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Sooners' CFP hopes dashed by bowl projection?
22 Aug
Summary
- Oklahoma Sooners projected to miss College Football Playoff.
- They are predicted to play Clemson in the Gator Bowl.
- Coach Venables has significant history with Clemson's program.
The Oklahoma Sooners face scrutiny regarding their 2026 College Football Playoff prospects following their 2025 playoff exit. Preseason bowl projections from CBS Sports suggest OU will fall short of the CFP, forecasting a Gator Bowl appearance against the Clemson Tigers. This projection holds particular significance due to head coach Brent Venables' extensive history with Clemson, where he served as defensive coordinator for ten years under Dabo Swinney.
During Venables' decade at Clemson, the team achieved national championships in 2016 and 2018, along with multiple CFP appearances. The Sooners and Tigers previously met in postseason games in 2014 and 2015, with Clemson dominating both matchups. Missing the playoff would be a significant disappointment for Oklahoma after their previous season's success.
