If you’re waking up today, January 15, 2026, and searching for what time does OU Sooners play football today, I have some news that might be a bit of a buzzkill. There is no game.
None.
The Oklahoma Sooners aren't taking the field this afternoon because their 2025-26 season officially wrapped up back in December. Honestly, it’s that weird "dead zone" of the sports calendar where the weather is freezing in Norman, the pads are in storage, and the only thing hitting the turf is the occasional snow flurry. After that tough 34-24 loss to Alabama in the College Football Playoff first round on December 19, Brent Venables and the crew shifted gears immediately into the chaos of the offseason.
So, if you were planning a tailgate or looking for the channel on your remote, you can officially stand down.
Why There’s No Sooners Game Today
College football is a seasonal beast. By the time mid-January rolls around, the only teams still doing anything are the ones playing for the national title or the lucky few heading to the Senior Bowl later this month. For OU, today is more about meetings and weight rooms than touchdowns.
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The 2025 season was a rollercoaster. We saw some incredible wins—that 23-21 nail-biter against Alabama in the regular season was legendary—but it also ended earlier than any of us wanted. Because the CFP expanded, the schedule shifted, but it still doesn't stretch into late January unless you're in the final championship bracket.
Looking Ahead: The 2026 Oklahoma Football Schedule
Since you're already looking for what time does OU Sooners play football today, you’re probably itching for the next kickoff. We actually already know what that looks like. The SEC released the 2026 slate, and it is a gauntlet.
Mark your calendars for September 5, 2026. That’s when the Sooners host UTEP at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. That’ll be the real answer to your question, though the actual kickoff time won't be set by the networks until we’re much closer to the date.
Here is the meat of what's coming:
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- The Big Road Trip: September 12 at Michigan. This is huge. Ann Arbor is a bucket-list stadium for a lot of fans, and seeing the Crimson and Cream in the Big House is going to be surreal.
- The SEC Opener: September 26 at Georgia. Welcome to the deep end of the pool. This is the first time OU will play in Athens for a regular-season game.
- Red River Rivalry: October 10 vs. Texas in Dallas. Some things never change, and the State Fair will still be smelling like fried everything when the Sooners and Longhorns clash.
The Jason Witten Factor
While the team isn't playing today, the coaching staff has been busy. The program recently made waves by hiring Jason Witten as the new tight ends coach. Yeah, that Jason Witten. The 11-time Pro Bowler.
It’s a massive move for recruiting. If you’re a high school kid and a guy with a gold jacket is sitting in your living room telling you he can teach you how to play the position, you’re probably going to listen. He’s already been active in the transfer portal, reportedly eyeing some high-profile SEC talent to bolster the roster for that September 5 opener.
Transfer Portal and Roster Moves
January is basically the "Roster Construction Bowl." While there’s no game today, the news cycle is moving fast. We just found out that elite playmakers Kip Lewis and Isaiah Sategna are returning for 2026. That’s massive. Having that veteran leadership back on defense and special teams is arguably more important than any January bowl game could have been.
On the flip side, the portal takes as much as it gives. Cornerback Gentry Williams is heading to Georgia, which adds a spicy narrative to that September 26 matchup. It’s basically a soap opera with helmets at this point.
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What to Watch Instead
Since the Sooners aren't playing, what are you supposed to do with your Saturday or your evening?
If you need a Sooner fix, the basketball team is in the thick of it. Porter Moser’s squad is battling through the SEC schedule right now. Also, the track and field team is hosting the Owen Hewett Invitational today in Norman. It’s free, it’s indoors, and it’s a way to support the university without needing to check a TV guide.
Honestly, the best thing to do is start planning that trip to Ann Arbor or Athens. The 2026 schedule is one of the toughest OU has ever faced, with road games at Michigan, Georgia, Florida, and Missouri.
Basically, the "offseason" is just a long pre-game for a very intense 2026.
Check the official SoonerSports website or download the app for real-time updates on spring game dates, which usually happen in April. That’ll be your first chance to see the new-look squad and the Jason Witten-led tight ends in person. Until then, keep the Boomer Sooner spirit alive, but maybe put the grill away for a few more months.
To stay ahead of the curve, keep an eye on the February National Signing Day. While the early signing period is over, there are always a few late surprises that could change the trajectory of the 2026 season before spring practice even begins.