OU football emphasized retention for 2026 season following CFP run
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NORMAN — Retention. Retention. Retention.
That was one of Oklahoma football’s main objectives this offseason following its College Football Playoff loss to Alabama. General manager Jim Nagy and coach Brent Venables knew continuity would be key in capitalizing on the upward trajectory of the program.
“Went into the offseason, we had a few objectives, one was retain the core of a college football playoff roster,” Nagy said Monday as the Sooners begin mini camp. “Then just creating as much competition, increase the competition in every room. I feel like we did well.”
Venables said the Sooners return 50% of their defensive production from last season — 45% of the tackles for loss, 52% of the sacks, 80% of the interceptions, 60% of the pass breakups and 50% of the quarterback hurries.
He said OU returns even more of its offensive production from 2025 — 90% of its rushing production, 95% of its passing yards and around 50% of its receiving production.
The two biggest priorities? Convincing linebacker Kip Lewis and wide receiver Isaiah Sategna III to return.
“It was huge, they’re obviously experienced players who play at an elite level at times,” Venables said. “Isaiah might have been my most favorite football player on our team. I might make somebody mad, hurt somebody’s feelings. But, I love Isaiah, his competitive spirit and the way he strains.
“Kip, I love watching Kip play on game day. His focus and his why to come back was great wisdom. His motives are pure and he’s one of the most disruptive linebackers in college football.”
Brent Venables says QB John Mateer is on a “mission” this offseason
During an appearance on “The Oklahoma Breakdown” podcast over the weekend, Venables turned some heads when he said quarterback John Mateer was on a mission this offseason.
Mateer had a rollercoaster 2025 season that included midseason surgery and a playoff run. He had planned to only be at OU for one season. But now, he’s out to improve his game and his footwork, while working on seeing the field better.
“John was a great leader a year ago and had great self awareness a year ago,” Venables said Monday. “But I think now that he has a body of work in the SEC and at the University of Oklahoma, that is able to help him focus a little more.”
Venables said when Mateer was at his best last season his quarterback play was as good as anywhere in the country. But he wasn’t fully healthy.
“He’s been good, and we’re trying to be great in that space,” Venables said. “And that’s his focus.”
OU football’s PJ Adebawore underwent offseason foot surgery
Oklahoma defensive end PJ Adebawore underwent offseason foot surgery, Venables announced.
“He had to have offseason foot surgery from last year, wear and tear,” Venables said.
Many have wondered if this will be the season the former five-star recruit breaks out. He’s fresh off his best season in a Sooner uniform when he totaled 17 tackles, including 5.5 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks and one quarterback hurry.
Adebawore entered his name into the NCAA transfer portal on Jan. 12 before, roughly two minutes later, withdrawing and deciding to stay at OU.
The North Kansas City High School product has appeared in 36 games for OU over the past three seasons, totaling 27 tackles, 10 tackles for loss and five sacks.
The Sooners wanted to keep Adebawore, who’s expected to compete for a starting spot in 2026.
“We’ve got several (injuries), just offseason, postseason surgeries,” Venables said. “Even some of the new guys coming in that we knew as we signed them that there’s going to be little knicks and knacks. This is the time of the year to get healthy and so we’re going to do that.”
Colton Sulley covers the Oklahoma Sooners for The Oklahoman. Have a story idea for Colton? He can be reached at csulley@oklahoman.com or on X/Twitter at @colton_sulley. Support Colton’s work and that of other Oklahoman journalists by purchasing a digital subscription today at subscribe.oklahoman.com.
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: OU football aimed for retention following CFP run for 2026 season
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