Oklahoma Sooners Unveil 2025 Football Schedule: Key Matchups, Notable Changes, and What to Expect
In a much-anticipated announcement, the University of Oklahoma has officially revealed its 2025 football schedule, marking an exciting and pivotal year for the Sooners. With changes in the landscape of college football, including conference realignments and shifting rivalries, the 2025 season holds a unique significance for Oklahoma as the program continues to strive for excellence on the gridiron. From thrilling in-conference battles to challenging non-conference showdowns, the Sooners’ schedule offers a blend of traditional powerhouses and emerging contenders.
This article delves into the key matchups, the structure of the Sooners’ 2025 season, and what fans and analysts can expect from Brent Venables’ team as it heads into the year. Oklahoma’s move to the Southeastern Conference (SEC) is on the horizon, and the 2025 season will be an important stepping stone toward that transition.
The 2025 Season: A Historic Transition for Oklahoma
For the first time in decades, Oklahoma is gearing up for a new era of college football. The Sooners, historically a powerhouse in the Big 12, are preparing to transition into the SEC, the most dominant conference in college football. This move, which has been planned for several years, will officially take place in 2025. As a result, the 2025 season is poised to be a monumental year for Oklahoma as it wraps up its final seasons in the Big 12 while also laying the groundwork for its future in the SEC.
The Sooners’ 2025 schedule is a mix of familiar opponents, new challenges, and a test of how well the program can adapt to the new competitive landscape of college football. Head coach Brent Venables, who took over the Sooners’ program in 2022, will be tasked with leading Oklahoma through this critical period of transition.
Big 12 Battles: Traditional Rivals and Key Matchups
The Big 12 has been a conference where Oklahoma has historically thrived. Over the past several decades, the Sooners have claimed numerous conference championships and have been the dominant force in the league. In the 2025 season, Oklahoma’s Big 12 slate will include several familiar rivals and matchups that are bound to generate plenty of excitement.
1. Oklahoma vs. Texas (Red River Rivalry) – October 11, 2025
No game in college football carries the weight and intensity of the Red River Rivalry. This iconic matchup between Oklahoma and Texas has been a staple of the college football season for over a century, and it continues to captivate fans and players alike. In 2025, the Sooners will face the Longhorns at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Texas, in one of the most anticipated games of the season.
With both teams on the cusp of conference realignment—Texas also heading to the SEC—this game may hold even greater significance. Will the Sooners and Longhorns look to send a message as they close out their time in the Big 12? Oklahoma has a storied history of dominance in this rivalry, but Texas has shown signs of improvement under head coach Steve Sarkisian.
In 2025, the game will likely feature star quarterbacks, a deep roster of talent on both sides, and a national audience watching to see which program is in better shape as they prepare for their future in the SEC.
2. Oklahoma vs. Oklahoma State (Bedlam Series) – November 29, 2025
Another major rivalry game for the Sooners is the annual Bedlam clash with Oklahoma State. Bedlam is one of the fiercest and most heated rivalries in college football, and the 2025 edition promises to be no exception. In this in-state rivalry, pride and bragging rights are on the line, and the teams’ performances can have a major impact on their postseason hopes.
The Cowboys have made significant strides in recent years under head coach Mike Gundy, and 2025 will likely see both teams fighting for positioning in the Big 12 standings. With the Sooners preparing for their exit from the conference, this game will be one of the final chapters in the storied Bedlam rivalry within the Big 12.
The 2025 Bedlam game will likely be one of the final opportunities for Oklahoma and Oklahoma State to face off as members of the same conference. This adds an additional layer of intrigue to what is already one of the most anticipated games of the season.
Non-Conference Schedule: Tough Challenges Await
While the Big 12 will provide its fair share of challenges, the non-conference schedule for the 2025 season also promises to test Oklahoma’s mettle. The Sooners are known for scheduling difficult non-conference opponents, and 2025 is no exception. These early-season games will give fans a preview of how the team is shaping up before the conference slate begins in earnest.
1. Oklahoma vs. Nebraska – September 6, 2025
One of the most nostalgic matchups in college football will see Oklahoma renew its rivalry with Nebraska in 2025. The Sooners and Cornhuskers have a deep and rich history, and the two programs have battled for supremacy in the Big 8 and Big 12 conferences for decades. While Nebraska has since moved to the Big Ten, the 2025 season will see these two giants square off once again.
This non-conference clash will be held at the Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, Nebraska, where Oklahoma will look to prove that it remains one of the elite programs in the country. The game will be an emotional one for both fanbases, as it brings back memories of some of college football’s greatest moments, including the iconic 1971 “Game of the Century” between the two teams.
While Nebraska has struggled to regain its former glory, the Sooners will be wary of an upset. Oklahoma’s performance in this game will be an early test of the team’s readiness for the SEC transition and could serve as a barometer for the rest of the season.
2. Oklahoma vs. Arkansas State – September 13, 2025
Following the Nebraska showdown, the Sooners will face Arkansas State in a home game at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Oklahoma. This is a matchup that should favor the Sooners, but it provides an opportunity for Brent Venables’ squad to build momentum before diving into the more intense conference schedule.
Though Arkansas State may not pose the same level of challenge as Oklahoma’s other non-conference opponents, the game will be important for the Sooners to fine-tune their roster and work on team chemistry. Expect Oklahoma to dominate in this game, but the focus will be on player development and the execution of their offensive and defensive systems.
3. Oklahoma vs. UTEP – September 20, 2025
Oklahoma will close out its non-conference slate with a matchup against the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP). This game will take place in Norman, and while it may be viewed as another “warm-up” contest before the Big 12 season kicks off, it still provides valuable opportunities for the Sooners’ younger players to get significant playing time.
The SEC Transition: What Lies Ahead for Oklahoma?
The 2025 season will also serve as a bridge year for Oklahoma, as it prepares to enter the SEC in 2026. This transition will be significant for several reasons:
- Increased Competition: The SEC is widely regarded as the most competitive conference in college football, and Oklahoma will face an entirely new level of competition. While the Sooners have consistently competed at a high level in the Big 12, the SEC will bring challenges that are both physical and mental.
- Recruiting: As Oklahoma shifts its focus toward the SEC, recruiting will be a major factor. The Sooners will need to ramp up their recruiting efforts to compete with the likes of Alabama, Georgia, LSU, and other SEC powerhouses. In 2025, fans can expect to see a more concerted effort to attract top-tier talent from across the country.
- New Rivals: The SEC is home to many of college football’s premier programs, and Oklahoma will be introduced to new rivalries, particularly with teams like Alabama, Auburn, and LSU. This could reshape the college football landscape, and 2025 will give fans a taste of what’s to come.
Conclusion: 2025 – A Year of Change, Challenge, and Opportunity
The Oklahoma Sooners’ 2025 football schedule promises to be one of the most exciting and challenging in recent memory. As the program transitions into the SEC, the Sooners will have a chance to showcase their talents both in the Big 12 and in high-profile non-conference matchups. With key games against Texas, Oklahoma State, and Nebraska, as well as a deep roster of talent, Oklahoma is poised for an unforgettable season.
As the Sooners continue to build under Brent Venables, the 2025 season will be a crucial year in determining the direction of the program. Fans, analysts, and players alike will be watching closely as the Sooners navigate this pivotal moment in their history. The 2025 football season is more than just a series of games—it’s a glimpse into the future of Oklahoma football as the team prepares for the next chapter in the SEC.
