The Oklahoma Sooners are a top-10 program heading into the 2026 college football season, according to the preseason AP poll released on Monday. The Sooners came in at No. 10, coming off a 10-3 season and a College Football Playoff berth in 2025.
However, not everyone is on board with the Sooners' top-10 ranking. On "SportsCenter," ESPN's Paul Finebaum said that Oklahoma doesn't belong that high.
"I don't know how people realistically think Oklahoma's going to finish in the top-10," Finebaum said. "You can say whatever you want about what they have in John Mateer... but, Matt, their schedule is beyond brutal."
Former Sooner great Gerald McCoy had an issue with that statement from Finebaum. He tweeted saying that Oklahoma is one of the best programs
in the history of college football, and they don't shy away from anyone.
"Schedule?" McCoy posted. "That’s your reason, Finebaum? Man, this is the scariest, weakest statement ever. Winning a natty ain’t easy. It has to be earned. This is OKLAHOMA FOOTBALL. We ain’t worried about no schedule, man. We welcome all smoke!! Top universities, say line it up!! And we are a top university. Line it up with whoever!! Win, lose or draw, we ain’t ducking NOBODY. Home or road."
Schedule? That’s your reason @finebaum ? Man this the scariest, weakest statement ever. Winning a natty ain’t easy. It has to be earned. This is OKLAHOMA FOOTBALL. We ain’t worried about no schedule man. We welcome all smoke!! Top universities say line it up!! And we are a top… https://t.co/JOxprF9Imb
— Gerald McCoy (@Geraldini93) August 17, 2026
McCoy's response reflects the mentality that has long defined Oklahoma football. The Sooners have built their reputation on competing for championships, and that means facing elite opponents rather than avoiding them.
For Oklahoma, the debate over rankings will ultimately be settled on the field. A difficult schedule can hurt a team's record, but it also creates opportunities to earn statement wins and strengthen a playoff résumé.
The Sooners proved last season they could navigate the SEC and reach the College Football Playoff, despite a difficult schedule. Now, they have a chance to show whether they belong among the nation's elite once again.
Whether Finebaum's concerns prove correct or McCoy's confidence is justified, one thing is certain: Oklahoma won't lack opportunities to prove itself in 2026. And if the Sooners meet those challenges head-on, the debate about whether they belong in the top 10 could disappear quickly.
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This article originally appeared on Sooners Wire: Gerald McCoy fires back at Paul Finebaum's disrespect of Oklahoma
