​The Oklahoma Sooners pulled off one of college football’s most remarkable turnarounds last season, finishing 10-3 and earning a return trip to the College Football Playoff after a disappointing 2024 campaign. They demonstrated to the college football landscape that they are built to succeed in the SEC, but within the program, last season is seen as merely the starting point. Oklahoma has set its sights higher: the goal is no longer simply making the playoff, but contending for national championships. Those are the standards that have defined the program for more than a century, and they remain the benchmark that governs every expectation around Norman.
On3’s J.D. PicKell discussed the Sooners’ prospects for the upcoming season on The Hard Count, and he believes Oklahoma carries championship potential if two crucial elements align: an elite defense and an offense that makes a substantial leap forward. “If this comes true—that they have the best defense in college football and the offense carries its weight—it’s going to be a movie in Norman, man,” PicKell said.
That’s not asking too much for the Sooners. Last year, Oklahoma already boasted one of the nation’s top defenses, but the offense needs to elevate its performance. There were moments when the offense flashed real potential, yet there were also stretches when it struggled and appeared inept. The team has already proven it can compete with the best in the SEC by earning a spot in the playoff last season. The next hurdle is finishing the job and contending for a national title.
If Brent Venables’ defense stays among the nation’s elite and the offense makes the expected leap under quarterback John Mateer, the Sooners could re-enter the national championship conversation and provide Norman with its best title opportunity in years. For ongoing coverage of Oklahoma news, notes, and opinions, follow Sooners Wire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our Facebook page. You can also follow Jaron on X @jaronspor. This article originally appeared on Sooners Wire: J.D. PicKell believes ‘It’s going to be a movie in Norman’ in 2026 for better SEO.