Sooners’ future schedule change is actually going to help Oklahoma even though it’s in their opponents’ backyard

The Sooners are going to be playing at AT&T Stadium.

Justin Churchill — College Football & NFL Trending News Writer
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The Oklahoma Sooners are set to play a 2027 game at AT&T Stadium against the SMU Mustangs
© BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The Oklahoma Sooners made a minor 2027 schedule change, moving their September game against SMU from Dallas to Arlington.

Brett McMurphy of On3 reports the game will now be played at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on September 11, 2027. SMU moved key nonconference games against OU and LSU for branding and revenue. Gerald J. Ford Stadium seats 33,200; AT&T Stadium seats 80,000. This move benefits SMU. SMU will play home games in Dallas Cowboys’ stadium for first time since their Pony Express days in the 1980s.

This move can also benefit the Sooners in specific ways, such as increased fan attendance, enhanced visibility in a key recruiting area, and the opportunity to play in an NFL venue.

Moving the SMU matchup to AT&T Stadium benefits the Sooners

OU has a large fan base in East and North Texas. Many local fans support the Sooners more than most realize. This is why the Cotton Bowl is used as the neutral site for the Red River Rivalry against Texas.

Sooners fans always travel well, but moving the game to AT&T Stadium, rather than a smaller venue, gives OU the chance to draw a larger crowd, gain more marketing exposure, and connect with fans in a rich recruiting area. The excitement of playing at the Cowboys’ stadium, a favorite for many Sooners fans, could boost road support and elevate the program’s profile.

No one knows how either team will look in 2027. SMU has been strong recently and could be again, or OU could struggle as Bowe Bentley starts as a redshirt freshman. Teams can change significantly year to year. SMU could also decline by then.

Regardless, they are playing two national brands and want to use that opportunity to generate more revenue. You can’t knock the idea—it’s smart, as it positions SMU for financial and branding gains. The Sooners will have a tough non-conference schedule that season, just because they’re playing SMU. So, they will need all the help they can get.

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