Oklahoma Sooners to Face Six Teams in the Preseason AP Top 25: A Look at the Challenging 2025 Football Schedule

The Oklahoma Sooners’ 2025 football schedule is shaping up to be one of the most challenging in recent memory, with the team set to face six teams that are ranked in the preseason Associated Press (AP) Top 25. The tough slate of games presents an exciting opportunity for head coach Brent Venables and his squad to prove themselves on the national stage. As the Sooners continue their transition into the SEC, facing a combination of perennial powerhouses and rising contenders will provide a stern test for the program.

This article takes a deep dive into Oklahoma’s 2025 football schedule, breaking down the six ranked opponents the Sooners will face, how these matchups will impact their season, and what Oklahoma needs to do to rise to the challenge.

Before diving into the specific matchups, it’s important to understand the significance of the AP Top 25 rankings in shaping expectations for college football teams. The AP Poll is one of the most respected preseason rankings in the sport, offering a snapshot of where teams stand relative to their competition before the season kicks off. Being ranked in the Top 25 is an indicator of a program’s talent, coaching, and history of success.

For Oklahoma, six games against ranked teams means a gauntlet of competition, with each of these games offering a different set of challenges. Oklahoma will have to be at the top of their game every week to compete at the highest level. The rankings also provide a preview of how these games will impact the College Football Playoff race and bowl season, making each matchup a potential turning point in the Sooners’ season.

While the specifics of Oklahoma’s Week 1 opponent haven’t been disclosed, many expect the Sooners to face a ranked opponent right from the start. With several teams in the preseason AP Top 25 coming from major conferences, this matchup is likely to set the tone for the season. Oklahoma’s opening game will be crucial not just for a strong start, but for sending a message to their conference rivals that they are ready for SEC competition.

This game will be especially important for Oklahoma’s young players, particularly on offense, as they adjust to a higher level of competition. Facing a top-ranked team early in the season will give the Sooners a chance to test their readiness for the challenges ahead.

One of the marquee games on Oklahoma’s 2025 schedule is a matchup with Alabama, who enters the season ranked in the AP Top 10. The Crimson Tide are perennial national championship contenders and under head coach Nick Saban, they have maintained a high level of excellence for over a decade.

Oklahoma and Alabama have only met a few times in recent years, but this game will be extra special as the Sooners make their full transition to the SEC. Alabama boasts an elite defense and a dynamic offense led by a seasoned quarterback, and the challenge of facing them will be monumental for the Sooners.

For Oklahoma, this game will provide a unique opportunity to see how they measure up against one of the most decorated programs in college football history. The Sooners will need to play a near-perfect game to come away with a victory, particularly on the defensive side of the ball. Alabama’s offense is notorious for its ability to exploit weaknesses, and Oklahoma will have to match that with their own explosive playmakers.

Georgia, the defending national champions, will be another of the six ranked opponents the Sooners will face in 2025. The Bulldogs enter the season as one of the favorites to make another College Football Playoff appearance, and this game will be one of the most anticipated of the year. Georgia’s defense is widely regarded as one of the best in the country, and their offense is built around a highly efficient quarterback and a powerful running game.

For Oklahoma, the key to this game will be adaptability. Georgia’s physicality in both the trenches and on defense will test Oklahoma’s offensive line and ability to execute in high-pressure situations. The Sooners will need to establish their running game and give their quarterback enough time to make plays downfield.

This game will also be a test of Oklahoma’s depth, as Georgia’s roster is loaded with talent across all positions. The Sooners will need to be mentally tough and stay focused for all four quarters if they hope to knock off the Bulldogs.

There’s no game more important on Oklahoma’s schedule than the annual Red River Rivalry with Texas. This rivalry game is always packed with emotion, drama, and high stakes. Both teams have been ranked in the AP Top 25 in recent years, and this year’s matchup is expected to be no different. Texas enters 2025 with an elite defense and an offense that is on the rise, and Oklahoma will have to be at its best to win this heated rivalry game.

The Red River Rivalry is always unpredictable, but with both teams facing a gauntlet of top-ranked opponents, this game could have significant implications for the Big 12 Championship race and the College Football Playoff picture. Texas will come into this game with a chip on their shoulder, looking to prove they belong among the elite teams in college football.

Oklahoma will need to rely on their experienced players, particularly on offense, to withstand the pressure and make crucial plays when it matters most. Whether it’s their running back group or the quarterback leading the offense, the Sooners will need to execute under pressure and avoid costly mistakes.

LSU is another SEC powerhouse that has been ranked in the Top 25 for several seasons now. Known for their explosive offense and hard-hitting defense, LSU has consistently been one of the toughest teams in the SEC. The Tigers’ blend of power football and playmaking ability will present a difficult matchup for Oklahoma, especially on the defensive side of the ball.

For the Sooners, this game will likely come down to whether they can stop LSU’s high-flying offense. LSU has a quarterback capable of lighting up the scoreboard, and their wide receivers are known for their speed and ability to make big plays. Oklahoma will need to create pressure on the quarterback and limit explosive plays downfield.

Offensively, Oklahoma will need to find a way to move the ball against LSU’s defensive line, which is known for its dominance in the trenches. If the Sooners can control the clock and keep LSU’s offense off the field, they will have a better chance of coming out on top.

Ohio State, another college football blue blood, has long been a national championship contender. With a potent offense and a defense that is constantly evolving, the Buckeyes will be one of the toughest teams Oklahoma faces in 2025. This game could have serious implications for the College Football Playoff race, as both teams are expected to be in the mix for a spot in the final four.

Ohio State is led by a high-powered offense that is capable of scoring quickly and often. The Sooners will need to slow down Ohio State’s playmakers and avoid being caught in shootouts. For Oklahoma, this game will be a test of their ability to execute on both sides of the ball in a high-intensity, high-pressure environment.

Auburn, another SEC contender, rounds out the list of Oklahoma’s six ranked opponents. The Tigers have a strong defense and an offense that is capable of breaking through against top teams. This game will be a midseason showdown that could be pivotal for both teams’ playoff hopes. Auburn’s aggressive style of play will challenge Oklahoma’s defense, while the Sooners will need to match that intensity on offense.

In a season full of challenges, this game could be one that defines the Sooners’ path to the postseason.

Oklahoma’s 2025 football schedule is undoubtedly one of the most difficult in recent years, with six games against teams ranked in the preseason AP Top 25. From the high-flying offenses of Alabama, Georgia, and Ohio State to the tough, physical defenses of Auburn and LSU, the Sooners will face a diverse range of challenges. However, this presents a unique opportunity for Brent Venables and his squad to prove themselves on the national stage.

Each of these six matchups will play a significant role in shaping Oklahoma’s season and their standing in the College Football Playoff race. If the Sooners can rise to the occasion and execute at a high level, they will not only challenge for an SEC title but also earn a spot among the elite teams in college football.

As the 2025 season unfolds, Oklahoma’s path will be defined by how they handle adversity, make key plays in critical moments, and showcase the talent that has made them one of the most respected programs in college football. The Sooners have the opportunity to make a statement in their inaugural SEC season, and with six Top 25 teams on the schedule, they are poised to do just that.