If you woke up today, Sunday, January 18, 2026, and immediately checked your phone to see who does OU play today in football, I have some news that might sting a little.
The short answer? Nobody.
The Oklahoma Sooners aren't hitting the gridiron today. In fact, their pads are already tucked away in the equipment room at the Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. It's that weird, quiet part of the year where the "Boomer Sooner" chants are mostly echoing in our memories rather than in the stands.
Honestly, it’s a bit of a bummer. We’ve spent months living and dying by every snap, and now, nothing. But there’s a reason for the silence on the field today, and it actually tells a pretty interesting story about where the program is at under Brent Venables.
Why There Is No OU Football Game Today
If you feel like you should be tailgating, you’re likely thinking of the College Football Playoff (CFP) schedule. We are right in the thick of the post-season. Tomorrow, Monday, January 19, is actually the National Championship game. It’s the big one. Miami and Indiana are set to clash for the title, which is wild if you think about where those programs were a few years ago.
But Oklahoma isn't in that game.
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The Sooners’ 2025-2026 campaign actually wrapped up about a month ago. On Friday, December 19, 2025, OU hosted a first-round CFP game right there in Norman. It was electric. A home playoff game is what dreams are made of, but the result wasn't what we wanted. They faced Alabama—a team they had actually beaten earlier in the regular season in a 23-21 nail-biter in Tuscaloosa.
Lightning didn't strike twice. Alabama came into Norman and took care of business, winning 34-24. Oklahoma jumped out to a 17-0 lead, and for a second, it felt like they were going to cruise. Then the Crimson Tide did what they do. They outscored the Sooners 34-7 in the final two-and-a-half quarters. That loss officially ended the season for OU.
So, while the CFP is still crowning a champion this weekend, the Sooners are spectators.
Looking Back at the 2025 Season
It’s easy to focus on the playoff loss, but the 2025 season was actually a massive step forward. Before the Alabama loss, Oklahoma finished the regular season with a 10-2 record. That's a big deal in the SEC.
They started hot. They beat Illinois State, then took down Michigan 24-13 in a game that made everyone realize the defense was legit. There were stumbles, sure. Losing the Red River Rivalry 23-6 to Texas was a gut punch. Getting clipped by Ole Miss 34-26 at home wasn't great either.
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But they finished the year like a freight train. They went into Knoxville and beat Tennessee 33-27. Then that huge win at Alabama. They followed it up by handling Missouri and LSU. They finished 10-2, earned a #8 seed in the playoff, and brought a postseason game to Owen Field.
For a program that was trying to find its footing in a new, tougher conference, 2025 proved they belong at the big table.
Key Highlights from the Year
- The Michigan Statement: Winning 24-13 in early September set the tone.
- The Tuscaloosa Takedown: That 23-21 win over the Tide was easily the peak of the regular season.
- Defensive Identity: Under Venables, the "OU DNA" defense finally looked like a top-tier unit, holding teams like Missouri to just 6 points.
The 2026 Schedule: What’s Next?
Since there isn't a game today, most fans are already looking at the 2026 calendar. If you're planning your Saturdays for next fall, the schedule is already out, and it’s a gauntlet.
The Sooners open the 2026 season on September 5th at home against UTEP. That’ll be the first time we see the new-look roster. But the schedule makers didn't do them any favors after that. Week 2 they have to travel to Ann Arbor for a rematch with Michigan.
The SEC slate is even more brutal. They have road trips to Georgia, Florida, Mississippi State, and Missouri. They get Kentucky, South Carolina, Ole Miss, and Texas A&M at home. And of course, the trip to Dallas for Texas on October 10th.
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It’s the first year of the mandatory nine-game SEC schedule, meaning there are no "off" weeks once conference play starts on September 26th against the Bulldogs.
If You Still Need a Sooner Fix Today
Just because the football team isn't playing doesn't mean Norman is quiet. Actually, today is a massive day for OU sports.
The #13 Oklahoma Women’s Basketball team is hosting #6 LSU today at the Lloyd Noble Center. This isn't just a regular game; it's a "Stripe Out." It’s also officially sold out, which is the first time the LNC has been at capacity for a women's game since 2009.
Tip-off is at 2:00 PM CT on ESPN2. If you were looking for who does OU play today in football and ended up here, you might want to flip the channel to the hardwood instead. Sahara Williams and the Sooners are trying to snap a two-game skid against Kim Mulkey’s squad. It’s going to be high-intensity, and honestly, it’s the best way to spend a Sunday afternoon while waiting for spring ball to start.
Actionable Steps for Sooners Fans
Since the football season is over, here is how you can stay prepared for the 2026 kickoff:
- Check the 2026 Schedule: Mark your calendars for September 5th. The road games at Michigan (Sept 12) and Georgia (Sept 26) are going to be tough tickets to get.
- Follow the Portal: With the season over, the transfer portal is where the roster will be won or lost. Keep an eye on the defensive line and wide receiver spots.
- Support the Other Sports: Go watch the women's basketball game against LSU today. The atmosphere in Norman is going to be incredible.
- Renew Season Tickets: If you're a season ticket holder, the renewal deadlines usually start creeping up in the early spring.
The football team might be idle today, but the program never stops moving. 2025 was a "good" year. 2026 is when everyone expects them to be "great."