David Pollack Names Major College Football Program Poised for Turnaround Season

"Oklahoma, I think, is going to be one of the most improved teams in the country, period," Pollack said. "When you get (John) Mateer and (offensive coordinator Ben) Arbuckle together, and now (Jaydn) Ott at running back. If anyone watched Oklahoma's defense last year, you had a lot to like."

Pollack stated that if he had to choose the winner of the game between Oklahoma and Michigan right now, he believes it is a toss-up. He thinks this is because Oklahoma will enter the matchup with more continuity, thanks to their quarterback and play caller, and he mentioned that the Sooners' defense was great last year and they may have the best defensive line in the SEC this season. 

However, the offense held Oklahoma back in 2024. The Sooners finished the season ranked No. 113 in total offense, No. 119 in passing offense, No. 76 in rushing offense and No. 97 in scoring offense. Due to this poor performance, offensive coordinator Seth Littrell was fired midseason and replaced by Arbuckle.

Jackson Arnold was the team's leading passer, throwing for 1,421 yards, 12 touchdowns and three interceptions. Jovantae Barnes was the top rusher, finishing the season with 577 yards and five touchdowns. Arnold transferred to the Auburn Tigers after the season, while Barnes remains on the team.

In line with Pollack's comments, Oklahoma added two significant players at both positions. Mateer, former Washington State Cougars quarterback, threw for 3,139 yards, 29 touchdowns and seven interceptions last season, while also rushing for 826 yards and 15 touchdowns. Although Ott had an injury-plagued 2024 season with the California Golden Bears, he performed well in 2023, rushing for 1,315 yards and 12 touchdowns.

The hope is that Oklahoma will prove Pollack right and emerge as one of the most improved teams next season. Its journey begins when it faces Illinois State on Aug. 30 at 6:00 p.m. ET.