RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 1 sourcesThe Oklahoma Sooners made the College Football Playoff in 2025, navigating one of the more difficult schedules in the sport with a 10-2 regular season record and earning an opportunity to host a playoff game. In 2026, the Sooners will face one of the toughest schedules in college football once again.
The Sooners have an experienced group, with a lot of returning production on both sides of the ball. A team that has been through the fire of Neyland Stadium and Bryant-Denny Stadium and won with their backs against the wall, with a 4-0 month of November to make the playoff.
In order to make the playoff, the Sooners will have to overcome some tough road environments, beat teams that are projected to make the playoff, and navigate some high expectations. Brent Venables and the team will tell you that every game matters and holds equal importance, but some games carry a whole lot more weight.
Here are five games that will be critical to the Oklahoma Sooners ' playoff and national championship hopes in 2026.
at Georgia Bulldogs
It'll be the Oklahoma Sooners' first trip to Athens in the history of the program, facing a head coach who has only lost two games at home since 2017. The Georgia Bulldogs were voted to win the SEC in 2026 and have been one of the most consistent programs in college football over the last decade.
It'll be tough sledding, but the Sooners proved they can win on the road in tough environments in 2025.
Get more Georgia Bulldogs news, analysis, and opinions on UGAWire.
Red River Showdown vs. Texas Longhorns
The Oklahoma Sooners are just 1-3 vs. Texas under Brent Venables. The offense has struggled amid quarterback injury and inexperience in three of those four years. Though the team is taking it as just another game, this is one that every Sooner fan has circled.
Get more Texas Longhorns news, analysis, and opinions on Longhorns Wire .
vs. Ole Miss Rebels
The Oklahoma Sooners are 0-2 against the Rebels over the last two seasons. But they'll get Ole Miss and new head coach Pete Golding at home again in 2026. And they'll have a healthier quarterback and a defense that will be better prepared to contain Trinidad Chambliss. Here's hoping the weather cooperates.
Get more College Football news, analysis, and opinions on College Sports Wire
at Florida Gators
The Texas Longhorns missed the College Football Playoff because of a loss to a 4-8 Florida team. You can imagine Brent Venables will have that on his players' minds when they prepare for their trip to Gainesville in November.
Get more Florida Gators news, analysis, and opinions on GatorsWire.
vs. Texas A&M Aggies
The Texas A&M Aggies were a playoff team a year ago and bring back a ton of talent, including quarterback Marcel Reed. Reed is in his third year as a starter for the Aggies and has gotten better along the way. His dual-threat ability will provide a challenge to Brent Venables' defense.
Get more Texas A&M Aggies news, analysis, and opinions on AggiesWire
Just missed the cut
at Michigan
The two sides are fairly even in returning production heading into 2026 but it being Week 2 with a new Michigan Wolverines coaching staff should give the Sooners an edge in the matchup. Bryce Underwood is a more experienced quarterback than the one who walked into Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium last year but Venables had a great game plan for their offense last year and you can imagine he'll be able to slow down the former five-star once again.
at Missouri
Taking a road trip to Columbia on the final weekend of the regular season, Oklahoma will have a chance to punch their ticket to the College Football Playoff with a win over the Missouri Tigers .
Oklahoma Sooners 2026 Schedule
Sept. 4 vs. UT-El Paso Miners in Norman, Okla.
Sept. 12 at Michigan Wolverines in Ann Arbor, Michigan
Sept. 19 vs. New Mexico Lobos in Norman, Okla.
Sept. 26 at Georgia Bulldogs in Athens, Georgia
Oct. 3 BYE WEEK
Oct. 10 vs. Texas Longhorns in Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Texas
Oct. 17 vs. Kentucky Wildcats in Norman, Okla.
Oct. 24 at Mississippi State Bulldogs in Starkville, Miss.
Oct. 31 vs. South Carolina Gamecocks in Norman, Okla.
Nov. 7 at Florida Gators in Gainesville, Fla.
Nov. 14 vs. Ole Miss Rebels in Norman, Okla.
Nov. 21 vs. Texas A&M Aggies in Norman, Okla.
Nov. 28 at Missouri Tigers in Columbia, Missouri
This article originally appeared on Sooners Wire: 5 games critical to the Oklahoma Sooners 2026 aspirations
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