The Oklahoma Sooners have long played nonconference games against some of the most recognizable brands in college football. In just the last 15 years, OU has had home-and-home, nonconference matchups with the likes of the Nebraska Cornhuskers (2021-2022), UCLA Bruins (2018-2019), Ohio State Buckeyes (2016-2017), Tennessee Volunteers (2014-2015), Notre Dame Fighting Irish (2012-2013) and Florida State Seminoles (2010-2011). They also have a future home-and-home series scheduled with Nebraska again (2029-2030) and the Clemson Tigers (2035-2036).
Over the next two seasons, the Sooners will face the Michigan Wolverines, college football's all-time winningest program. The 2025 matchup will be in Norman, while the 2026 contest will be played in Ann Arbor.
With so many important nonconference matchups taking place next season across the college football landscape, Josh Pate, who hosts "Josh Pate's College Football Show", took a look at some of the nonconference games of the 2025 season. OU-Michigan was one of the matchups he highlighted.
"Week Two, Michigan at Oklahoma ... they wanted this game for a long time; they finally got it," Pate said. "Do we see Bryce Underwood starting for Michigan on the road against Brent Venables in Norman, week two? Do we think he's the starting quarterback that early?"
Underwood is Michigan's highly-touted five-star true freshman quarterback, who could very well be the starter under center for the Wolverines to open the 2025 season. On3 Sports' Pete Nakos has reported that Underwood is trending to be the starter for head coach Sherrone Moore, meaning an experienced, Venables-directed defense could see a true freshman in one of the biggest games of the year.
That would be a perceived edge, especially at home in what's sure to be a loud environment for Venables and the Sooners. Pate spoke also spoke about another edge that OU may have, this one in the form of their starting quarterback.
"Also, John Mateer, this is probably his debut to the world," Pate said. "He's the transfer quarterback there for Oklahoma. This is probably when most of you watch him for the first time."
In one of the most pivotal games of the 2025 college football season, two talented quarterbacks facing off against two stingy defenses will likely tell the tale, come September 6th in Norman.
This article originally appeared on Sooners Wire: Can Oklahoma earn a key nonconference win over Michigan?
