Oklahoma makes massive jump in ESPN’s updated power rankings after Week 10
By Luke Greco
Published:
The Oklahoma Sooners jumped up 8 spots in ESPN’s updated power rankings and find themselves at No. 11 after a win over Tennessee.
The Sooners went on the road this past week to Neyland Stadium to take on the Tennessee Volunteers. Oklahoma was coming off a loss to Ole Miss in the past week and needed a win to rebound. While quarterback John Mateer did not have his best game, completing 19 of his 29 passes for 159 yards, 0 touchdowns, and 1 interception, the Sooners were able to dominate the game on the ground.
Running back Xavier Robinson took 16 carries for 115 yards and 1 touchdown, while Mateer added 80 yards and 1 touchdown on the ground as well. The Sooners forced 3 turnovers and won the game 33-27.
Here’s what Eli Lederman of ESPN had to say in regard to Oklahoma climbing 8 spots to No. 11 in the latest power rankings:
The most productive scorer in the Sooners’ first road win over a ranked opponent since 2019? Kicker Tate Sandell. The big-legged redshirt junior knocked in four field goals, including three over 50 yards, in Oklahoma’s 33-27 win at Tennessee. As important, Oklahoma got its running game going at Neyland Stadium. Xavier Robinson’s 115 yards marked the most by a Sooners running back in 2025. And with another 80 yards on the ground from quarterback John Mateer, Oklahoma turned in its best rushing performance against a power conference defense this fall. The Sooners were still outgained 456-351 in Week 10. But even base-level production on the ground at Tennessee made a game-changing impact for an offense that struggled mightily across much of October. It was enough to help keep Oklahoma’s playoff hopes alive. The Sooners will need to keep that same rushing attack cranking when they visit Alabama on Nov. 15.
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The Sooners are off this upcoming weekend but will travel to Tuscaloosa in their next game to face off against the Crimson Tide on Nov. 15.
