Oklahoma Sooners among The Athletic's top 10 teams for 2026

NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos...

The Oklahoma Sooners had a bounce-back year in 2025, going 10-2 and making the College Football Playoff for the first time since 2019. Though it didn’t end the way anyone expected in their 34-24 loss to Alabama, Brent Venables and the Sooners put everyone on notice. The Sooners will be a problem moving forward. Oklahoma finished 2025 No. 10 in the US LBM Coaches Poll and was put at No. 6 in USA TODAY Sports’ way-too-early power rankings for 2026.

That’s in large part because of how much the Sooners will return on both sides of the ball. Sure, they key defenders at every level, but Brent Venables and his defensive staff have built the depth chart with players ready to step into bigger roles. But more than that, is what the offense has done. And that’s why The Athletic’s Stewart Mandel is high on Oklahoma for 2026, ranking them at No. 9 in his way-too-early power rankings.

Oklahoma made it to the CFP despite a limited offense, but Mateer will hopefully be healthier, while Sategna (965 yards in 2025), Harris (847) and Livingstone (516) are a formidable receiving trio. The running game remains a concern. Brent Venables’ top-10 scoring defense loses standout end R Mason Thomas but brings back some of its best playmakers and adds Big Ten starter Sullivan. Sandell won the Lou Groza Award. – Mandel, The Athletic

Jim Nagy and the Sooners’ front office were aggressive in the transfer portal, especially on the offensive side of the ball. Adding Harris, Livingstone, offensive tackle E’Marion Harris, tight ends Hayden Hansen and Rocky Beers, and all-purpose back Lloyd Avant, while retaining their key offensive players like Sategna and the young offensive linemen, made for a strong offseason that gives the OU offense a chance to take a step.

The Sooners finished the season ranked No. 79 in the nation in scoring offense, No. 92 in total yards, and No. 113 in rushing offense. It was better than 2024, but still has a lot of room to improve. And Oklahoma made sure they will with their activity in the transfer portal.

What Oklahoma had going for it in 2025 was their explosiveness. Now, if they can find more efficiency to add to the big-play ability, the Sooners will have a chance to make a significant jump in points and yards per game in 2026. And more importantly, that’ll give the Sooners a chance to make the playoff and contend for a national title once again.

Contact/Follow us @SoonersWire on X, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oklahoma news, notes, and opinions.You can also follow John on X @john9williams.

This article originally appeared on Sooners Wire: The Athletic ranks Oklahoma Sooners in top 10 for 2026 season

More at NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos