Oklahoma schedule breakdown: Easiest to hardest games in 2023

Ahead of Oklahoma’s 2023 season, SoonerScoop.com’s George Stoia ranked the Sooners’ toughest opponents from easiest to hardest. And it’s no surprise who Stoia has as OU’s most difficult challenge in 2023.

1. at Tulsa

There’s a new coaching staff in Tulsa, with former Oklahoma offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson leading the program. The Golden Hurricanes are coming off a 5-7 season in which they lost several players either to graduation or the transfer portal. Tulsa also brought in several players from the portal, but Wilson definitely has a project on his hands in his first season. 

2. Arkansas State

Arkansas State: Now in his fourth season at Arkansas State, coach Butch Jones might be on the hot seat in Jonesboro. The Red Wolves had a disappointing 3-9 season in 2022 and aren’t expected to be much better in 2023. Arkansas State did welcome 13 transfers this offseason, but should still be no issue for the Sooners in the season opener.

3. West Virginia

Speaking of coaches on the hot seat, West Virginia’s Neal Brown is certainly on it. Brown is 22-25 as the Mountainers’ head coach, going 5-7 last season. And 2023 might be his last unless West Virginia exceeds expectations. But the loss of running back Leddie Brown and several other key offensive players might be hard to overcome. 

4. SMU

The Mustangs might be a sneaky tough opponent early in the season for the Sooners. SMU has become a successful program in recent years and has brought in good talent on the recruiting trail and in the portal. Though, SMU does have to replace starting quarterback Tanner Mordecai and leading receiver Rashee Rice, which could cause some early growing pains. 

5. Iowa State

The Cyclones are always a tough out with coach Matt Campbell leading the way. Last season was their worst under Campbell, going 4-8, since his first season in 2016, in which they were 3-9. Iowa State lost one of its top playmakers in wide receiver Xavier Hutchinson but does return starting quarterback Hunter Dekkers and welcome several offensive transfers. 

6. at Cincinnati

The Bearcats enter the Big 12 with new head coach Scott Satterfield from Louisville. Satterfield will have his hands full in his first year, having to replace several key players that were either drafted or transferred, including starting quarterback Ben Bryant. Still, Cincinnati will be Oklahoma’s first real road test of the season and the Sooners are sure to be welcomed by an energized crowd. 

7. at Kansas

Led by quarterback Jalon Daniels, many anticipate the Jayhawks could have one of their best seasons in recent history. Last season, Kansas exceeded expectations going 6-7 and making the program’s first bowl game since 2009. Kansas is expected to have a high-powered offense with Daniels and could again be a surprise team in the Big 12. 

8. at Oklahoma State

Not a lot is expected of the Cowboys in 2023, losing a lot of production to the transfer portal, including starting quarterback Spencer Sanders. Some believe this could be OSU’s worst team in several years. But Bedlam in Stillwater is never an easy game and coach Mike Gundy’s group is sure to be up for the Sooners in what will likely be the last Bedlam football game for some time. 

9. UCF

One of the Big 12’s newest members, UCF could be a tough opponent for Oklahoma. Head coach Gus Malzahn is considered one of the better offensive minds in college football and has helped UCF to nine-win seasons in each of his first two years in Orlando. Malzahn returns a good amount of offensive production from last year’s team, including quarterback John Rhys Plumlee. The Knights could be a dark horse in the Big 12. 

10. TCU

Coming off a magical season in which they made the College Football Playoff, the Horned Frogs are expected to come back to earth in 2023. Coach Sonny Dykes loses several key players including quarterback Max Duggan and receiver Quentin Johnston. But TCU will still be a tough opponent with Dykes in charge. And the Sooners get them on a short week, having to face TCU on the Friday morning after Thanksgiving and after a trip to BYU. 

11. at BYU

The Cougars have been one of the most consistent programs in college football in the past decade. Coach Kalani Sitake has built a more than respectable program in Provo and could be another dark horse in their first season in the Big 12. The Cougars do have to replace starting quarterback Jaren Hall but have high expectations for 2023. And it’s sure to be one of the tougher road games OU plays this season, as Provo has become notorious for unlikely upsets as one of the best atmospheres in college football. 

12. Texas (Dallas)

The Longhorns are far and away Oklahoma’s toughest opponent in 2023. Texas is not only one of the most talented teams in the Big 12 but all of college football. Head coach Steve Sarkisian has recruited well, especially on the offensive side of the ball. The Longhorns do lose All-American running back Bijan Robinson, but return starting quarterback Quinn Ewers and wide receiver Xavier Worthy. Some believe this year’s Red River Showdown will be a preview of the Big 12 title game, and right now, it’s the only game Oklahoma isn’t favored to win on its schedule.