The Oklahoma Sooners could have something special brewing in 2026. After all, somebody has to knock the back-to-back SEC champions off the top eventually. FOX Sports has named Oklahoma a "dark horse" that could make some serious noise this season, and there's lots to like about the Sooners' chances.
Year two of John Mateer could be a big one after he looked like a Heisman contender before suffering a hand injury last season. Oklahoma also brings back 14 starters, which is the second-most in college football. More sports: Baker Mayfield’s Season Could Get off to Rocky Start, NFL Analyst Says The defense could be where the Sooners really make their mark.
Six of those returning starters are on defense, and that group was already one of the most disruptive units in the country last season. Oklahoma ranked No. 1 in the SEC while allowing just 15.5 points and 272.5 yards per game. The Sooners also led the conference with 45 sacks and 99 tackles for loss.
With Brent Venables running a defense capable of creating problems, Oklahoma has the kind of foundation that could make a run at the top of the SEC realistic. Then. there's the offense. Mateer is back, and so is his top target, Isaiah Sategna III.
Sategna had a huge sophomore season, finishing fourth in the SEC in receiving yards while leading Oklahoma in every major receiving category. He caught 67 passes for 965 yards and eight touchdowns, earning second-team All-SEC honors as both a receiver and an all-purpose player. He also topped 100 receiving yards in four games and led the Sooners in receiving yards eight times.
Sategna wasn't finished there. As Oklahoma's primary punt returner, he picked up 318 yards, the third-most in the SEC. There won't be many easy weeks on Oklahoma's schedule, either.
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