David Stone, Tate Sandell, and John Mateer highlight preseason national recognition
The Oklahoma Sooners are already turning heads with preseason accolades that underscore the program's depth and potential for 2026. on3 recently unveiled its way-too-early All-America team, naming defensive tackle David Stone and kicker Tate Sandell to the second team, a testament to their individual prowess and the team's emerging strengths.
Meanwhile, USA TODAY included quarterback John Mateer on its too-early Heisman Trophy contenders list as an honorable mention, adding to the optimism surrounding Brent Venables' squad after a playoff appearance last year.
David Stone, a former five-star recruit from the 2024 class, has quickly established himself as a cornerstone of Oklahoma's defensive line. Hailing from IMG Academy in Florida, Stone flipped his commitment from Miami to OU during his high school days, bringing elite athleticism and disruptive potential to the Sooners' front.
In 2025, he showcased his skills with impressive stats, including multiple sacks and tackles for loss, helping anchor a defense that improved significantly. Observers at the Under Armour All-American Game practices back in 2024 noted his quick first step and relentless motor, qualities that have translated seamlessly to the college level.
His inclusion on on3's second-team All-America list reflects not just his past performance but his projected dominance in 2026, where he's expected to pair with talents like Jayden Jackson and PJ Adebawore for one of the SEC's most formidable interiors.
Stone's development is crucial for OU, as the team aims to build on its 2025 success and contend for a conference title.
Complementing Stone's defensive honors is Tate Sandell, the Sooners' standout kicker who claimed the 2025 Lou Groza Award as the nation's top placekicker.
Sandell's reliability from long range and in clutch situations made him a weapon for special teams coordinator Doug Deakin. Last season, he converted field goals at an elite clip, including several game-winners that propelled Oklahoma into the playoffs. His second-team All-America nod from on3 highlights his consistency, with experts praising his powerful leg and mental toughness.
In a conference as competitive as the SEC, having a kicker like Sandell could be the difference in tight contests against teams like Texas or Georgia.
On the offensive side, John Mateer's honorable mention on USA TODAY's Heisman list signals high expectations for the senior quarterback.
Mateer, who transferred to Oklahoma ahead of the 2025 season, started strong as a Heisman favorite but suffered a hand injury in September that sidelined him temporarily. Despite the setback, he returned to lead the Sooners to key victories.
His dual-threat ability—combining accurate passing with elusive scrambling—makes him a nightmare for defenses. With new weapons like tight end Hayden Hansen from Florida and wide receiver Trell Harris added via the transfer portal, Mateer is poised for a rebound.
A healthy Mateer could elevate OU's offense, which ranked among the top in the SEC last year, and put him squarely in the Heisman conversation alongside names like Arch Manning or Julian Sayin.
These preseason honors come at a pivotal time for Oklahoma, entering Year 5 under Venables with raised expectations following a transfer portal haul and a No. 12 ranking in ESPN's too-early Top 25.
The Sooners' 2025 playoff run, despite Mateer's injury challenges, proved the program's resilience. With Stone bolstering the defense, Sandell providing special teams stability, and Mateer steering the offense, OU is projected as high as No. 8 in some way-too-early rankings.
Challenges remain for the Sooners entering 2026. The SEC schedule is grueling. Injuries, as seen with Mateer last year, could derail momentum, and integrating new transfers will be key. Still, these early accolades from on3 and USA TODAY affirm that Oklahoma has the talent to compete at the highest level.
As spring practices loom, the focus will shift to building chemistry and health. For Stone, Sandell, and Mateer, these honors are just the beginning—motivation to turn preseason hype into on-field glory.
If they deliver, 2026 could be a banner year for the Sooners, restoring the program to its storied elite status in college football.