Oklahoma Football: Ranking the 5 Toughest Games for the Sooners in 2026
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Oklahoma took a step forward in its second season in the SEC, finishing 10-3 and earning a trip to the College Football Playoff. Coach Brent Venables’ team has its sights set on a deeper run in 2026, and the pieces are in place to contend for a spot in the SEC Championship Game. The Sooners have a few holes to plug, but the defense should remain among the best in the nation, anchored by linebacker Kip Lewis and defensive linemen Taylor Wein and David Stone.
In addition to a standout defense, an improved offensive attack should also lift Oklahoma’s hopes of a return to the 12-team field. Quarterback John Mateer is healthy after battling a thumb injury for the bulk of ‘25, with an improved rushing attack and offensive line set to provide him with more support.
However, Venables’ team won’t catch a break on the scheduling front with one of the toughest slates in the nation. Cutting this list down to five wasn’t easy. Matchups at Florida and Missouri also loom large for the Sooners.
Oklahoma Football: Ranking the 5 Toughest Games for the Sooners in 2026
5. Ole Miss (Nov. 14)
Ole Miss won 34-26 in Norman last year. Can the Sooners get revenge and pick up a huge win for potential playoff positioning in the SEC? This matchup should feature an outstanding battle between the Rebels’ high-powered offense and Oklahoma’s elite defense.
4. Texas A&M (Nov. 21)
This will be the first meeting between Texas A&M and Oklahoma with both programs as members of the SEC. These former Big 12 rivals could be battling for playoff positioning in late November.
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3. at Michigan (Sept. 12)
The Sooners won last season’s matchup 24-13 but winning the rematch in Ann Arbor won’t be any easier. Michigan boasts a standout defense and should show some improvement on offense with rising star quarterback Bryce Underwood leading the way in coach Kyle Whittingham’s first year. This is also Oklahoma’s first trip to Ann Arbor to face the Wolverines in program history.
2. Texas (Oct. 10 – Dallas)
The annual showdown against Texas in the Red River Rivalry in Dallas always ranks as one of Oklahoma’s toughest games. The Sooners have lost three out of the last four to the Longhorns, including a 23-6 defeat last year. Can coach Brent Venables’ defense slow Texas quarterback Arch Manning this time around?
1. at Georgia (Sept. 26)
This matchup is the first time Oklahoma and Georgia will meet as SEC foes, and the Sooners have never played a game in Athens. Both teams rank among the best in the nation up front, setting up an epic clash in the trenches between two of the top SEC teams in ‘26.
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This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Jul 10, 2026, where it first appeared in the College Football section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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