PERFECT Offseason Plan For Oklahoma Sooners' Football

Following a strong bounce-back 2025 season that saw the Sooners finish 10-3, earn a College Football Playoff berth, and push Alabama in a hard-fought first-round loss, Oklahoma heads into the 2026 offseason with momentum but clear areas for improvement.

Quarterback John Mateer showed dual-threat potential but inconsistency, especially late in the year.

The offense made strides from 2024's struggles but still lacked physicality in the run game against elite SEC defenses.

Here's a detailed, point-by-point outline of an aggressive offseason plan to position OU for a deeper playoff run and potential national title contention.

1. Fire Tight Ends Coach Joe Jon Finley

The tight end position, once a cornerstone of Oklahoma's "TEU" reputation alongside QBU, has underperformed in recent years.

Legends like Mark Andrews and Jermaine Gresham set a high bar, but production has dwindled. In 2025, players like Jaren Kanak flashed early potential before fading, and the group overall failed to deliver consistent blocking or receiving threats.

Finley, a loyal former Sooner, has been given multiple opportunities, including play-calling duties in the past, but the results haven't matched expectations.

Replacing him with a fresh voice—perhaps someone with a track record of developing versatile tight ends—would inject new schemes and accountability.

This move signals a commitment to restoring the position's impact in both the pass and run games, freeing up resources to target a proven recruiter and developer.

2. Fire Running Backs Coach DeMarco Murray

Oklahoma's running back tradition is legendary, boasting names like Adrian Peterson, Joe Mixon, Samaje Perine, and Rhamondre Stevenson over the past two decades.

However, recent output has fallen short, with no standout performers emerging lately.

Murray, an all-time OU great, commands respect as a player, but his coaching has not translated to on-field development.

The persistent use of an outside zone scheme that doesn't align with personnel has limited talents like Xavier Robinson and incoming portal additions (e.g., Jaydn Ott).

In 2025, the run game remained inconsistent despite depth. A change here could bring in a coach emphasizing power and gap schemes better suited to SEC physicality, unlocking the backfield's explosiveness and creating a more balanced attack.

3. Hire Sam Pittman in Some Capacity

Bill Bedenbaugh is rightfully entrenched as one of the top offensive line coaches in College Football and should remain the primary leader.

However, adding Sam Pittman—an Oklahoma native, lifelong Sooners fan, former OU staffer, and nationally renowned O-line guru—would create a powerhouse duo.

Recently fired from Arkansas after a mid-2025 season change, Pittman is freshly available and brings elite recruiting ties (key to Kirby Smart's early Georgia success) plus proven trench dominance.

Roles could include co-offensive line coach, run game coordinator, or senior analyst, depending on what his buyout from Arkansas allows.

This pairing would elevate an O-line that improved in pass protection in 2025 but struggled with run blocking, providing veteran expertise to young talents like Michael Fasusi and Ryan Fodje while dominating recruitment in the trenches.

4. Bring in Another Starting-Caliber QB Through the Portal

John Mateer's 2026 status remains undecided—he's draft-eligible after an up-and-down 2025 (flashes of brilliance mixed with late-season passing struggles and a mid-year hand injury), or he could leave for another school.

Even if he returns, competition is vital to push growth and ensure depth. "Iron sharpens iron," and Mateer has thrived under pressure before.

The portal offers strong options, such as Arizona State's Sam Leavitt, TCU's Josh Hoover, Iowa State's Rocco Becht, Cincinnati's Brendan Sorsby, Nebraska's Dylan Raiola, or Florida's DJ Lagway.

Adding one provides insurance against injury or NFL departure while fostering a competitive room that elevates performance heading into a tougher SEC slate.

5. Bring in More Veteran Offensive Linemen via the Portal

The 2025 line relied heavily on youth and freshmen at times, leading to inconsistencies despite late progress and better pass protection.

Run blocking lagged against physical SEC fronts, underscoring the need for "road graders"—immediate-impact veterans with proven power.

Prioritizing interior linemen and tackles with high run-blocking grades would complement Bedenbaugh's development of homegrown stars.

This addresses depth lost to graduation/eligibility and builds a nastier, more experienced front essential for competing in the conference's brutal trenches.

Implementing these changes—targeted coaching turnover, a marquee hire like Pittman, QB competition, and portal reinforcements—would solidify the offense around Venables' elite defense, restoring Oklahoma's identity as a physical, dominant force in 2026.