The Oklahoma Sooners again have one of the worst offenses in college football to start the 2026 season. The Sooners rank No. 115 in total offense, No. 81 in passing offense, No. 123 in rushing offense and No. 102 in scoring offense.
The Sooners’ offense is coming off a disappointing performance against the New Mexico Lobos. They were held to just 299 yards of total offense, including 61 yards on 32 carries on the ground.
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Offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle said after the game that the unit still has to find its identity.
“We need to put our heads down, nose on the ground, and get back to work,” Arbuckle said. “Really figure out what we’re good at. What our identity is going to be. Ultimately, I think it’s going to come down to being a tough, physical team.”
This is a significant challenge for an offense that has yet to establish that identity through three games. Oklahoma showed plenty of explosiveness in its season-opening win over the University of Texas at El Paso Miners, but the production has dropped considerably against the Michigan Wolverines and New Mexico.
The defense has helped keep the Sooners afloat, holding New Mexico to 185 total yards and six points while forcing the Lobos into six sacks and 10 tackles for loss. But eventually, Oklahoma will need its offense to do more than simply avoid mistakes and rely on the defense to win games.
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Arbuckles’ comments suggest the Sooners understand that the problem goes beyond one bad performance. Oklahoma needs to identify its strengths, build around them and establish an offensive identity quickly. With the Georgia Bulldogs next and the Texas Longhorns after that, there may not be much time left to figure it out.
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Best photos from Oklahoma Sooners 14-6 win over New Mexico
Oklahoma coach Brent Venables talks with New Mexico coach Jason Eck before a college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the New Mexico Lobos at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026.
(BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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Best photos from Oklahoma Sooners 14-6 win over New Mexico
Oklahoma coach Brent Venables talks with New Mexico coach Jason Eck before a college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the New Mexico Lobos at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026.
(BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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Brent Venables explains the main issue on John Mateer’s second INT
Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) and coach Brent Venables talk after a play during a college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the New Mexico Lobos at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026. Oklahoma won 14-6.
(BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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Oklahoma Sooners continue slide in US LBM Coaches Poll
Oklahoma Sooners linebacker James Nesta (47) and Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Owen Heinecke (38) bring down New Mexico Lobos wide receiver Jacob Maldonado (16) during a college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the New Mexico Lobos at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026. Oklahoma won 14-6.
(BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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Best photos from Oklahoma Sooners 14-6 win over New Mexico
Sep 19, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman Adepoju Adebawore (34) and Oklahoma Sooners defensive back Peyton Bowen (22) tackle New Mexico Lobos quarterback Toa Fa’avae (13) during the second half at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Oklahoma Sooners fall out of the AP Top 25 after win over New Mexico
Sep 19, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman David Stone (0) reacts during the second half against the New Mexico Lobos at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Updated game-by-game Oklahoma Sooners predictions from ESPN
Sep 19, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive back Peyton Bowen (22) reacts during the second half against the New Mexico Lobos at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Best photos from Oklahoma Sooners 14-6 win over New Mexico
Oklahoma Sooners running back Lloyd Avant (9) fights off New Mexico Lobos safety Kevin Longstreet (20) during a college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the New Mexico Lobos at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026. Oklahoma won 14-6.
(BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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Oklahoma Sooners offense lacks rhythm, confidence
Oklahoma coach Brent Venables walks off the field after a college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the New Mexico Lobos at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026. Oklahoma won 14-6.
(BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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Best photos from Oklahoma Sooners 14-6 win over New Mexico
Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) walks off the field after a college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the New Mexico Lobos at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026. Oklahoma won 14-6.
(BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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Best photos from Oklahoma Sooners 14-6 win over New Mexico
Sep 19, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) calls a play in the huddle during the second half against the New Mexico Lobos at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Ben Arbuckle on how Oklahoma’s offense can improve
Sep 19, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle reacts during the second half against the New Mexico Lobos at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Best photos from Oklahoma Sooners 14-6 win over New Mexico
Sep 19, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Owen Heinecke (38) and Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman Danny Okoye (16) tackle New Mexico Lobos quarterback Toa Fa’avae (13) during the second half at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Best photos from Oklahoma Sooners 14-6 win over New Mexico
Sep 19, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver Isaiah Sategna III (1) catches a touchdown pass past New Mexico Lobos safety Drew Speech (12) during the second half at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Best photos from Oklahoma Sooners 14-6 win over New Mexico
Sep 19, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman Wyatt Gilmore (42) runs onto the field with the American flag before the game against the New Mexico Lobos at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Best photos from Oklahoma Sooners 14-6 win over New Mexico
Sep 19, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners linebacker James Nesta (47) leaps but cannot bat down a pass by New Mexico Lobos quarterback Toa Fa’avae (13) during the second quarter at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Best photos from Oklahoma Sooners 14-6 win over New Mexico
Sep 19, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; New Mexico Lobos wide receiver Bailen George (81) makes a catch as Oklahoma Sooners defensive back Eli Bowen (23) defends during the second quarter at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Brent Venables addresses Oklahoma’s DT depth after David Stone injury
Sep 19, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners head coach Brent Venables reacts during the second quarter against the New Mexico Lobos at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Social media reacts to Oklahoma Sooners win over New Mexico
Sep 19, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners tight end Hayden Hansen (89) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the second quarter against the New Mexico Lobos at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Best photos from Oklahoma Sooners 14-6 win over New Mexico
Sep 19, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners tight end Hayden Hansen (89) catches a touchdown pass past New Mexico Lobos linebacker Jaxton Eck (6) during the second quarter at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Best photos from Oklahoma Sooners 14-6 win over New Mexico
Sep 19, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) runs with the ball as New Mexico Lobos safety Austin Brawley (0) defends during the first quarter at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Best photos from Oklahoma Sooners 14-6 win over New Mexico
Sep 19, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners tight end Hayden Hansen (89) breaks the tackle of New Mexico Lobos linebacker Mercury Swaim (2) to score a touchdown during the second quarter at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Best photos from Oklahoma Sooners 14-6 win over New Mexico
Sep 19, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman Adepoju Adebawore (34) reacts during the first quarter against the New Mexico Lobos at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Oklahoma’s John Mateer opens up about his early season struggles
Sep 19, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) throws during the first quarter against the New Mexico Lobos at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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