Sooners’ non-conference games in 2026 will have them more prepared for SEC play than other teams in the conference
The Sooners have a decent 2026 schedule, with some tough non-conference opponents.
The 2026 schedules were released on Thursday for all SEC teams. The Oklahoma Sooners have a tough schedule, as every SEC team does. However, they also have some tough non-conference games in addition to their conference games, which could help them be better prepared for conference play.
With the SEC moving to nine conference games, teams onl;y have three non-conference games now. The Sooners get to play UTEP in Week 1, which won just two games last season. After that, they travel to Ann Arbor to play the Michigan Wolverines. Michigan is going to make a change at head coach, but playing at the Big House in front of 100,000 fans against a team that will still be good is tough. Then, they play a nine win team in 2025 in New Mexico.
This non-conference schedule is perfect.
Sooners’ 2026 schedule has the perfect mix of non-conference games
With UTEP, the Sooners are getting an easy non-conference game to get the season kicked off. This is the perfect type of game to start the season with, because you get to knock the rust off and kind of figure out your identity. This year, the Sooners used games against Kent State, Illinois State, and Temple to do the same, and it worked.
Only this year, they won’t have two more Easy wins in their non-conference play. The next game against Michigan is on the road. Michigan is dealing with some things at the moment that we really don’t have to bring up, but they’re still bound to be at least an eight win team.
The Wolverines are always a tough team that plays physical. And, they’re playing in a hostile environment, so you get that true road game out of the way early rather than the middle of the season like the Sooners did this year.
After playing Michigan, the Sooners host New Mexico, who plays in the Group of Five, but won nine games this season. They could very well be a dangerous team next season. That’s a game that somewhat feels like a trap game where it’s easy for a team to go into a matchup not ready because of the opponent. But, that’s a game you want so you can see how your team responds.
The Sooners will have their hands full, but that’s a good thing. This non-conference schedule could help them be better prepared for SEC play.
Oklahoma Sooners News
Sooners just proved that they are more than deserving of being in the SEC just as much as any team in the conference
The Sooners have some of the best players in the country, let alone in the best conference that is the SEC.
