It's midterm time in Oklahoma.
The Sooners are 3-3 halfway through their 2026 college football season, which is obviously already a failure after entering the year with expectations to return to the College Football Playoff. Now, OU is just hoping to make a bowl game.
Those results are a reflection of failing performances throughout the team. Not every position has failed, though.
Graded on a curve based on expectations for each position group and what the players have actually accomplished when tested, here is the Sooners' midseason report card:
Quarterbacks: F
This season has been a failure mostly because of turnovers, and starting quarterback John Mateer is responsible for nine of the Sooners’ 14 turnovers. This grade is even more deserving of that F because, despite Mateer being so turnover-prone, apparently he’s still the best option at the position.
Running Backs: C-
The running backs don’t really deserve a failing grade, because it’s actually offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle failing them. He’s sabotaging the backfield with head-scratching rotations, especially in crunch time.
Still, even if it’s the teacher’s fault, it’s still the students with poor test scores. OU’s running backs have yet to produce a 100-yard rusher in a game, with Lloyd Avant posting a season-high 79 yards in Week 1 against UTEP. Maybe if the group made it clear they deserved more touches, then Arbuckle would.
Wide Receivers: D
Isaiah Sategna and the recent emergence of Manny Choice are keeping this position from being a complete failure. Sure, quarterback play has been terrible, but Mateer’s receivers definitely aren’t helping him out at all, especially with multiple drops against Kentucky.
Tight Ends: A
The revamped tight end position under new coach Jason Witten has been the only bright spot on the Sooners’ offense. They give OU a chance to find success running outside the tackles, and Rocky Beers is probably Mateer’s most reliable target, with 26 receptions for 329 yards and three touchdowns.
This looks like a PE grade that boosts the GPA of an overall poor report card.
Offensive Line: F
With talent and experience, the Sooners’ offensive line was equipped for success in 2026, but it’s still been a weekly failure. Sure, injuries can be to blame, but even when almost fully healthy, this offensive line was still unable to pave the way for a successful run game or keep Mateer comfortable in the pocket.
Defensive Line: B
The standard for defensive lines under Brent Venables is extremely high. In order to be an A on this curve, the unit has to clearly be one of the best in college football.
This defensive front is exceptional, but it’s not at the top. The Sooners have 18 sacks, which rank 18th in FBS, and have the No. 31 run defense. This is an average defensive line at OU as long as Venables is around.
Linebackers: B-
This is another position with extremely high standards in Venables’ system. Owen Heinecke and Kip Lewis had All-SEC-level expectations for 2026, and neither is there right now.
Maybe the expectations were too steep, but if grading on a curve, the linebackers don’t deserve an A.
Defensive Backs: A
The Sooners have the No. 6 passing defense in college football, allowing just 151.3 yards per game. Cornerbacks Eli Bowen (when healthy) and Courtland Guillory, and safety Peyton Bowen, have all played at an All-SEC level. Omarion Robinson has also swung above his weight at safety.
Special Teams: B
Tate Sandell was the best kicker in college football last year, but he’s not quite that in 2026 with three early misses. Sandell was the hero of the Red River Rivalry, though, with a game-winning 47-yard field goal as time expired.
Get Tate Sandell the Golden Hat 🤠 @OU_Football pic.twitter.com/ZI0K6q5WeQ
— SEC Network (@SECNetwork) October 10, 2026
As for the return game, it’s been quiet as usual since Isaiah Sategna’s punt return for a score in OU’s season opener.
Add us as a preferred source on Google