2023 Season-In-Review

Record: 10-3, Loss vs. Arizon in Valero Alamo Bowl (38-24)

It looked as though Oklahoma was destined for the CFB Playoff in 2023, especially after defeating No. 3 Texas in an instant classic. The Sooners began the year 7-0 before losing back-to-back games against Kansas and Oklahoma State. This eliminated the team from contention in the Big 12 and essentially eliminated them from the playoff with two losses. The Sooners would end the year with three straight wins before entering bowl season.

Offense: New era begins for the Sooners

Oklahoma brought in Dillon Gabriel last season and had one of the best offenses in the nation. Now, he is in Oregon and a new era is beginning for the Sooners.

Jackson Arnold got his feet wet at times in 2023 but will be taking over as the primary starter this season. The former five-star recruit displayed a strong arm and ability to throw the ball many times, which fits into the plan for Oklahoma. The Sooners will have a new quarterback and a new offensive coordinator in Seth Littrell to work with.

There are some new pieces in the most important spots but not on the outside. Nic Anderson returns after being second on the team with 38 catches and 798 yards last season while being tied for the team lead with 10 touchdowns. Anderson averaged 21 yards per reception, showing his ability as a downfield threat. Jalil Farooq and Andrei Anthony were next on the list in terms of receiving yards.

Gavin Sawchuk flashed at times toward the end of the season, totaling five straight games with 100 or more rushing yards. It is still up in the air whether Sawchuk can be that game-changing back but there is potential. He will run behind a revamped offensive line featuring three transfers. Michael Tarquin is slated to be the left tackle while Jake Taylor returns on the right side. Oklahoma also brought in Branson Hickman, who is an experienced center. This is important for a young quarterback taking over.

There is a new era beginning in Oklahoma and the offense is expected to be high-powered once again with new pieces.

Defense: Will there be a new identity in Norman?

Oklahoma has been known for its offensive prowess over the years. Could there be a change coming in 2024?

The Sooners return most of its starting offense from last season. This includes First Team All-Big 12 selection Danny Stutsman, who led the team with 104 tackles. Billy Bowman Jr. was also a First Team selection after finishing third in the nation with six interceptions. Both players decided to return for the 2024 season and five Oklahoma a leader in the middle and in the secondary.

Oklahoma also hit the transfer portal hard to add some depth. TCU transfer lineman Damonic Williams will step into the mix along the defensive line. San Diego State transfer Dez Malone is a perfect compliment to Bowman Jr. in the secondary. This has a chance to be a strong group in the conference but needs to remain on the field.

Kip Lewis was second on the team with 66 tackles. In total, the Sooners return 11 of their top 13 tacklers from the 2023 season.

2024 Oklahoma Football Schedule

• Friday, Aug. 30: vs. Temple
• Saturday, Sept. 7: vs. Houston
• Saturday, Sept. 14: vs. Tulane
• Saturday, Sept. 21: vs. Tennessee
• Saturday, Sept. 28: at Auburn
• Saturday, Oct. 12: vs. Texas (Neutral Location)
• Saturday, Oct. 19: vs. South Carolina
• Saturday, Oct. 26: at Ole Miss
• Saturday, Nov. 2: vs. Maine
• Saturday, Nov. 9: at Missouri
• Saturday, Nov. 23: vs. Alabama
• Saturday, Nov. 30: at LSU