Sooners crack the top 10 of on3's composite rankings, fueled by a resurgent season and dual-threat quarterback John Mateer
The Oklahoma Sooners have emerged as a top-10 contender for the 2026 season. According to on3's composite way-too-early Top 25, which aggregates projections from nine prominent outlets and experts, Oklahoma sits at No. 10.
This placement comes on the heels of a resurgent 2025 campaign that saw the Sooners notch 10 wins, finish 6-2 in SEC play, and earn a spot in the College Football Playoff—albeit ending with a loss to Alabama. The ranking underscores the program's upward trajectory under head coach Brent Venables, whose defensive prowess has begun to shine through after early growing pains in the SEC transition.
The composite ranking was compiled from contributions by On3, Crain & Cone, ESPN, CBS Sports, USA Today, The Sporting News, Yahoo! Sports, FOX Sports, and The Athletic. A straightforward point system was employed: 25 points for a No. 1 ranking, 24 for No. 2, and so on down the line. This methodology ensures a balanced view, mitigating biases from any single source.
Oklahoma's position was hard-earned, edging out BYU at No. 11 and LSU at No. 12 by slim margins. The Sooners' highest individual ranking came from USA Today, which slotted them at an optimistic No. 6, reflecting confidence in their returning talent and strategic additions.
At the top of the heap, Ohio State claims the No. 1 spot, buoyed by their consistent recruiting hauls and a potent offense that dominated in 2025. Indiana, the surprise darlings of the previous season with an undefeated run to the national title game, hold No. 2. Texas follows at No. 3, continuing their SEC dominance with quarterback Arch Manning leading the charge. Georgia and Oregon round out the top five at Nos. 4 and 5, respectively, with their blend of elite defense and high-powered attacks. Notre Dame sits at No. 6, Texas Tech surprises at No. 7 after a breakout year under Joey McGuire, and Texas A&M and Miami are tied for eighth.
This top-10 lineup highlights a mix of traditional powerhouses and emerging threats, setting the stage for what could be one of the most competitive seasons in recent memory.
For Oklahoma, the No. 10 ranking is a testament to Venables' rebuilding efforts. The defense, once a question mark, evolved into a top-15 unit nationally in 2025, forcing turnovers and stifling run games in key matchups.
Offensively, the return of quarterback John Mateer is a massive boon. The dual-threat signal-caller, who transferred in ahead of 2025, showed flashes of brilliance but is expected to take a significant leap in his second year with the program. Mateer's arm strength and mobility, combined with improved decision-making, could make the Sooners' attack one of the SEC's most dynamic.
Bolstering the offense further are savvy transfer portal acquisitions. Wide receivers Trell Harris and Parker Livingstone join returning star Isaiah Sategna, providing Mateer with a deep stable of targets capable of stretching the field.
On the line, E'Marion Harris—a two-year starter from Arkansas—adds veteran presence, while tight ends Hayden Hansen, Rocky Beers, and Jack Van Dorselaer enhance blocking in the run game. These moves address previous weaknesses in pass protection and red-zone efficiency as well, which plagued the team during their playoff exit.
However, the path forward won't be easy. Oklahoma's 2026 schedule is a gauntlet, featuring road trips to Michigan, Georgia, and Missouri—three programs with playoff aspirations of their own.
The annual Red River Shootout against Texas remains a high-stakes rivalry game, and a home tilt against Texas A&M could decide SEC standings. If the Sooners navigate these challenges, a return to the playoff is realistic; stumbles could drop them out of contention in a loaded conference.
Looking broader, this composite ranking reflects shifting dynamics in college football. The Big Ten's strength is evident with Ohio State, Indiana, and Oregon in the top five, while the SEC claims Texas, Georgia, and others. The ACC's Miami and Big 12's Texas Tech add flavor, proving parity beyond the super conferences.
For Oklahoma fans, the No. 10 spot is cause for optimism but also a reminder of the work ahead. Venables has instilled a gritty, defensive-minded culture, and with key pieces in place, the Sooners could climb even higher by season's end.
As spring practices loom, all eyes will be on Norman to see if this way-too-early hype translates to on-field success.