Imagine a team clawing their way into the College Football Playoff conversation after a season of ups and downs—that's exactly where the Oklahoma Sooners find themselves right now. Ranked No. 12 in the first College Football Playoff rankings of the 2025 season, OU is making a compelling case for a spot in the 12-team playoff. But here's where it gets controversial: can they sustain the momentum? Fresh off a thrilling 33-27 road victory over No. 25 Tennessee, the Sooners have proven they can compete with the best. Yet, with three daunting matchups ahead—No. 4 Alabama, No. 22 Missouri, and LSU—their fate hangs in the balance. And this is the part most people miss: even if they stumble, the door might still crack open—but only with some help from other teams.
Coach Brent Venables praised his team’s resilience after the Tennessee win, highlighting their physical dominance and refusal to back down. “Nothing that really surprised you,” he said. “I love the refusing to flinch mindset. The piles consistently went in our direction—all those little piles that go forward add up to a lot.” This mindset has been a cornerstone of OU’s success, but will it be enough against the likes of Alabama?
Oklahoma’s resume this season is undeniably impressive. Wins over No. 21 Michigan, Auburn, South Carolina, and No. 25 Tennessee, coupled with competitive losses to No. 11 Texas and No. 6 Ole Miss, make their case hard to ignore. Yet, the debate rages on: is their ranking justified, or are they benefiting from a weaker schedule compared to other contenders? Bold claim: OU’s ability to control their destiny hinges not just on their talent, but on the outcomes of games they’re not even playing.
Venables summed it up perfectly: “You get one shot, you get one kill, that’s it. You don’t get to go back and do this again.” His emphasis on seizing the moment underscores the urgency of these final weeks. If the Sooners can finish strong, they’ll leave an indelible mark on this season—one that some might call unthinkable. But what do you think? Is OU a lock for the playoff, or are they riding a wave of luck? Let’s hear your take in the comments—this is one debate that’s far from over.
