the Sooners’ postseason hopes, while a strong finish — perhaps an undefeated non‑conference stretch and an 8‑10 record within the SEC — might be enough to secure a berth in The Big Dance.