Oklahoma's valiant late surge wasn't enough, as the Sooners narrowly missed March Madness, finishing as the first team out after a dramatic season turnaround
The Oklahoma Sooners' 2025-26 men's basketball season officially ended without an NCAA Tournament berth, as the selection committee finalized the 68-team field on Selection Sunday, March 15, 2026.
ESPN's Joe Lunardi, whose projections held steady throughout the weekend, listed Oklahoma as the first team out, a painful confirmation of the bubble bursting after a valiant late push.
The Sooners concluded the year at 19-15 overall (7-11 in the SEC), marking the fourth time in five seasons under head coach Porter Moser that the program has missed the Big Dance.
Moser's tenure in Norman began in 2021 amid high expectations from his Loyola Chicago success (including a 2018 Final Four run), but consistent postseason absences have defined his time: misses in 2021-22, 2022-23, 2023-24, and now 2025-26, with only one appearance (last season) breaking the streak.
This pattern has fueled growing frustration among fans and observers, especially in the ultra-competitive SEC landscape.
Despite the outcome, Oklahoma showed real fight down the stretch. After a brutal nine-game conference losing streak left them buried, the Sooners rattled off eight wins in their final 10 games before the SEC Tournament loss, including key victories over Missouri, Texas, Auburn, South Carolina, and Texas A&M. They peaked with dominant tournament showings, 86-74 over South Carolina, and 83-63 over Texas A&M, before falling 82-79 to No. 17 Arkansas in the quarterfinals.
Metrics supported their case: KenPom ranked them around No. 40 with a +18 net rating, highlighting elite late-season efficiency in the nation's top conference.
Moser passionately advocated for his team post-Arkansas, calling them "one of the top 15 teams the way we’re playing" analytically and emphasizing resilience amid adversity. He argued the country wants teams peaking in March, not limping in, and that no one wanted to face Oklahoma's momentum.
Yet the committee disagreed. Other bubble teams like Texas, Miami (OH), NC State, and SMU edged them out. The early-season struggles, particularly the SEC skid, likely weighed heavily, overshadowing the surge.
This miss intensifies scrutiny on Moser. While new athletic director Roger Denny recently committed to returning him with boosted NIL and resources (avoiding a multimillion-dollar buyout), the fourth absence in five years raises questions about long-term fit.
][]For the Sooners, the offseason now focuses on reloading via the portal, NIL investments, and building toward the new arena era. The late 2025-26 flash offered hope, but missing March again underscores the need for sustained excellence in the SEC. Oklahoma's wait for consistent tournament relevance continues.