You’re looking for the ou football score today, but if you check the scoreboard at Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium right now, it’s blank. Honestly, it’s a bit of a weird time for college football fans. We are stuck in that post-playoff limbo where the pads have been packed away, the grass in Norman is probably dormant, and the "score" is being settled in the transfer portal rather than on the gridiron.
The Sooners finished their 2025-2026 campaign a few weeks ago. If you missed the final tally, Oklahoma's last game was a tough 24-34 loss against Alabama on December 19, 2025. It was a First Round College Football Playoff matchup that felt like a heavyweight fight until the Crimson Tide pulled away in the fourth quarter.
The score that actually matters right now
Since there is no live game today, January 18, 2026, the real "score" is how Brent Venables is rebuilding this roster for the 2026 season. You’ve probably seen the headlines. It’s been a whirlwind.
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Just this week, the program got some massive news. Quarterback John Mateer and linebacker Kip Lewis have officially confirmed they are returning for the 2026 season. That is a huge win. Mateer, who threw for 2,885 yards and 14 touchdowns this past season, is the engine of this offense. Having him back for another year under offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle gives OU a level of stability they haven't had in a while.
Recent "Wins" in the Transfer Portal
- Prince Ijioma: A defensive back from Mississippi Valley State who just committed on January 16. He’s a "diamond in the rough" type of find.
- Jason Witten: Okay, not a player, but hiring the NFL legend as the new Tight Ends coach is a massive recruiting "score."
- Jack Van Dorselaer: A tight end from Tennessee who flipped to the Sooners shortly after the Witten hire.
What happened in that final game?
To understand where the team is today, you have to look at that 34-24 loss to Alabama. It was a game of "what ifs." John Mateer played his heart out, throwing for 307 yards, and Deion Burks was a monster with 107 receiving yards. But the defense just couldn't get off the field when it mattered most.
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The loss hurt, but it proved Oklahoma belongs in the playoff conversation. They ended the season with an 8-5 record (or better depending on the final poll adjustments), which is solid for their second year in the SEC, even if fans in Norman always expect a natty.
Looking ahead to the 2026 schedule
If you're already itching for the next kickoff, the 2026 schedule is already out. It's a gauntlet.
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They open up on September 5 against UTEP, but the real test comes the following week when they travel to Ann Arbor to face Michigan on September 12. Then they have to deal with a road trip to Georgia on September 26. Basically, the 2026 season is going to be one long heart attack for Sooners fans.
Today might not have a game, but the program is arguably busier now than it was in November. With the NFL Draft deadline passing, knowing that stars like Isaiah Sategna are staying in Norman is better than any regular-season win.
Actionable steps for Sooners fans
Keep an eye on the transfer portal window, which is currently the most active "game" in town. If you want to stay ahead of the curve, follow the official OU football social accounts for news on spring practice dates, which usually start in March. Now is also the time to look into 2026 season ticket renewals, as the home slate featuring Ole Miss and Texas A&M is going to be high demand.