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: South Carolina may determine the future of OU's offense [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:20:21
The Sooners are at a crossroads as South Carolina heads to town. The offense is full of mistakes and Brent Venables is finally talking about it. The future of the quarterback position may depend on Michael Hawkins Jr.'s…
U40: What has to happen for OU to beat Texas? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:39:05
It's OU-TX in the Cotton Bowl in Dallas. Quinn Ewers expected to return. OU's defense expected to be there. Michael Hawkins Jr., becomes the first true freshman to lead the Sooners into this battle with just six other re…
U40: Will OU's offense be better or worse against Auburn? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:27:21
SEC firsts haven't gone well for Oklahoma. After a 25-15 loss to Tennessee in their SEC home opener, the Sooners travel to Auburn, Ala., for their SEC road opener. In this episode we talk about the QB change from Jackson…
U40: It's a massive game in Norman. OU vs. Tennessee [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:30:41
Usually during game weeks, you get a little worn out talking about the same things over and over. But not this week. This is the week you love to try and figure out exactly what we could see happen in the biggest matchup…
U40: The run game is what fixes OU's offense [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:25:48
It's Wednesday. There may be some hope in the air after everyone has gotten the doom and gloom out of their system. At least the people inside the Scoop offices. We've heard from players and Brent Venables. We've watched…
U40: What can be fixed and who can step up on offense for Houston? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:24:48
Is the Scoop staff at war with each other over the offensive line situation? Maybe. But mainly we're all just trying to figure out who the hell is going to be the starting center Saturday against Houston. Injuries have r…
U40: Standouts are emerging in preseason camp [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:38:45
It's a megasized preseason camp edition of the Unofficial 40. We don't leave a single position out of this breakdown of things we've heard from practice, scrimmages, injuries, etc. Carey, Josh, Eddie and George are all h…