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The Oklahoma Defense Is Better Than Its Record, and Texas Better Treat It That Way

The Oklahoma Sooners are entering the Red River Rivalry with a defense that has quietly become one of the most dominant units in college football, despite a shaky offensive performance that has already cost them two losses this season. Under head coach Brent Venables, the Sooners' defense has tightened each year, improving from a 123rd-ranked unit in 2022 to a top-three team in 2026, allowing just 238 yards per game—a mark only Georgia has exceeded this season.

The Bulldogs’ 306-yard outing remains the only time an opponent has surpassed 300 yards against them, and their stingy 8th-ranked defense has held teams to 17 points or fewer in every other game. The front line, anchored by defensive tackles David Stone and Jayden Jackson, has been a key factor, showcasing their ability to dominate interior gaps even against elite offensive lines, as seen in their dismantling of Michigan’s run game earlier this season.

With quarterback struggles from John Mateer and Parker Livingstone failing to meet expectations, Oklahoma’s hopes for a turnaround in 2026 may hinge on this defense forcing a win over the top-ranked Texas Longhorns, whose offense has shown mediocre results against similar stingy units.

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