Oklahoma's unsung heroes crucial for success in 2026

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The Oklahoma Sooners dramatically transformed their special teams unit last season, and it played a big role in the Sooners' return to the College Football Playoff. Oklahoma finished No. 10 in efficiency in 2025, after finishing No. 41 in 2024.

The Sooners did well in the transfer portal, landing kicker Tate Sandell from the University of Texas at San Antonio Roadrunners. This wasn't seen as a massive win in the portal initially. He had made 20-of-25 field goals and 37-of-38 extra points in his career. However, he had a magical season, going 24-of-27 on field goals and 35-of-35 on extra points last season, earning himself the Lou Groza Award given to the nation's top kicker.

Punter Grayson Miller was also not seen as a big win. He transferred in from the University of Central Oklahoma Broncos and didn't open the season as the starter. However, he averaged 45.8 yards per punt, which was good for No. 34 in college football. These two unsung heroes were crucial for Oklahoma this past season, and earned them preseason All-SEC first- and second-team honors.

That recognition earned praise from All-American linebacker Teddy Lehman on "The Oklahoma Breakdown with Ikard and Lehman."

"To have a punter and a kicker that are all SEC and perform that way throughout the season is so huge," Lehman said. "I mean, it legitimately is something to hang your hat on if they continue to perform that way. It's big."

Oklahoma's return to the College Football Playoff was built on more than just its elite defense. The Sooners received major contributions from players like Sandell and Miler, who turned into two of the most reliable special teams players in the country.

As the program looks to take another step in 2026, having that level of consistency in all three phases could be what separates Oklahoma from the rest of the SEC.

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This article originally appeared on Sooners Wire: Oklahoma's unsung heroes crucial for success in 2026

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