Almost everyone makes a list of wants ahead of Christmas, and although Santa can't magically give Oklahoma fans what they really want for the 2026 football season, maybe Brent Venables, another man dressed in crimson, can.
What OU fans really want next football season
John Mateer lives up to his hype and gives OU another Heisman-worthy QB1
This time last year, quarterback John Mateer was on the wish list of many OU fans as the No. 1 prospect in the Transfer Portal, but after a disappointing season as the Sooners' QB1 because of a hand injury and poor decisions, much of the fan base would prefer a new quarterback in 2026. However, even though the NFL is an option, Mateer will likely be back in Oklahoma next season.
Through the first four weeks of the season, though, Mateer was a Heisman Trophy frontrunner and it was a flashback to the Lincoln Riley days when OU fans were accustomed to consistently having one of the best QBs in the country. If Mateer lives up to expectations throughout 2026, OU fans could again enjoy a Heisman-worthy QB leading their team.
Beat Texas in the Red River Rivalry
The past two years, the Sooners have played one of their worst games of the season in the Red River Rivalry. OU has also lost to Texas three out of four times under Brent Venables. Even if Venables gets OU back to the College Football Playoff next season, fans want a win in the Red River Rivalry just as much, and a third straight loss would make Venables deserving of coal.
Not just get to the playoff, but get past the first round
After being up 17-0 to Alabama, the Sooners for the second time became the only team to squander a 17-point lead in a playoff game. The loss also made OU 0-5 in playoff games as the only program without a win in four or more CFP apperances.
A Heisman Trophy, 10 wins, bragging rights over Texas and even an SEC title might be on the list wish of OU fans, but they want nothing more than to finally get that first playoff win and have a real shot at the Sooners' first national championship since 2000.