Former Alabama quarterback and current ESPN analyst Greg McElroy has identified the Oklahoma Sooners as one of college football’s biggest sleepers for the 2025 season. Expressing his optimism, McElroy stated, “This is a team that I am wildly bullish on.”
McElroy’s confidence in Oklahoma stems from several key factors. The Sooners have bolstered their coaching staff by hiring offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle, who previously led Washington State to a top-six national ranking in scoring offense. Alongside Arbuckle, quarterback John Mateer has transferred from Washington State to Oklahoma, bringing with him impressive statistics and a deep understanding of Arbuckle’s offensive strategies.
Defensively, the Sooners are set to return 11 of their top 19 players from the previous season, providing a foundation of experience and continuity. McElroy acknowledges the challenges posed by Oklahoma’s 2025 schedule, which includes matchups against formidable opponents such as Michigan, Texas, South Carolina, Ole Miss, Tennessee, Alabama, and LSU. However, he believes that a strong start in September could generate momentum, making the Sooners “a real problem down the stretch.”
While some analysts and fans remain skeptical about Oklahoma’s potential resurgence, especially considering their 2-6 SEC record and overall 6-7 finish last year, McElroy’s insights offer a compelling perspective on the Sooners’ prospects for the upcoming season.
