The beloved Oklahoma Sooners Football spring game returns in 2026, offering a vital game-day test for Venables' squad and a vibrant showcase for supporters
The Oklahoma Sooners are bringing back the traditional spring football game in 2026, giving fans and the team a much-anticipated taste of game-day atmosphere inside the iconic Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium.
This marks the return of a fan-favorite event after a one-year hiatus in 2025, when the program experimented with the "Crimson Combine" instead. The event was a more low-key, practice-oriented showcase that didn't quite capture the excitement of a full scrimmage.
The first chance for supporters to see Team 132—the 2026 edition of the Oklahoma Sooners, entering their 132nd season of football, will come on Saturday, April 18th, at noon on Owen Field. The game will unfold at Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium, where the Sooners have built a legendary home-field reputation over the decades.
It's expected to draw a strong crowd eager to cheer on the squad during this critical spring window.
Fans have made their voices heard loud and clear: the overwhelming majority welcomed the return of the spring game with open arms. Many viewed last year's Crimson Combine as an interesting but ultimately underwhelming substitute that lacked the competitive edge and electric atmosphere of a true intrasquad matchup.
The decision to reinstate the spring game aligns perfectly with that sentiment, restoring a cherished tradition that bridges the gap between the grind of spring practices and the high-stakes environment of the fall season.
Head coach Brent Venables has been vocal about the importance of this event for his program. Speaking to the media earlier this week during spring camp, Venables emphasized how limited real-game simulations are during the offseason. "We don't have many opportunities to be able to get out and play and get everybody on the field, and bring a crowd in and let our guys have an experience for what game day will be similar to," he explained.
"So this will be an opportunity to really evaluate where we're at from that standpoint, and really just operationally."
Venables views the spring game as far more than just a fan event, it's a vital developmental tool. With the 2026 regular season approaching quickly, the Sooners face a demanding schedule right out of the gate. Their opener comes on September 5 against UTEP at home in Norman, followed by a tough road tilt at Michigan the next week.
In fact, three of the first five games will be played away from the friendly confines of Memorial Stadium, presenting an early-season gauntlet that will test depth, preparation, and resilience.
"The season's gonna come quick, from our opener with UTEP, to going on the road in three of the first five weeks—it's gonna be a great, great challenge," Venables noted.
"So anytime we can get in the stadium and play and try to simulate a game is going to be really beneficial for us."
For the players, this April 18 showdown offers invaluable reps in a live, competitive setting. Coaches can evaluate everything from offensive and defensive schemes to special teams execution, while young athletes, especially those fighting for roster spots or increased playing time, get a chance to shine under the lights (or in this case, the midday sun) with thousands of fans watching.
It also allows the staff to assess operational readiness: how the team handles crowd noise, in-game adjustments, clock management, and the overall flow of a contest that mirrors what they'll encounter starting in September.
Beyond the X's and O's, the spring game serves as a powerful bonding experience. It reconnects the program with its passionate fan base after the long winter months and builds momentum heading into fall camp.
Mark your calendars, Team 132 is set to take the field, and the journey toward another ambitious 2026 campaign is officially underway.