Oklahoma Basketball 2025-26: Can the Sooners Build Confidence Before SEC Play?

Porter Moser’s Sooners face a challenging non-conference slate that could define their SEC debut season.
Oklahoma head coach Porter Moser
Oklahoma head coach Porter Moser | NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Porter Moser and the Oklahoma Sooners enter the 2025-26 season with renewed energy and plenty to prove. The last few years have fallen short of expectations, and the move to the SEC brings a new level of competition. To prepare, Oklahoma must take advantage of its non-conference schedule to build chemistry, gather momentum, and collect as many wins as possible.

The Sooners opened the season with a dominant 102-66 victory over St. Francis (PA). From here, the schedule intensifies.

Oklahoma 2025-26 Non-Conference Schedule

Saturday, November 8 – at Gonzaga (Spokane, WA)

A trip to Spokane is never easy. Facing Gonzaga on their home floor will provide an early measuring stick for Oklahoma. The Bulldogs are a national power, and this game will show how ready the Sooners are to compete with the country’s elite.

Tuesday, November 11 – vs. Arkansas-Pine Bluff (Norman, OK)

This should be another comfortable home win. Expect everyone on the roster to see time as Oklahoma focuses on developing depth and staying sharp before tougher challenges arrive.

Saturday, November 15 – vs. Nebraska (Sioux Falls, SD)

The Sanford Pentagon in Sioux Falls hosts a neutral-site battle between two programs looking to take the next step. Nebraska and Oklahoma are in similar positions, both hoping to make postseason noise after rebuilding seasons.

Thursday, November 20 – vs. Oral Roberts (Norman, OK)

Returning home to Lloyd Noble Center, the Sooners get a quality in-state opponent. Oral Roberts always brings strong guard play, and this Thursday night matchup should give fans plenty to cheer for ahead of Thanksgiving.

Sunday, November 23 – vs. Alcorn State (Norman, OK)

Another chance to fine-tune the rotation and keep building confidence. Oklahoma must use these games to establish consistency before heading into the holiday stretch.

Friday, November 28 – vs. Marquette (Chicago, IL)

Coach Moser returns to his old home city for a marquee matchup against Marquette. The Golden Eagles are Big East contenders, and this nationally televised afternoon game could become one of the season’s most entertaining showdowns.

Tuesday, December 2 – at Wake Forest (Winston-Salem, NC)

In the SEC/ACC Challenge, Oklahoma travels east for a true road test. Wake Forest is always tough at home, and the Sooners will need to stay composed in a tricky environment.

Saturday, December 6 – vs. Arizona State (Phoenix, AZ)

The Jerry Colangelo Classic features Oklahoma and Arizona State under the lights in Phoenix. It is technically neutral, but the crowd will favor the Sun Devils. A win here would stand out on the Sooners’ resume.

Saturday, December 13 – vs. Oklahoma State (Oklahoma City, OK)

Bedlam returns, even if the teams are no longer conference rivals. The game will be played at Paycom Center, home of the Thunder, and emotions will be high. It will air nationally on FOX at noon, and both teams will want bragging rights in their new settings.

Tuesday, December 16 – vs. Kansas City (Norman, OK)

After several weeks on the road and in neutral sites, Oklahoma gets to play in front of its home crowd again. This is a chance to regroup and reinforce what works before the final stretch of non-conference play.

Monday, December 22 – vs. Stetson (Norman, OK)

The Hatters travel from Florida to face the Sooners just before Christmas. Expect a lively home atmosphere and a comfortable Oklahoma win as fans get an early holiday gift.

Monday, December 29 – vs. Mississippi Valley State (Norman, OK)

The final non-conference game of 2025 gives Oklahoma an opportunity to close the calendar year strong. With students away on break, energy will have to come from the team itself before SEC play begins at home against Ole Miss.

Building Toward SEC Battles

The Sooners’ non-conference slate is a mix of heavy hitters, regional rivals, and manageable tune-ups. For Porter Moser, the goal is clear: enter conference play with confidence, chemistry, and a winning record. If Oklahoma can navigate this schedule successfully, it will be better prepared for the gauntlet that awaits in its first SEC season.

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