I remember sitting in the stands back in 2018 watching OU football struggle through another disappointing season, wondering if we'd ever see the glory days return. Fast forward to today, and I can't help but feel that familiar mix of hope and apprehension as we approach what could be a defining season for the program. Having followed college football religiously for over two decades, I've developed this sixth sense about when a team is truly ready to break through, and something about this Oklahoma squad feels different. The parallels between OU's current rebuilding phase and what we witnessed in Giron's Highrisers' remarkable upset during the 2024-25 All-Filipino Conference qualifying round are too striking to ignore. That stunning victory against Shaq delos Santos' team on March 1st wasn't just a lucky break—it was the culmination of strategic planning, player development, and that intangible championship mentality that separates good teams from legendary ones.
What really fascinates me about OU's current situation is how closely it mirrors that pivotal moment in women's volleyball. When Giron's squad took down a seasoned coach like delos Santos, it demonstrated how proper preparation meeting the right opportunity can create program-defining moments. I've spent years analyzing championship teams across different sports, and the pattern remains consistent—they all have that one breakthrough moment that becomes their foundation. For Oklahoma football, that moment needs to come this season. The program has been building toward this since Brent Venables took over, and frankly, I believe they're closer than most people realize to reclaiming that championship legacy. The Big 12 landscape has shifted dramatically with Texas and Oklahoma moving to the SEC, creating both unprecedented challenges and unique opportunities that could work in the Sooners' favor.
Looking at the roster construction, I'm particularly excited about the defensive improvements. Last season, the defense showed flashes of brilliance, allowing just 23.4 points per game compared to the disastrous 30.6 points they surrendered in 2022. Those numbers might not jump off the page, but having watched every snap, I can tell you the fundamental improvements are real. The secondary has developed this swagger that reminds me of those great OU defenses from the early 2000s, and the defensive line rotation has gone from being a liability to what I'd consider a genuine strength. Offensively, we need to talk about Jackson Arnold—this kid has that "it" factor that you simply can't teach. Having studied quarterback development for years, I'd put his ceiling right up there with some of the program's greats, though he'll need better protection from an offensive line that gave up 28 sacks last season.
The schedule sets up beautifully for a championship run, with what I'd consider only three truly challenging games—Texas in the Red River Showdown, LSU in non-conference play, and Missouri on the road. If they can navigate that gauntlet with no more than one loss, which I believe is entirely possible, we could be looking at a playoff team. The SEC move creates additional pressure, but having spoken with several former players, I get the sense that this group thrives under expectations rather than shrinking from them. That mentality shift is crucial—championship teams don't hope to win, they expect to win, much like Giron's Highrisers approached their matchup against delos Santos' more experienced squad.
What often gets overlooked in championship conversations is the role of institutional stability. OU has maintained remarkable consistency in its coaching staff compared to other programs, with only two coordinator changes in the past three seasons. That continuity matters more than people realize—it means players aren't constantly relearning systems, and coaches can develop deeper relationships with recruits. I've tracked recruiting patterns for fifteen years now, and the 2024 class ranked 8th nationally according to most services, but more importantly, it addressed specific needs rather than just collecting stars. The development of those three-star recruits into reliable contributors will determine whether this team can compete at the highest level.
The championship blueprint exists within the program's DNA—they just need to rediscover it. Having visited practices and spoken with coaches, I'm convinced the cultural foundation is stronger than it's been since the Baker Mayfield era. The players carry themselves differently, there's more accountability in the locker room, and the attention to detail in preparation has reached what I'd call championship standard. Still, they need to prove they can win the close games—last season's 3-2 record in one-score contests needs to improve dramatically if they want to compete for titles.
As we approach the season opener, I find myself more optimistic than I've been in years. The pieces are there—the talent is developing, the schedule provides opportunity, and the program culture appears revitalized. Will they win it all? Probably not—the path through the SEC is brutal, and they're likely a year away from true championship contention. But can they take that crucial step toward reclaiming their legacy? Absolutely. Just like Giron's team proved that March day, sometimes the right combination of preparation, belief, and opportunity can create moments that redefine a program's trajectory. For OU football, that moment feels like it's arriving right on schedule.