Oklahoma enters Brent Venables’ fifth season following a 10-win campaign in 2025. Ben Arbuckle returns as offensive coordinator, and starting quarterback John Mateer also returns, providing a threat as a runner after averaging 36 rushing yards per game and scoring eight rushing touchdowns last season. Tory Blaylock and Xavier Robinson return at running back, and leading receiver Isaiah Sategna III is also back. Virginia transfer Trell Harris and Texas transfer Parker Livingstone join the receiving corps, while Florida transfer Hayden Hansen joins the group at tight end. The offensive line returns full-time starters Michael Fasusi and Jake Maikkula (out several weeks to start the season with an MCL) after each making 10 starts last season, and Heath Ozaeta also returns after making seven starts. Eddy Pierre-Louis and Ryan Fodje (sidelined to start the season) each made six, and Arkansas transfer E’Marion Harris joins the group after making 11 starts last season.
Todd Bates returns as co-defensive coordinator as Oklahoma brings back six of its top eleven tacklers from last season, including its top two in Kip Lewis and Owen Heinecke. Lewis returns at linebacker after making 13 starts, while Heinecke made five. Along the defensive front, Taylor Wein returns after making eight starts last season, while Jayden Jackson made six and David Stone made two. The secondary brings back full-time starters Peyton Bowen and Courtland Guillory after making 13 and 11 starts, respectively, and Eli Bowen started all nine games he appeared in last season.
Doug Deakin returns as special teams coordinator, with Lou Groza Award winner Tate Sandell back at placekicker after making 23 of 24 field-goal attempts during the 2025 regular season, including all seven attempts from 50 yards or longer. Grayson Miller returns at punter after earning first-team All-SEC honors, while Isaiah Sategna III is back at punt returner after totaling 318 yards on 24 returns last season. Colorado State transfer Lloyd Avant also joins the return game after recording 268 yards on 11 kickoff returns in 2025. Oklahoma enters 2026 with considerable continuity at quarterback, along the offensive line, and throughout the defense. The Sooners return six of their top eleven tacklers, including their top two, while an experienced secondary and one of the nation’s most accomplished specialist groups provide additional stability.