As the Oklahoma Sooners get ready for the 2026 college football season, you can feel the optimism in the air. The team’s offensive rebuild is front and center.
Head coach Brent Venables and general manager Jim Nagy have been working hard to beef up the roster, especially around quarterback John Mateer. Folks like Phil Steele, the guy behind Phil Steele’s College Football Preview, have noticed the changes and seem impressed.
With a blend of transfers, some returning talent, and a new focus on keeping the offensive line healthy, Oklahoma looks set for a bounce-back year on offense. There’s a buzz that hasn’t been around in a while.
Key Additions Through the Transfer Portal
Venables and Nagy have hit the transfer portal pretty aggressively, pulling in some big names to boost the offense. Wide receivers Parker Livingstone (from Texas) and Trell Harris (from Virginia) headline the list.
Livingstone stands out at 6-foot-3 and put up 29 catches for 516 yards and six touchdowns last season with the Longhorns. Harris, who made the All-ACC Third Team, caught 59 passes for 847 yards and five scores—so yeah, he’s got the résumé.
Impact on the Receiving Corps
Phil Steele isn’t shy about his praise for this new group of receivers, calling it the best Venables has had in his Oklahoma tenure. With Isaiah Sategna back and the additions of Livingstone and Harris, Mateer suddenly has a pretty exciting trio to throw to.
This new depth and flexibility in the receiving group should give the passing game a real shot in the arm. It’s about time, right?
Strengthening the Tight End Position
Oklahoma’s also beefed up its tight end group, bringing in Hayden Hansen, Rocky Beers, and Jack Van Dorselaer. These guys aren’t just for show—they’re expected to help both the passing and running games.
Their experience and versatility could be huge for Mateer, especially in tight spots or when the Sooners get close to the end zone. Having more options never hurts.
Improving the Rushing Attack
Last season, injuries to running backs Xavier Robinson and Tory Blaylock really hampered the ground game. Now, with those two healthy again and the new tight ends in the mix, there’s hope for a more balanced attack.
Steele thinks that a healthier and deeper offensive line could make all the difference for Oklahoma’s rushing game. It’s hard to argue with that logic.
The Offensive Line: A Critical Component
The offensive line has been a sore spot lately, with injuries piling up year after year. Offensive line coach Bill Bedenbaugh has a stellar reputation, and Steele ranks him among the best out there.
Keeping this group healthy is absolutely crucial if the Sooners want to unlock their offensive potential. No pressure, right?
Phil Steele’s Confidence in Bedenbaugh
Steele’s faith in Bedenbaugh’s coaching is a good sign for Oklahoma. If this line can stay on the field, Steele figures the Sooners will see real improvement up front—and that could lift the whole offense.
Looking Back: Last Season’s Struggles
Last year, the Sooners finished 92nd in total offense, averaging 354.3 yards per game. The rushing attack was even rougher, coming in at 113th with just 118.5 yards per game.
Despite all that, Oklahoma still managed a 10-2 regular season, mostly thanks to Venables’ defense and some clutch special teams play. They even got into the College Football Playoff and led Alabama for a bit before things slipped away.
Defensive Prowess
While the offense sputtered, the defense really carried the load. Steele expects that to continue, rating Oklahoma’s defense as the third-best in the country for 2026.
Sure, they’ll miss a few key guys up front, but with talents like David Stone and a stacked linebacking group and secondary, the defense isn’t going anywhere.
Expectations for the 2026 Season
The Sooners open the 2026 season at home against UTEP on September 4, and there’s genuine anticipation building. With a healthy John Mateer, a stronger offensive line, and a deeper receiving corps, Oklahoma could finally see that offensive breakout fans have been waiting for.
Phil Steele’s stamp of approval on the offseason moves—and his belief in the defense—only adds to the excitement. Maybe this is the year things finally click.
Conclusion
Oklahoma’s been making some interesting moves in the transfer portal lately. They’re also getting some important players back and, honestly, just seem a lot healthier and deeper overall.
There’s a sense that the Sooners have finally found ways to patch up their offensive issues. At the same time, their defense is still looking sharp—maybe even better than last year.
Could this be the year they really break through? It’s worth keeping an eye on them as the 2026 season approaches.
If you’re curious and want to dig deeper, check out the full article on Sports Illustrated.
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