OU football predictions for how John Mateer, Sooners will fare in 2026

Coming off a first-round appearance in the College Football Playoff , coach Brent Venables and the OU football team open the 2026 season with a top-10 ranking and hopes to make a run an eighth NCAA football title.

Quarterback John Mateer returns, as does a potent defense for the Sooners.

Here's how The Oklahoman sports staff view the 2026 season playing out for the Sooners and nationally:

OU football team and fans connect at Meet the Sooners day in Norman, see photos

Heisman winner: Julian Sayin, Ohio State

College Football Playoff field: BYU, Georgia, Indiana, Miami, Navy, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, Texas Tech, USC

College Football Playoff field: BYU, Georgia, Indiana, Miami, Navy, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Oregon, SMU, Texas, Texas A&M, USC

College Football Playoff field: BYU, Georgia, Indiana, Navy, Notre Dame, Miami, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Oregon, USC, Texas, Texas Tech

College Football Playoff field: Georgia, Indiana, LSU, Miami, Navy, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Oregon, Penn State, Texas, Texas Tech