Closing the Book on Auburn, Hawkins Steps In, and OU’s Top-5 Climb

In this episode of The Sooner Nation Podcast, we’re tackling three huge storylines shaping Oklahoma football right now:

• Closing the Book on Auburn – Why it’s time to move on from the weird rivalry vibes between OU and Auburn and what Tiger fans still aren’t admitting about QB Jackson Arnold.

• Recalibrating the Sooners – How OU used the bye week to regroup after QB John Mateer’s hand surgery, why Michael Hawkins Jr. isn’t just a backup but a high-stakes audition, and how the offensive line, running backs, and defense all fit into the transition.

• Oklahoma’s Climb Into the Top Five – Breaking down OU’s rise from No. 18 to No. 5 in the AP poll, how chaos across the SEC helped but substance still matters, and what the brutal October–November gauntlet means for Brent Venables’ squad.

We’ll hit everything from quarterback depth and rushing production to the defense’s turnover drought, Eli Bowen’s return, and the looming Red River showdown with Texas. If you want the full picture of where the Sooners stand as the SEC grind begins, this is your episode.

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