Where Are The Sooners? In ESPN's Newest Way-Too-Early Top 25?
The Sooners' new ranking reflects changes in player movement since last January's national championship game, though they've still won 10 games for two seasons. They're hoping John Mateer returns from a bone injury, while the secondary is expected to return many players from the previous season.
The Oklahoma Sooners are gearing up for the 2026 season, with spring practices set to close out on Saturday. Throughout the country, teams are wrapping up their spring sessions as rosters become more finalized. ESPN recently dropped the Sooners down one spot in its Way-Too-Early Top 25 rankings, reflecting the player movement since the national championship game back in January.
With no spring transfer portal window this year, the roster is mostly set. The Sooners have won 10 games for the second time in three seasons under coach Brent Venables, but their offense fell apart after quarterback John Mateer broke a bone in his throwing hand. The team hopes he will return to form and improve his mechanics.
Trell Harris was Virginia’s leading receiver last season, while Parker Livingstone is a 6-foot-4 target who averaged 17. 8 yards per catch for the Longhorns. There's a solid core with Michael Fasusi, Ryan Fodje, and Eddy Pierre-Louis coming back on the offensive line.
The defensive front seven returns almost everyone after losing depth in that department as well. Cole Sullivan should step into the starting linebacker corps, and the secondary is expected to return many players from last year. The Sooners are currently ranked sixth in the SEC with eight teams from the conference in the top 25.