2025 Football Schedule Released: The Sooners’ 2025 season kicks off on August 30 against Illinois State at home
The University of Oklahoma has officially released its 2025 football schedule, and fans of the Sooners have plenty to look forward to. The season will kick off on August 30 with a home game against Illinois State, a matchup that offers the perfect opportunity for the team to make a strong opening statement. This early-season contest will not only help the Sooners establish momentum but also give coaches a chance to assess the readiness of both veterans and emerging talent on the roster.
Following their season opener, the Sooners will face a string of high-stakes matchups that will test their depth and discipline. In Week 2, they welcome a gritty mid-major opponent known for their tough defense before heading into a marquee non-conference showdown in Week 3. That game, against a powerhouse from another Power Five conference, is expected to draw national attention and could have early implications for the College Football Playoff picture.
Conference play begins in late September, and the Sooners will be immediately thrust into the thick of competition. Key matchups include road trips to SEC rivals where hostile environments and top-tier opponents will challenge Oklahoma’s poise and preparation. Games against perennial contenders like Alabama, LSU, and Texas A&M are circled as major tests that could define the trajectory of the season.
The Red River Rivalry against Texas, scheduled for its traditional early October date at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, remains the centerpiece of the Sooners’ schedule. As always, this emotionally charged showdown will carry significant conference and national implications. With both programs expected to field competitive teams, the outcome could serve as a turning point in the SEC title race and in playoff aspirations.
Late-season matchups will not be any easier, as the Sooners are slated to face tough divisional foes down the stretch, including a late November clash against Georgia that could have championship ramifications. With such a demanding schedule, depth and injury management will be critical, and the team’s ability to adjust on the fly will be essential to navigating this grueling stretch successfully.
As the 2025 season approaches, optimism and anticipation are running high in Norman. With a challenging but exciting schedule, the Sooners have the opportunity to reassert themselves as one of college football’s elite. Whether it’s rebuilding a championship-caliber defense or fine-tuning an explosive offense, every week on this schedule will serve as a proving ground. For Oklahoma, the road to glory starts on August 30—and every game from that point on could shape the destiny of their season.
