Unfinished business in Norman: Sandell skips early NFL entry for championship chase
Oklahoma Sooners kicker Tate Sandell announced on January 11, 2026, that he will return to Norman for his redshirt senior season in 2026.
The 2025 Lou Groza Award winner, who etched his name into OU history as the program's first recipient of the honor for the nation's top placekicker, could have easily bolted for the NFL Draft.
Projections had him as the No. 4 kicker on the board according to ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr., placing him in a position to be selected in the mid-to-late rounds—potentially as high as the fourth round given the premium on reliable special teams talent in today's NFL.
With his booming leg and proven accuracy, Sandell was poised to compete for a starting job as a rookie, joining the ranks of elite college kickers like Harrison Butker or Justin Tucker who transitioned seamlessly to the pros.
Sandell's 2025 campaign was nothing short of legendary.
Transferring from UTSA ahead of the season, he quickly became the heartbeat of Oklahoma's special teams unit. He converted 24 of 27 field goals, including a perfect 8-for-8 from 50 yards and beyond—tying an FBS single-season record.
His average make distance of 41.8 yards led the nation, and he accounted for a staggering 31.8% of the Sooners' total points in their 10-3 season.
Highlights included a record-tying three 50-plus yard field goals in a single game against Tennessee, and he rewrote OU's record books with 15 makes from 40+ yards and seven from 50+.
Under head coach Brent Venables, Sandell's reliability shifted the team's strategy, extending the "go" line for field goal attempts to the opponent's 38-yard line and alleviating pressure on a sometimes inconsistent offense.
Yet, despite this dominance, Sandell's decision to return raises eyebrows—particularly in light of his performance in the College Football Playoff first-round loss to Alabama on December 19, 2025.
The Sooners fell 34-24 in a rematch against the Crimson Tide, a game that exposed rare cracks in Sandell's armor.
Entering the contest on a scorching streak of 24 consecutive made field goals, Sandell started strong by drilling a 51-yarder to help keep OU competitive.
But in the crucial fourth quarter, with Oklahoma trailing by 10 and desperately needing points, he missed back-to-back attempts: a 36-yarder that sailed wide and a 51-yarder that fell short.
These misses—his first since early in the season—effectively sealed the Sooners' fate, allowing Alabama to run out the clock and advance.
The misses weren't isolated flukes; they came amid broader special teams woes, including a muffed punt that gifted Alabama prime field position.
Fans and analysts alike were stunned, with some pointing to windy conditions at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium or the immense pressure of the playoff stage.
Oklahoma fans even circulated theories about a controversial referee call earlier in the game that allegedly nullified one of Sandell's attempts, though replays showed no such infraction.
Statistically, Sandell finished the game 1-for-3 on field goals, a stark contrast to his flawless 3-for-3 performance (including a 52-yarder) in OU's regular-season road win over Alabama just a month earlier, 23-21.
Did this poor showing against Alabama influence Sandell's choice to return?
While the kicker hasn't explicitly said so, the timing and context suggest it played a role. In his announcement on X, Sandell called it "one last ride," hinting at unfinished business and a desire for redemption.
Draft experts speculate that the high-profile misses might have slightly dinged his stock, pushing him toward later rounds where competition for NFL roster spots intensifies.
Kickers, after all, are often judged harshly on clutch moments, and Sandell's playoff stumbles could have raised questions about his performance under the brightest lights—despite his otherwise impeccable resume.
Beyond the Alabama game, other factors likely weighed in.
The NIL era has transformed College Football, allowing stars like Sandell to earn significant money while staying in school.
Reports indicate he has lucrative deals with local Oklahoma brands, potentially rivaling an entry-level NFL salary.
Additionally, Sandell has spoken candidly about nearly quitting football before transferring to OU, crediting the program for reigniting his passion.
Returning allows him to chase a national championship with a reloaded Sooners squad, including quarterback John Mateer and a defense poised for improvement.
For Oklahoma, Sandell's return is a massive boon.
In a conference as brutal as the SEC, having a weapon like him—who can turn stalled drives into points from midfield—could be the difference in tight games.
Venables has already praised Sandell as the "MVP" of the 2025 season, and his presence stabilizes a special teams unit that faltered in the playoff.
As the Sooners eye a deeper postseason run in 2026, Sandell's decision underscores a commitment to legacy over immediate pro aspirations.
In the end, Tate Sandell's story is one of resilience.
From transfer portal obscurity to Groza glory, and now to a voluntary encore, he's betting on himself to erase the Alabama blemish and cement his status as OU's greatest kicker.
College Football fans should buckle up—this "one last ride" promises fireworks.