U40: OU finds replacement for DeMarco, talking changes in CFB for 2026

U40: OU finds replacement for DeMarco, talking changes in CFB for 2026

Author: SoonerScoop.com February 19, 2026 Duration: 1:34:37
Spring is in full swing as baseball and softball are underway, but the Sooners are still producing plenty of football news as Deland McCullough has been tabbed to take over for DeMarco Murray as OU's newest running backs coach. We talk with Josh McCuistion about what that means for recruiting at the position and we get into the running back room in general. We take some time to look at some of the coaching moves during the offseason as a lot of big name offensive and defensive coordinators have landed at Power 4 schools with aspirations for the College Football Playoffs next season. Which ones could we see working out and which ones could we see being busts? Are Zane Rowe and OU on the outs? Josh is here to tell us more. And we talk some hoops as the men are on fire! And so is Lloyd Noble! Plus stickball is off to a fast start. Lots to get into on this week's edition of the Unofficial 40 podcast. THE FULL RUNDOWN FOLLOWS BELOW: 0:00 - Welcome back to the Unofficial 40! Sooners hire Deland McCullough as running backs coach 20:00 - McCullough should like his RB room  27:00 - Recruiting: 2027 DE Zane Rowe commitment date on 3/13 38:00 - What’s the feedback on new coaches on recruiting trail?  41:00 - 2028 Micah Rhodes thoughts on Deland McCullough  43:00 - Scattershooting around CFB with Carey Murdock  1:05:00 - Hoops talk; the LNC almost burned down and it was sorta awesome 1:22:00 - Diamond sports Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For fans who live and breathe University of Oklahoma athletics, Oklahoma Sooners Unofficial 40 is the essential audio companion. Brought to you by the seasoned team at SoonerScoop.com, this podcast digs into the stories, strategies, and personalities that define OU sports. While Sooners football is a central pillar, the conversation extends across the entire athletic department, offering analysis on basketball, softball, and other programs that carry the crimson and cream banner. The show also provides crucial insight into the future of the teams through dedicated recruiting coverage, tracking the high school prospects who are poised to become the next generation of Sooners legends. Each episode feels like a candid discussion among knowledgeable friends, breaking down game performances, coaching decisions, and the latest news from Norman without the filter of official press conferences. It’s the kind of detailed, behind-the-scenes perspective that fans crave, delivered with the authority and access that only comes from the SoonerScoop.com crew. Tune in for a direct line to the heart of OU athletics, where every win, loss, and roster move is examined with a fan’s passion and an insider’s depth. This is the unofficial guide for the dedicated supporter, a podcast that captures the full spectrum of what it means to follow the Sooners.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Oklahoma Sooners Unofficial 40
Podcast Episodes
U40: It's a national signing day celebration! No it's not. [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:24:49
There has been a lot of news floating around lately, so forgive some of us if we forgot it (used to be) is the biggest day of the year. National Signing Day! Actually no one remembered because most everyone signs in the…
U40: Getting to know the new power structure of OU athletics [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:17:32
There has been a massive change at the top of OU athletics as we were introduced to Roger Denny yesterday alongside President Joe Harroz and Chair of Athletics, Randall Stephenson. How will this affect fundraising? NIL?…
What can OU learn about Indiana's title and apply it to their roster? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:25:52
College football season is officially over now that Indiana has defeated Miami to win the National Championship. This is a good thing for everyone in college football right? So how did we get here? What did Indiana do th…
U40: Telling the stories of OU's portal victories [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:12:24
Josh was out at Navy All-American practices during today's show so Carey, Eddie and George took over the show. We're talking portal, portal, portal and giving some context on how some of OU's biggest grabs in the portal…
U40: The portal is swallowing up a lot of OU players. Any concerns? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:31:43
It's been a fast and furious day of Oklahoma football players entering the transfer portal. As we were recording the podcast today, we got the news that Mike Hawkins was entering the portal. And even more came after that…
Merry Christmas and welcome to Oklahoma football Portal Season! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:14:21
The last Unofficial 40 before Christmas. So Merry Christmas everybody! It's almost that other magical time of the year, Portal Season. The guys get together and talk about exactly what is happening inside the Switzer Cen…
We're antsy for the start of College Football Playoff week [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:19:06
It's just Wednesday. The Sooners are still 9 days away from their first round matchup with Alabama in Norman. The All-SEC teams were announced yesterday and OU had 10 players represented. They also had the SEC Special Te…
It's National Signing Day on the Unofficial 40 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:17:23
Jim Nagy and Brent Venables put together their first full recruiting class together in the 2026 cycle. How do we feel the partnership is going after listening to both of them talk about the class on National Signing Day?…