Sooners’ next steps heading into the offseason will say a lot about where the team is headed for 2026
The Sooners are headed in a positive direction if they make the right moves.
2025 ended dreadfully for the Oklahoma Sooners. They blew a 17-point lead that would have sent them to the College Football Playoff, and the season is now officially over. While this season isn’t anything fans should be upset about after the magic that took place every single week, the biggest question remains: What’s next?
The offseason is now here, and the Sooners have to approach it in a certain way if they want 2026 to be even better than 2025 was. They have the pieces already on their roster to be very good in 2026, but some changes need to be made.
Sooners need to make specific changes before the 2026 season
Before we dive in to everything, it’s important to note that this was Athletic Director Joe Castiglione’s final game. He’s retiring, and the very first order of business, or one of the first things, will be to get their new AD. But, besides that, let’s start with the first transfer portal window, since that’s the closest thing. On Jan. 2, the portal opens and closes on Jan. 16, when Oklahoma will begin adding to its team for next season. However, I’d preface that transfer portal window by noting that Oklahoma may not be too busy during that time.
General manager Jim Nagy has mentioned they would rather go all in on some of their freshman than spend a ton of money on other guys in the portal. That could very well be what they do. However, if they add any one position in the transfer portal, they have to go and get a great tight end. Kanak is a senior, along with some of the other guys in the room. They need a guy who can block and catch.
The next order of business is to establish the plan for quarterback John Mateer. He didn’t have the season he hoped he would have, as the hand injury derailed that a bit. However, against the Alabama Crimson Tide on Friday, even in their loss, he was great. Outside of the pick six, which was really bad, we are a few plays away from the Sooners praising Mateer for winning them the game.
Mateer has to decide whether to go to the NFL, where his draft stock is now down, or stay one more year, likely with the Sooners. Or, does Oklahoma even offer him to come back, considering he didn’t play as well as he was being compensated? I think Oklahoma brings Mateer back as a bridge quarterback for 2026 freshman QB Bowe Bentley.
After that, some staff changes need to be made. I’m not one to call for another man’s job, but something has to be done about tight ends coach Joe John Finley. You cannot have the last two years he has had at that position.
These are just some of the most important things the Sooners need to take care of this offseason, but not all of the things they need to take care of. If they handle this the right way, Oklahoma could be right back in the College Football Playoff next season.
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