Oklahoma Sooners

Oklahoma's defense was the backbone of its 2025 playoff run, allowing 15.5 points and 272.5 yards per game, and it opened 2026 with a shutout of UTEP and a dominant effort against New Mexico (six points, 185 total yards). However, the loss of leading tackler and signal-caller Kip Lewis to a knee injury in Week 2 has exposed the depth concerns that were flagged in the preseason. Since Lewis went down, the Sooners have allowed 41 points to Georgia and 24 to Texas, though the Texas game was kept close by turnovers. The unit still boasts playmakers like Taylor Wein, Peyton Bowen, and Eli Bowen, but maintaining elite production without its quarterback on defense is a challenge.

The offense has been the primary weakness, failing to score more than 14 points in regulation against Power Four opponents until the Texas game (where two touchdowns came via special teams and defense). John Mateer has shown flashes of his high ceiling, but turnovers have been costly: four in the first half against Georgia (two lost fumbles, one interception) and four interceptions against Kentucky. The run game, which averaged 3.5 yards per carry last season, showed promise with 170 yards against UTEP but has been inconsistent against stronger fronts. The receiver transfers (Trell Harris, Parker Livingstone) and tight end Hayden Hansen have made plays, but the offense has yet to put together a complete game against quality competition.

Oklahoma's special teams have been a reliable source of points and field position. Isaiah Sategna returned a punt 88 yards for a touchdown in Week 1, and kicker Tate Sandell, an All-American, has been clutch, including a game-winning 47-yard field goal as time expired to upset No. 1 Texas. The defense also contributed a pick-six by Peyton Bowen and a blocked punt return for a touchdown by Dakoda Fields in that same game. However, relying on non-offensive scores is not a sustainable path to victory, as evidenced by the loss to Kentucky where the offense turned the ball over four times and managed only 13 points. The Sooners need the offense to consistently contribute to keep pace in the SEC.

Oklahoma's season has been a rollercoaster: a blowout win over UTEP, a close loss at Michigan, a shaky win over New Mexico, a blowout loss at Georgia, an upset of No. 1 Texas, and a home loss to Kentucky. The Sooners are 3-3 and 1-2 in SEC play, with their preseason goal of a playoff return now in jeopardy. The defense has kept them in games, but the offense's inability to sustain drives and protect the football has been their undoing. With a road trip to Mississippi State next, followed by a challenging SEC slate, Oklahoma must find offensive consistency and clean up turnovers to avoid falling further behind in the conference race.

The biggest question for the rest of the season is whether quarterback John Mateer can recapture his pre-injury form from 2025 and limit turnovers. He has shown the ability to make big throws, as seen on the final drive against Texas, but his decision-making under pressure has been inconsistent. The running back duo of Xavier Robinson and Tory Blaylock needs more opportunities behind an offensive line that returns left tackle Michael Fasusi but has yet to consistently open holes. Defensively, the Sooners must adjust without Kip Lewis and hope younger players like Danny Okoye and Jacobe Johnson step up. Special teams will continue to be a weapon, but the Sooners cannot rely on them to win games. The upcoming game at Mississippi State is a chance to get back on track, but the Bulldogs are 4-2 and capable of exploiting Oklahoma's weaknesses.