Episode Details

Episode Notes: Oklahoma 2026 Game Predictions | Recruiting News | Sooner Smiths LIVE #43 Hosts: Chad Smith & Tierani (T) Smith Show: Sooner Smiths LIVE on Oklahoma Voice of College Football Network (presented by FanDuel) Date: Monday, July 13, 2026 (approx. 1-hour episode)

Key Highlights & Topics

1. Recruiting Updates (2027 Class)

• Oklahoma has secured three 5-star commits so far — a strong haul.
  • Senica Driver (TE, Danville, KY): #15 overall, #1 TE.
  • Gabriel Osborne (QB, Oklahoma City, Carl Albert HS): New 5-star, #21 overall.
  • Cooper Haggett (Fort Gibson, OK): #12 overall, 5-star (will miss senior year due to injury but expected to contribute in college).
• Additional near-5-stars: Kaden Pennytock (4 spots off threshold), Bode Sparrow (could rise this fall).
• Kelry Ben (RB, #14 in class) reaffirms commitment after an event that raised initial questions.
• Context: Highest blue-chip ratio for an Oklahoma senior class since early/mid-2000s. Strong in-state talent pipeline.

2. 2026 Season Schedule & Themed Games

• Early home games in evening slots (good for atmosphere).
• Notable themes:
  • New Mexico: Stripe the Stadium.
  • Kentucky: Throwback jerseys.
  • South Carolina: Homecoming + Native American Heritage + Military Appreciation (alternate jerseys likely).
  • Texas A&M: Senior Day.
• Hardest schedule in the SEC per ESPN (Oklahoma #2 overall).

3. Upcoming Guests (Previews)

• July 27/28: John — Georgia matchup.
• Late July (27th): Cord (Ghost of Texas Football) — Texas preview.
• Aug 3: Drew & brother — Texas A&M + Biscuits & AC (SEC).
• Aug 10: Maggie — Missouri.
• Aug 17: Rob — South Carolina.
• Aug 24: D — Florida.
• Aug 31: Season opener preview.
• Later: TJ for Michigan.

4. 2026 Game Predictions & Analysis Hosts are optimistic due to returning experience, depth, talent, and improved attitude/leadership (especially on offense). They highlight 2024 offensive struggles (113th) improving to 92nd in 2025 — modest further gains could make OU a serious playoff contender.

Key Games & Takes:

• UTEP (Win): Easy opener; limit starters.
• Michigan (Win): Make-or-break early road game. New coach + returning talent favors OU. Better roster confidence.
• Georgia (Likely Loss): Toughest; Kirby Smart’s sustained success. Possible close loss.
• Texas (Win): Healthy OU favored. Prefer OU’s defense/front over Texas’ offense. Concerns over Arch Manning hype vs. reality; Cam Coleman is the main threat.
• Kentucky, Mississippi State, South Carolina (Wins).
• Florida (Win): Swamp will be tough, but Florida’s recent struggles noted.
• Ole Miss (Win): Trinidad Chandler is a major athletic threat at QB.
• Texas A&M (Toss-up / Possible Loss): Marcel Reed + strong pieces make this dangerous at home for OU.
• Missouri (Win): Scrappy but winnable.

Overall Record Predictions:

• Chad & T: Both predict 10-2 (ceiling 11-1, floor ~8-4/9-3).
• Focus on staying healthy, reducing turnovers (big issue in 2025 big games), and offensive line/run game improvements.

5. Other Notes

• Baby Drake makes several appearances (4 months old) — lighthearted family moments.
• Emphasis on f