David Pollack Reveals Key for Major SEC Program to Return to College Football Playoff

The Oklahoma Sooners saw a resurgence during the 2025 season, finishing 10-3 and returning to the College Football Playoff for the first time since 2019. The season marked a significant step forward for a program that had faced recent inconsistency.

The path back to contention was not easy. Since Brent Venables replaced Lincoln Riley following the 2021 season, Oklahoma has endured multiple setbacks. The Sooners went 6-7 in two of Venables’ first three seasons, including their first year in the SEC in 2024. That stretch placed increased pressure on Venables entering 2025.

Instead of faltering, Oklahoma responded with one of the top defenses in the country. The Sooners ranked No. 5 in defensive efficiency, establishing themselves as one of the more complete units on that side of the ball. However, despite that success, the team was unable to win a playoff game, largely due to offensive inconsistency.

Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) attempts to elude a tackle. | Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images

Quarterback John Mateer led the offense and showed early promise. Through the first four games, he threw for 1,215 yards with six touchdowns and three interceptions, while also rushing for 190 yards and five touchdowns. His production helped Oklahoma open the season 4-0 and placed him in early Heisman Trophy discussions.

A thumb injury suffered against Missouri shifted the trajectory of his season. After missing one game, Mateer returned but struggled to maintain his early efficiency. Over the final eight games, he passed for 1,670 yards with eight touchdowns and eight interceptions, while adding 241 rushing yards and three touchdowns. The decline in production highlighted the challenges Oklahoma faced offensively.

The struggles extended beyond the passing game. Oklahoma ranked No. 113 nationally in rushing offense, averaging just 118.5 yards per game. The lack of a consistent ground attack limited the offense’s overall effectiveness.

No running back surpassed 500 rushing yards, with Tory Blaylock leading the team with 480 yards. Xavier Robinson added 421 yards, while Mateer contributed 431 rushing yards.

College football analyst David Pollack emphasized the importance of improving the run game when discussing Oklahoma’s outlook.

"Need to see that," Pollack said on 'See Ball Get Ball with David Pollack.' "I think Mateer can make plays, extend plays and do some good things. If you dictate to the defense a little bit more... It's really hard to make plays down the field when they sit two high safeties against you the whole time because you can't run the football. When you do get a little bit more run game and pop, now you make the defense commit more, be aggressive more. It opens up more plays."

Pollack’s point underscores a broader issue: without a reliable run game, defenses can focus on limiting explosive passing plays. That dynamic makes it more difficult for quarterbacks to consistently generate offense.

For Oklahoma, addressing the rushing attack will be critical moving forward. A more balanced offense would not only support Mateer but also complement a defense that has already proven capable of competing at a high level.

If the Sooners can improve their production on the ground, they have the foundation to take the next step from playoff participant to legitimate title contender.