On3 Analyst highlights how Oklahoma gets back tot he playoff in 2026

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The Oklahoma Sooners were one of the surprises in college football last season. After going 6-7 in 2024, there weren't many who thought the Sooners could win double-digit games, let alone make the College Football Playoff. On top of that, Oklahoma finished with the No. 92-ranked offense and the No. 113-ranked rushing attack last season. Given all those factors, it's remarkable what the Sooners pulled off.

Still, Oklahoma and head coach Brent Venables weren't satisfied with just making the playoff. That's why they made some changes this offseason. Tight ends coach Joe Jon Finley is gone and was replaced by Dallas Cowboys legend Jason Witten. Running backs coach DeMarco Murray left to take the same position with the Kansas City Chiefs. He was replaced by one of the best running back coaches in college football, Deland McCullough.

Those moves, along with a major emphasis this offseason on fixing the run game, should make the Sooners a better team in 2026. Still, On3's J.D. PicKell feels that is the biggest question mark for Oklahoma this season.

"Can Oklahoma create balance on offense?" PicKell said. "That's my big question. I don't need for Oklahoma to run for 200 yards a game. Now, if you want to win a national championship, we'll raise that conversation… We're talking about just getting back to the College Football Playoff. I just need more balance for John Mateer… I just need teams to play Oklahoma honest."

PicKell noted that last season, opposing defenses were able to key in on Oklahoma's passing game. He added that defenses were not consistently threatened by the run game, and Mateer's injury further limited the offense's ability to establish balance.

That context helps explain how Oklahoma was able to win 10 games and reach the College Football Playoff despite significant offensive limitations and one of the most difficult schedules in the country.

If the Sooners can maintain a top-tier defense and develop a more balanced offensive identity around Mateer, they will be positioned to contend again in 2026.

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This article originally appeared on Sooners Wire: On3 Analyst highlights how Oklahoma gets back tot he playoff in 2026

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