David Pollack expects Oklahoma’s offense to be the biggest turnaround in college football
Sooners Betting Big on Portal Magic
Analyst David Pollack is fully invested in Oklahoma's potential this season, praising the team’s savvy use of the NCAA transfer portal.
“I’m all in on Oklahoma,” Pollack said. “I like the additions, I like (Ben) Arbuckle, I like you going into the portal. Look, Oklahoma is not Texas. Oklahoma does not have the resources that other schools have but I think they did a good job identifying a few things they had to have.”
Finding Their Leader
The Sooners' biggest need was a quarterback after a season of instability at the position. Jackson Arnold initially took the reins but ultimately lost his starting role, eventually regaining it late in the year. However, Arnold has since transferred to Auburn, leaving a void Oklahoma needed to fill quickly.
Enter John Mateer, who immediately became their top target. The Sooners had several advantages: Mateer's offensive coordinator at Washington State, Arbuckle, joined Oklahoma's coaching staff, and playing closer to home in Little Elm, Texas, was also appealing.
Pollack Predicts Offensive Revolution
Now Pollack believes Mateer will lead a dramatic shift in the Sooners' offense.
"Can I say this and feel very confident?” Pollack said. “Oklahoma’s offense will be the biggest turnaround in all of college football… If they’re average, they are so much better than they were a year ago, it’s ridiculous. Like, if they’re average.”
While average would represent significant progress, there's even greater ambition in Norman. College football analyst Josh Pate recently ranked Mateer as the No. 2 quarterback in all of college football, only trailing Florida’s DJ Lagway.
Adding Depth Through the Portal
Oklahoma also bolstered its roster through the portal by landing running back Jadyn Ott, who chose the Sooners over Georgia.
Tough Tests Ahead
The Sooners face their first major test in Week 2 against Michigan before plunging into a challenging SEC schedule. On Sept. 20, Mateer will face his former teammate Arnold and Auburn in a highly anticipated matchup.