John Mateer taking a step back in 2026 | How the Oklahoma Sooners offense is changing | What will be definitely be good in 2026?

This episode of Locked On Sooners dives into the evolving Oklahoma Sooners football offense for 2026, focusing on quarterback John Mateer taking a step back from a high-volume role. Hosts Jay Smith and John Williams highlight Mateer’s reduced running load and shift to under-center formations, which enables a more balanced, play-action-heavy offense and better utilization of the young, athletic running back room. They praise the strategic shift as a sign of offensive maturity and improved quarterback health. The discussion then turns to the Sooners’ defensive strengths, particularly the run defense and secondary, both of which are expected to be among the best in the SEC due to returning talent and depth. The hosts express confidence in the team’s ability to compete at a high level in 2026, especially with a strong defense and improved offensive balance. The episode also celebrates a strong weekend across Oklahoma’s athletic programs, including softball’s series win over Texas, baseball’s sweep of Vanderbilt, and the women’s tennis team clinching a share of the SEC regular season title. The hosts emphasize the importance of continued investment in basketball and women’s sports to build long-term success. Key takeaways include: 1) John Mateer’s reduced role will improve his longevity and allow for a more balanced offense; 2) The Sooners’ run defense and secondary are expected to be elite in 2026; 3) The offensive line and receiver corps are returning with experience and potential for growth; 4) A strong weekend across all sports signals momentum heading into the 2026 season; 5) Continued investment in basketball and women’s programs is critical for long-term success. The overall sentiment is highly positive, reflecting optimism about the program’s direction and depth.