Weekend Open Post | September 11th – 13th
Posted on: September 11, 2026
Sunday Brunch | We Are So Back
– Charlie S – Posted on: September 6, 2026
College football, man. It is so good to have you back. The first full Saturday gave us everything that makes this sport so ridiculously great. Upsets, near upsets, blowouts, last second drama and enough chaos to remind us why Saturdays in the fall are simply different. You never know what you are going to get, and that is exactly what makes college football so special.
For Oklahoma fans, the message is pretty simple. Get better every single week. The Sooners took care of business against UTEP, but September is about building this football team into what it needs to become. Fix what needs fixing, build on what worked and come back next week a little better than you were the week before. There is a long way to go, and every Saturday is another opportunity to take a step forward.
And while we are talking about what makes college football great, we have to talk about the TFB community. This place is special. The passion, the opinions, the debates, the celebrations and even the occasional overreaction are what make covering Oklahoma football so much fun. We are incredibly fortunate to have a community that cares this much about the Sooners. College football is back, Sooner fans, and we get to take this ride together. What could be better?
Sooners Continue to Add
– Charlie S – Posted on: September 7, 2026
I am able to confirm that the Sooners are adding a pair of players who were recently awarded a 5th season of eligibility. I believe George Stoia was the first to report.
Oklahoma is expected to add two more defensive pieces to its 2026 roster, with former Stephen F. Austin linebacker Jaydon Southard and Wisconsin cornerback D’Yoni Hill both headed toward Norman.
Southard is a 6-foot-1, 225-pound linebacker from Wichita Falls, Texas, who has spent the last three seasons at Stephen F. Austin. He emerged as one of the Lumberjacks’ defensive leaders, including a monster 2025 season in which he earned Southland Conference recognition and produced multiple double-digit tackle games. He also showed some juice as a pass rusher, recording 1.5 sacks and three tackles for loss in one standout performance.
Hill brings Power Four experience to the secondary. The veteran corner has played at Marshall, Miami and Wisconsin, giving him plenty of experience against top-level competition. He was one of the players granted a temporary restraining order against the NCAA in the ongoing fifth-year eligibility fight, opening the door for him to continue his college career.
Neither player has officially been added to the OU roster yet, but the expectation is that both will be Sooners once the eligibility and roster matters are finalized. For Brent Venables, adding an experienced linebacker and a veteran corner this late would be another nice bit of roster work as OU gets the 2026 season underway.
Even with the two additions, OU may not be done adding 5th year guys as there are a few more players OU has interest in.
A Word on Michigan
– Super K – Posted on: September 8, 2026
I know Michigan struggled this past weekend against Western Michigan.
***The Sooners are the better team and as you might surmise based on pre-season prediction, I expect OU to win.
***But a word of caution…
***Michigan has talent. Some folks might believe a near loss to a Western Michigan indicates otherwise. That is not the case.
***We’ve seen many times where a team struggles in a first game even against an inferior opponent and then looks totally different the next week.
***Keep in mind that Western Michigan was 10-4 last year and tops in their conference. That’s not an excuse but it is to say that they know how to win.
***Michigan is breaking in new schemes under a new head coach and often that requires a transition period.
***And I think we all know they’ve been preparing all off-season for the Sooners. I know the Sooners have been preparing for them for a while.
***I just want to throw some water on this narrative that a win this weekend would be meaningless and a loss would be devastating. It’s easy to make too much of that first game.
Early Names to Know in the ’28 Recruiting Class
– Charlie S – Posted on: September 8, 2026
While it is not our style to get into the ‘next class’ while the current class is not signed, with OU having basically 90% of the ’27 class committed, I thought it was time to offer some early names in the ’28 class for OU.
The Sooners already have their QB, Trey Tagliaferri, out of New Jersey in the fold, and here are a handful of names to keep an eye on early on for OU.
LB Jay Schell – The 6-foot-3, 215-pound Rabun Gap, Georgia, standout has narrowed his recruitment to Oklahoma and Clemson, and the Sooners look to be in a pretty good spot. Schell is one of the top linebackers in the country and is coming off a sophomore season that saw him rack up 77 tackles, 14 tackles for loss and three sacks. He’ll be in Norman for the New Mexico game, giving OU another opportunity to make its case. This is one to watch closely.
S Kamieon Compton-Nero – The 2028 four-star safety is quickly becoming one of Oklahoma’s biggest in-state recruiting priorities. The 6-foot-3, 185-pound Owasso standout has already shown plenty of interest in the Sooners, and another strong visit to Norman on opening weekend only strengthened that connection. OU wants to keep this one home, and early signs are certainly encouraging.
OL Gavin Wilson – Wilson is one of the top in-state targets on Oklahoma’s board, and the Bixby standout continues to draw major Power Four attention. The Sooners have made their interest clear, and Wilson is quickly looking like a legitimate candidate to become Oklahoma’s next commitment. If the crystal ball crowd is looking for a name, this is one to circle.
WR Dedrick Kimbrough – The Alabaster, Alabama, playmaker is a name Oklahoma fans need to know. Kimbrough has the skill set that fits what the Sooners are looking for at wide receiver, and OU has been making a strong early push to get him to Norman. If Gavin Wilson isn’t the next one in the boat, Kimbrough could very easily be the guy.
TE Connor Arant – The Bixby standout is another in-state prospect who should be high on Oklahoma’s recruiting radar. Arant has the tools to become a difference maker at tight end, and there’s an obvious connection working in OU’s favor here. With Jason Witten now leading the tight end room, the Sooners have a pretty strong recruiting pitch to make. Don’t be surprised if this one moves quickly.
WR Kenyon Sweat – Sweat is starting to look less like a possibility and more like a future Sooner. The Cache, OK, standout continues to trend heavily toward Oklahoma, and the momentum surrounding his recruitment is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore. Barring a major change, Norman looks like the destination to watch.
DL Logan Lokey – Yes, Lokey is a Texas legacy. But right now, the Longhorns don’t appear to be treating him like a major priority, and that gives Oklahoma an opening. The Sooners have plenty of familiarity with the Denton Guyer program, and Lokey is exactly the type of pass-rushing talent OU would love to pull out of North Texas. Now, it may be too late for Texas, even if they came around as Miguel Chavis, Todd Bates and Brent Venables have built strong connections.
Know Your Opponent | Michigan – 2026
– Charlie S – Posted on: September 9, 2026
Head Coach – Kyle Whittingham: 1st year
Offensive Coordinator – Jason Beck: 1st year
Defensive Coordinator – Jay Hill: 1st year
Michigan opened the 2026 season with a 13-12 escape over Western Michigan, needing a controversial second-chance Hail Mary from Bryce Underwood to JJ Buchanan to avoid the stunning upset. The Wolverines’ offense struggled badly, while the defense kept them in the game, making Saturday’s showdown with Oklahoma a much tougher early test for new head coach Kyle Whittingham and his staff. OU defeated Michigan in Norman last year by the score of 24-13.
On offense…
Michigan’s new offense under OC Jason Beck is a physical, run-first “power spread” that blends pro-style/West Coast concepts with modern spread principles. The Wolverines want to establish the run with gap-scheme concepts, including quarterback runs, while using RPOs and a varied passing game to punish defenses for loading the box. After Michigan managed just 106 rushing yards against Western Michigan, establishing that physical identity will be one of the biggest storylines against Oklahoma
QB #19 Bryce Underwood: The former No. 1 overall recruit remains Michigan’s starter, although Kyle Whittingham made it clear that his job isn’t completely locked down. Underwood had a rough opener statistically, completing 12-of-22 passes for 170 yards, one TD and one interception. He also rushed for 47 yards and a touchdown, then delivered the game-winning 47-yard Hail Mary to JJ Buchanan.
RB #23 Jordan Marshall: Marshall is the unquestioned lead back and one of Michigan’s most important offensive players. He carried 11 times for 44 yards against Western Michigan, a relatively quiet opening night after rushing for 932 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2025. He also had four 100-yard games last season.
WR #3 Andrew Marsh: Marsh enters the Oklahoma game as one of Michigan’s most experienced receiving weapons. He had 45 catches for 651 yards and four touchdowns in 2025 and led the Wolverines with 15 plays of 20-plus yards. His Week 1 production was modest, however, as Michigan struggled to consistently move the football.
WR #6 JJ Buchanan: The Utah transfer immediately established himself as Michigan’s big-play threat. In his first game as a Wolverine, Buchanan exploded for six catches, 126 yards and a touchdown, including the unforgettable 47-yard game-winning Hail Mary. He was easily Michigan’s best offensive performer against Western Michigan.
WR #10 Jaime Ffrench Jr.: Ffrench is the most likely starter in Michigan’s third receiver spot, although Salesi Moa (#12) and others will receive snaps. The former Texas transfer was viewed as one of the biggest additions to Michigan’s receiver room and gives Underwood another big, physical target.
TE #83 Zack Marshall: Marshall is expected to get the first opportunity at tight end, although Michigan will rotate Hogan Hansen, Deakon Tonielli and Jalen Hoffman. The tight ends were virtually nonexistent statistically against Western Michigan, making this an area to watch closely against Oklahoma’s defense.
LT #77 Blake Frazier: Frazier returns as Michigan’s left tackle after making eight starts in 2025. He was expected to be challenged by former five-star Andrew Babalola, but Babalola’s fall-camp setback pushed Frazier into the starting role.
LG #71 Evan Link: Link made his first career start at guard against Western Michigan after previously starting 17 games at tackle. Michigan likes his versatility, and his move inside gives the Wolverines a veteran presence against what should be a much tougher Oklahoma defensive front.
C #53 Jake Guarnera: Guarnera is one of the anchors of the offensive line and returns after 11 starts at right guard in 2025. He was one of the players Michigan identified as a returning starter and is expected to provide stability in the middle.
RG #55 Nate Efobi: Efobi won the right guard competition over Brady Norton and entered the season as one of the new pieces in Michigan’s rebuilt starting five. Oklahoma will provide a significantly stronger test than Western Michigan, particularly in the interior.
RT #54 Andrew Sprague: Sprague is arguably the most established member of the line outside of Guarnera. He made 12 starts at right tackle in 2025 and returns as a major piece of what Michigan hopes will again be one of the nation’s better offensive lines.
The big picture for OU:
***Michigan’s offense looked nothing like the high-powered unit many expected in Week 1. The Wolverines managed just 13 points, struggled to run the ball consistently, and repeatedly failed to sustain drives. Buchanan was the clear exception, while Underwood showed both his tremendous talent and his current inconsistency. Michigan’s offensive line also received poor marks for its run blocking in the opener.
***For Oklahoma, Buchanan is the guy I’d circle first. His 126-yard opener demonstrated that Michigan has a legitimate explosive receiving threat, and OU cannot afford to let him turn the game into a one-on-one jump-ball contest.
On defense…
Michigan’s new defense under first-year coordinator Jay Hill is an attacking 4-2-5 scheme built around speed, pressure, and creating confusion for opposing quarterbacks. Hill wants his front to rotate heavily and generate pressure while using an extra defensive back to give the Wolverines flexibility against spread offenses. The early results were encouraging: Michigan held Western Michigan to 221 total yards and no touchdowns, with the defense particularly strong against the run and in the red zone.
DE #8 Dominic Nichols: The biggest Week 1 breakout on the Michigan defense. Nichols made his first career start and absolutely took advantage of it, finishing with 9 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks, all career highs. He also recorded two quarterback hurries. Oklahoma’s offensive tackles are going to have their hands full with him.
DT #17 Enow Etta: Etta started alongside Trey Pierce and gives Michigan a powerful interior presence. He recorded 2 tackles against Western Michigan, including one solo stop. His job against Oklahoma will be particularly important because the Sooners want to establish the run and use John Mateer in the designed quarterback run game.
DT #95 Trey Pierce: One of Michigan’s most experienced defensive linemen, Pierce started 13 games last season and returns as an anchor in the middle. He recorded 3 tackles in the opener and added two quarterback hurries. His ability to occupy blockers will be critical against OU’s interior offensive line.
DE #90 John Henry Daley: The former Utah standout is one of the most intriguing players on Michigan’s entire defense. Daley returned from an Achilles injury that cut short his 2025 season and brings significant pass-rushing ability to the edge. He had 3 assisted tackles and a quarterback hurry against Western Michigan.
LB #18 Troy Bowles: Bowles was arguably Michigan’s best defensive player in the opener. The Georgia transfer exploded for a career-high 12 tackles, seven solo tackles and two tackles for loss. He also played a major communication role for the revamped linebacker corps. Oklahoma will have to account for him both against the run and in coverage.
LB #4 Chase Taylor: Taylor won one of the starting linebacker jobs during camp and made his first career start against Western Michigan. He recorded 3 tackles in the opener and gives Michigan another athletic linebacker capable of handling the responsibilities in Jay Hill’s new defensive system.
CB #0 Jyaire Hill: Hill is one of Michigan’s most experienced returning defensive backs after starting 13 games last season. He had a solid opener with 7 tackles, one tackle for loss and a quarterback hurry. He will likely see plenty of OU’s perimeter receivers Saturday.
CB #3 Smith Snowden: The Utah transfer made his first start as a Wolverine and immediately showed why Michigan wanted him. Snowden recorded 4 tackles and a pass breakup against Western Michigan. He and Hill give Michigan a pair of experienced outside corners, which will be tested by Oklahoma’s receiving corps.
NICKEL #10 Zeke Berry: Berry is expected to remain in the nickel role after starting there against Western Michigan. He finished with 5 tackles in the opener and has the most career pass breakups on Michigan’s roster. Berry’s ability to handle slot receivers while still contributing against the run makes him an important matchup piece against Oklahoma.
S #1 Rod Moore: Moore is the veteran of Michigan’s secondary and leads the roster with seven career interceptions. He had 2 tackles against Western Michigan and is coming back from his own significant injury history. His experience and ability to play center field will be especially important against Mateer’s deep-ball ability.
S #7 Chris Bracy: The Memphis transfer made his first start as a Wolverine and immediately became one of Michigan’s most active defenders. Bracy recorded 9 tackles, tying Nichols for second on the team behind Bowles. His physicality in run support could be particularly important against Oklahoma’s quarterback-run and RPO game.
The big picture for OU:
***One important wrinkle for OU: Michigan is going to rotate heavily. Nathaniel Staehling (#44) had nine tackles in the opener despite not being listed among the two primary starting linebackers, while Jonah Lea’ea (#91) also received significant defensive-line snaps. So the 11 above shouldn’t be interpreted as the only players Oklahoma will see.
***From an OU perspective, Nichols and Bowles are the two guys I’d circle immediately. Nichols showed he can wreck a game from the edge, while Bowles was all over the field in Week 1. The good news for Oklahoma is that Michigan’s defense has not yet been tested by an offense with the quarterback-running dimension and overall explosiveness that John Mateer brings.
Bottom line:
***Win the Line of Scrimmage – Michigan’s offensive line struggled badly in its opener, while OU’s defensive front was one of the Sooners’ biggest strengths. Oklahoma needs to make Michigan one-dimensional and keep Jordan Marshall from establishing the run.
***Pressure Bryce Underwood – Underwood struggled against Western Michigan, completing just 12-of-22 passes with one touchdown and an interception. OU needs to make him uncomfortable early, force him into obvious passing situations and capitalize on mistakes.
***Let John Mateer Be John Mateer – OU needs to stay committed to its physical run game while using Mateer’s mobility to stress Michigan’s new defense. If the Sooners can consistently create explosive plays and avoid turnovers, they should have enough firepower to win a tough road game.
This is the Right Offense
– Super K – Posted on: September 10, 2026
Many of you will recall and we’ve mentioned it many times, Lincoln used to say that at a certain QBs don’t get more accurate. He seemed to believe you can tell that earlier on.
I think by now we know what Mateer and what he’s isn’t. He is a gritty guy who can throw and improvise and throw well on the run. He isn’t a guy who can stand behind his line and put the ball where he wants it.
Last week we saw, again, downfield overthrows.
The difference is this year the head coach spent all offseason talking about the importance of running the ball.
The difference this year is the head man replaced his tight ends coach.
This year the head man and his GM allocated a lot of money to bringing in tight ends.
This year the head man brought in a great running backs coach and the Sooners now have something that resembles a sane rotation.
This year, if the first game is any indication, the Sooners have built an offense that plays to the strengths they’ve created and limits the weaknesses they cannot change.
We saw for perhaps the first time early on, complimentary football. Special teams, defense and offense but not because Mateer suddenly became the air raid gunslinger that I suspect Arbuckle wants. But because the head man worked with the folks around him to build the right kind of offense, not the one any one particular one person prefers.
Under a DC like BV, you don’t need a high flying attack. You need a sustained attack that can make you feel like three points is inevitable and a defense that can make you feel like every three points feels more and more insurmountable.
I don’t know for sure if that’s what they have but it looks a lot closer to that than it ever has…at least to me.
One On Ones | OU vs Michigan 2026
– Charlie S – Posted on: September 10, 2026
The Sooners will hit the road and head to the Big House in Ann Arbor, Michigan, to take on the Wolverines on Saturday!
I’ll be watching a couple of one-on-one matchups in this game as keys to Oklahoma’s success!
Let’s have a look!
One-on-One Number One
Oklahoma Offensive Tackle E’Marion Harris vs. Michigan EDGE Dominic Nichols
One of the most important individual matchups for Oklahoma on Saturday will come on the edge, where fifth-year offensive tackle E’Marion Harris will have his hands full with Michigan EDGE Dominic Nichols. Harris brings plenty of experience to the matchup, while Nichols is coming off a breakout season opener in which he recorded 1.5 sacks and 2.5 tackles for loss in his first career start.
For Harris, the biggest thing will be winning the first contact. Nichols has the confidence and aggressiveness to attack the tackle rather than sit back and read the play. He said this week that his approach is to put the player in front of him in the backfield on every snap and simply dominate his assignment.
That means Harris cannot afford to give Nichols clean access to the edge. He needs to get his hands on Nichols early, maintain good leverage and force him to take the long way around the pocket. Harris’ 6-foot-6, 318-pound frame gives him plenty of size to work with, but this matchup will be about technique as much as power.
The other key is patience. Nichols is going to try to turn Harris’ aggressiveness against him with speed, counters and inside moves. Harris cannot lunge or overextend trying to make the highlight block. Stay square, keep the feet moving and make Nichols work through the block instead of allowing him to dictate the matchup.
And perhaps most importantly, Harris has to understand that this is about more than protecting John Mateer. Nichols has already made it clear that he wants to make an impact against Oklahoma’s quarterback after Mateer gave Michigan problems last season. If Harris can consistently keep Nichols from collapsing the pocket, OU can force Michigan to find answers elsewhere.
The bottom line: Harris doesn’t necessarily need to dominate Nichols every snap. He needs to make Nichols earn everything. Keep him off Mateer’s edge, eliminate the clean rush lane and prevent the big negative play. If Harris can do that, it could go a long way toward keeping OU’s offense on schedule in Ann Arbor.
One on One Number Two
Oklahoma Linebacker Cole Sullivan vs Michigan Quarterback Bryce Underwood
This is a fascinating matchup for Oklahoma, especially with Cole Sullivan facing his former team and a quarterback he knows well. Sullivan spent his first two seasons at Michigan, giving him valuable familiarity with the Wolverines’ personnel. That knowledge could be a major advantage against Bryce Underwood.
Sullivan’s biggest job will be making Underwood think twice. OU needs to disguise its intentions, show pressure and force the young quarterback to work through multiple reads. Sullivan’s ball-hawking ability in the middle of the field could also come into play. If he can anticipate where Underwood wants to go with the football, opportunities for a takeaway will be there.
The other priority is keeping Underwood contained. The talented sophomore can hurt defenses with his legs, meaning Sullivan has to stay disciplined and maintain his assignment rather than simply charging downhill. Make Underwood beat OU with his arm and force him to make those difficult decisions.
And none of this works if OU doesn’t tackle better than it did against UTEP. The Sooners have to wrap up and finish plays. Against a quarterback like Underwood, missed tackles can quickly turn into big plays.
Sullivan’s familiarity with the Michigan personnel, his instincts in coverage and his ability to make plays on the football give him a chance to be a difference maker. If he can keep Underwood contained while forcing him into uncomfortable throws, OU could make life very difficult for the young quarterback.
