The Auburn Tigers and Oklahoma Sooners face off in Week 4 of college football action for the “Jackson Arnold Revenge Game” on Saturday. This is the only battle of the week between two top 25 ranked SEC teams. Both teams are coming off of losing 2024 seasons where they need to bounce back and prove to their fanbases they still have what it takes to compete in the modern SEC. The winner likely sets themselves on a trajectory towards qualifying for the College Football Playoff.

Given how crucial this epic showdown between two possible 2025 college football powerhouses could prove to be, media members of A to Z Sports who cover both teams decided to come together and predict a winner. Will Jackson Arnold and Hugh Freeze do enough on offense to win the day? Will Brent Venables’ defense and Heisman favorite quarterback John Mateer win another big game at home? The picks are in. Enjoy!

Oklahoma 27, Auburn 23

The Oklahoma Sooners look like a potential national contender through the first three weeks. They took care of business against two weak opponents (in Illinois State and Temple) and added a dominant statement victory over Michigan. Quarterback John Mateer is leading the SEC in passing yards per game despite not really having to pass too often due to game script. Brent Venables has his defense ranked top ten in adjusted EPA per play against and success rate allowed. The only weak spot looks to be truly explosive plays (ranking outside top 50 in plays of 30+ yards).

Auburn has looked great on the ground with both Jackson Arnold and star running back Jeremiah Cobb ripping through Baylor, Ball State, and South Alabama. The defense has been good enough, but still a bit leaky in the pass game. While The Tigers have plenty of talent, and the offense looks like it’s gelling, the Sooners still look like the more complete team playing at home this week. Sooners hold the Tigers off late. – Travis May, A to Z Sports CFB & NFL Draft Managing Editor

Oklahoma 28, Auburn 14

I’m not sure this game will be very close. However, it’s the SEC, and there is much more parity now than there has been in the last few years. Oklahoma’s defense may be the best in the country. The Auburn Tigers have a good offense, but only when they can run it. If the Sooners take a lead, that’s the last place Auburn wants to be, trying to play from behind with a passing offense that’s not very proven just yet, against the third-best passing defense in the entire country. Package all of that with Auburn’s defense having some pretty glaring holes–like their pass defense, which ranks 117th in the country in efficiency–and Oklahoma having the best quarterback in the country so far, the Sooners should win at home, easily. Oklahoma 28, Auburn 14. – Justin Churchill, A to Z Sports Oklahoma

Oklahoma 27, Auburn 17

The Oklahoma Sooners gear up for their SEC opener against one of the most talented teams they’ll play all season in the Auburn Tigers. This one is shaping up to be a masterclass in football trench warfare, with Oklahoma’s elite defensive line against Auburn’s elite offensive line. Both sides are stacked with high-end NFL-caliber talents all across the board, and the matchup between key top talents could decide the game. The Sooners do have a few things going for them that I think give them an edge in this high-stakes matchup. Auburn quarterback Jackson Arnold has yet to prove himself as a passer, and the Sooners have been an elite passing defense so far this season and boast an elite pass rush. With this one being a home game in Norman, I’m giving the edge to Oklahoma here. Oklahoma 27, Auburn 17. – AJ Schulte, A to Z Sports Oklahoma

Oklahoma 31, Auburn 24

This matchup is one of my most anticipated so far this season. Jackson Arnold will face off against his former team, and John Mateer is trying to build himself a Heisman Trophy resumé with an SEC ranked win at the same time. In a battle of talented rosters with legit NFL prospects on both sides of the ball, I like OU’s defense a tad more. I trust Venables as a defensive mind, and he will know Arnold’s strengths and weaknesses better than nearly anyone. – Adam Holt, A to Z Sports LSU

Oklahoma 31, Auburn 23

If College Gameday hadn’t gone to Oklahoma for the Michigan game two weeks prior, this would be the game they had selected. It’s also the return of quarterback Jackson Arnold to Norman, where he was a disaster as the Sooners’ starting quarterback in 2024. The Tigers have looked good on offense the first three weeks, especially with Arnold doing a better job in the passing game, which is making his run game more impactful. He will be facing John Mateer, who has shown flashes of being a real Heisman Trophy candidate. The one thing the offense hasn’t done is be truly consistent. This is going to be the game where the Sooners take that step forward and beat the Tigers, while also making Arnold’s return a nightmare. Oklahoma 31, Auburn 23. – Tyler Forness, A to Z Sports Florida

Final Score Prediction for Oklahoma vs. Auburn

The team here at A to Z Sports has this game finishing in a somewhat decisive victory for the Oklahoma Sooners with an average score of 29-20. That’s a bit more bullish on Brent Venables and the Sooners in this game against their former QB Jackson Arnold than sports books have them. Betting markets have this shaded slightly under a seven-point margin with a 27-20 final score projection. It seems that most have yet to realize just how good the Sooners team has looked so far this season. If Auburn’s return to health in a couple key spots (like running back depth) actually helps them out, that might be enough to push them over the edge, but the Sooners look favored a reason.

We’ll be back with more Oklahoma Sooners and Auburn Tigers coverage here at A to Z Sports soon! Follow me (@FF_TravisM) and A to Z Sports (@AtoZSportsNFL) on X for all the latest football news!