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: Can Sooners get to 10-2 with this RB situation? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:34:20
Oklahoma is currently ranked No. 8 in the College Football Playoff Rankings. That means that as long as OU wins out, they should be good for inclusion in the playoff. It also means they are in the running for a first-rou…
OU heads to Alabama with playoff hopes firmly within reach [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:29:20
The Sooners get set to head to Alabama for one of the biggest SEC games of the season. The Sooners can likely punch their ticket to the CFB Playoffs with a win. Otherwise, it's hoping other things can fall their way. We…
What this week has taught us about where the offense is now [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:41:44
It's been a full week of trying to figure out what is wrong with John Mateer and Oklahoma's offense. We started out with Saturday frustrations and worked our way through players and coaches to try and find answers as to…
U40: Can the offense keep climbing as Ole Miss comes to town? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:23:40
We're back to big games in Norman as the Sooners have rebounded from their loss to Texas and seem to have found a running game. A big part of this being a big game is also a healthier hand from John Mateer even though we…
U40: Venables facing another must win situation at South Carolina [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:21:35
Brent Venables is no stranger to these matchups. Win, and the monkey is off your back. For now. Lose, and the seat immediately warms up. The Sooners are favored, but they're on the road. They have the defense, but they l…
U40: We can't figure out if Mateer will play, much less who will win [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:28:45
We're halfway through the week and the John Mateer news continues to confuse. Indoor practices, interesting press conference answers, good-on-good, hiding in bushes, it's part OU-TX part media frenzy this week in Norman.…
OU football returns with Michael Hawkins at the helm [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:31:32
Oklahoma football comes off their bye week without their starting quarterback as John Mateer had surgery last week. But that doesn't mean we're not excited to see what Michael Hawkins Jr., can do in his absence. Let's fa…