This matchup has been highly anticipated ever since Jackson Arnold made the switch from Oklahoma to Auburn. With both the Tigers and Sooners performing well this season, the excitement surrounding this SEC clash has only intensified. 

QB Jackson Arnold will be returning to Norman, where he spent his first two college seasons, and he has been impressive so far, showcasing his skills both as a runner and a passer. He has already racked up 192 rushing yards and four touchdowns, including a standout performance against Baylor where he rushed for 137 yards. While his rushing attempts were limited in games against Ball State and South Alabama, Auburn might lean on his mobility more against Oklahoma. The Tigers boast a strong receiving corps led by Cam Coleman and Eric Singleton. Auburn’s secondary has been a concern, largely due to struggles against Baylor’s Sawyer Robertson and a few touchdowns allowed to South Alabama. Auburn’s edge rushers, Keyron Crawford and Keldric Faulk, have been effective, and their run defense is currently ranked fourth in EPA-per-rush allowed. 

Oklahoma’s John Mateer has emerged as a leading Heisman candidate, with 944 passing yards, while true freshman RB Tory Blaylock has surprisingly taken over starting duties over Jovantae Barnes and transfer Jaydn Ott. Oklahoma will be without a key defensive playmaker in R Mason Thomas for the first half of this game due to a targeting ejection vs. Temple last week. Thomas is OU’s best edge rusher and has recorded 5 QB hurries so far this year. The strength of OU’s defense is on its interior defensive line. Damonic Williams, Jayden Jackson and David Stone are all potential NFL players at some point. Oklahoma’s secondary has been elite this season (No. 1 in pass defense success rate), but it’s worth noting the Sooners are starting true freshman Courtland Guillory at cornerback. 

Jackson Arnold might not receive the warmest welcome from Oklahoma fans during his return to Norman, but I believe he will still be fairly effective, especially as a runner. We could see him racking up over 15 rushing attempts in this game, similar to what we witnessed in the season opener against Baylor. Additionally, Auburn’s receivers have a favorable matchup against Oklahoma’s cornerbacks, who haven’t faced much of a challenge yet this season. While Auburn’s receiving corps will put pressure on Oklahoma’s defense, the key question remains: can Arnold make enough plays without committing a costly mistake in his return?

Final prediction: Auburn over Oklahoma 31-28!

• Date: Saturday, September 20, 2025, 3:30 pm. ET
• City: Norman, Okla.
• Venue: Memorial Stadium
• TV: ABC