The NFL's 2026 schedule features five key games for Oklahoma Sooners fans, highlighting matchups with former players. These games promise exciting storylines and significant player involvement.
Key points
NFL released its full 2026 schedule
272 total regular season games in 2026
Five key games identified for OU fans
Matchups feature former Oklahoma players
Games promise intriguing storylines
Mentioned in this story
NFL
New Orleans SaintsAtlanta FalconsOklahoma Sooners
The NFL released its full 2026 schedule on Thursday, and with former players littered all over the league, fans of the Oklahoma Sooners will have plenty to watch. However, with 272 total regular season games over the course of 18 weeks, it's impossible to come close to watching every single one.
So, which regular season games should OU fans have circled if they want to see some of the most intriguing matchups between former players? We've identified five matchups that all have juicy storylines and former Sooners taking center stage.
Here are five NFL games that Oklahoma fans will want to keep an eye on in 2026.
5. Brent's Boys Battle (Saints vs. Falcons on Oct. 5 and Jan. 3)
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - SEPTEMBER 14: Billy Bowman Jr. #33 of the Atlanta Falcons celebrates his interception against the Minnesota Vikings during the second quarter in the game at U.S. Bank Stadium on September 14, 2025 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - SEPTEMBER 14: Billy Bowman Jr. #33 of the Atlanta Falcons celebrates his interception against the Minnesota Vikings during the second quarter in the game at U.S. Bank Stadium on September 14, 2025 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)
New Orleans Saints linebacker Danny Stutsman and Atlanta Falcons defensive back Billy Bowman Jr. were two of the most beloved players of the early Brent Venables years in Norman. Both stuck with the program after Lincoln Riley's departure, and both stayed for an extra year in 2024. Now playing as NFC South rivals, Stutsman and Bowman will face off on Monday Night Football on October 5th in , and on January 3rd in Atlanta in the second-to-last week of the regular season. Atlanta just drafted linebacker Kendal Daniels as well, marking the Falcons' second straight year selecting an OU defender.
Q&A
What are the top NFL games for Oklahoma Sooners fans in 2026?
The top five NFL games for Oklahoma Sooners fans in 2026 include matchups featuring former players, with specific games highlighted for their intriguing storylines.
When is the Saints vs. Falcons game in 2026?
The Saints vs. Falcons game will take place on October 5 and January 3 in 2026.
How many NFL games are there in the 2026 season?
The 2026 NFL season features a total of 272 regular season games over the course of 18 weeks.
Why should OU fans watch NFL games in 2026?
OU fans should watch NFL games in 2026 to see former Sooners players in action and enjoy matchups with compelling storylines.
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Sep 21, 2025; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) throws the ball during the second quarter against the New York Jets at Raymond James Stadium.
Sep 21, 2025; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) throws the ball during the second quarter against the New York Jets at Raymond James Stadium.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield was drafted first overall by the Cleveland Browns in 2018. After a scintillating rookie year, and Cleveland's only playoff win since the mid-1990s in Year 3 in 2020, the Browns kicked him to the curb after he played through an injury in 2021. He was traded to the Carolina Panthers, where he was eventually cut, and he wound up doing just enough with the Los Angeles Rams to get a prove-it deal with the Bucs. The rest is history, as he's been very successful over three years in Tampa. Now, Mayfield gets a shot at his former team on his home turf on September 20th.
3. Friends to Foes (Eagles vs. Cowboys on Oct. 26 and Nov. 26)
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - NOVEMBER 05: CeeDee Lamb #88 of the Dallas Cowboys and Jalen Hurts #1 of the Philadelphia Eagles embrace after their game at Lincoln Financial Field on November 05, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - NOVEMBER 05: CeeDee Lamb #88 of the Dallas Cowboys and Jalen Hurts #1 of the Philadelphia Eagles embrace after their game at Lincoln Financial Field on November 05, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
The Philadelphia Eagles (quarterback Jalen Hurts, wide receiver Marquise Brown, and offensive lineman Lane Johnson) and the Dallas Cowboys (wide receiver CeeDee Lamb and offensive linemen Tyler Guyton) each have multiple former Sooners on the roster, and these NFC East rivals will square off on Monday Night Football on October 26th in Philadelphia, and one month later in Dallas on November 26th, which is Thanksgiving Day. Hurts and Lamb made for an electric duo in 2019 in Norman, and the same can be said for Brown and Lamb during their two seasons together in 2017 and 2018, when they performed their Dragon Ball Z-inspired celebration after touchdowns. Plenty of OU ties grace one of the most anticipated NFL matchups of the year.
2. Sooner Stars Everywhere (Broncos vs. Chiefs on Sep. 14 and Nov. 1)
Sep 29, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Broncos linebacker Nik Bonitto (15) celebrates after sacking Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Jake Browning (6) during the third quarter at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
Sep 29, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Broncos linebacker Nik Bonitto (15) celebrates after sacking Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Jake Browning (6) during the third quarter at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
The two teams with the most former Sooners listed on the roster as of the NFL's schedule release are the Denver Broncos with four (outside linebacker Nik Bonitto, wide receiver Marvin Mims Jr., offensive lineman Ben Powers and wide receiver Michael Woods II) and the Kansas City Chiefs with six (offensive lineman Creed Humphrey, defensive lineman R Mason Thomas, long snapper James Winchester, offensive lineman Wanya Morris, defensive lineman Ethan Downs, and running back Jaydn Ott). That's a whopping ten Oklahoma players who will face off on Monday Night Football in Kansas City on September 14th and in Denver on November 1st. The AFC West rivals are both loaded this year, so these should be two great matchups.
1. A Heisman Duel (Vikings vs. Buccaneers on Sep. 27)
Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield (left) and Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray exchange jerseys after the Arizona Cardinals won 38-24 at State Farm Stadium on Dec. 15, 2019.
Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield (left) and Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray exchange jerseys after the Arizona Cardinals won 38-24 at State Farm Stadium on Dec. 15, 2019.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield and Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kyler Murray are Oklahoma's two most recent Heisman Trophy winners, and two of the best QBs to ever play for the Sooners. Mayfield won the award in 2017, then Murray, who sat behind Mayfield for two years, won the trophy in 2018. After both becoming the top overall pick in their respective drafts (2018 and 2019), their next NFL matchup will come in Tampa on September 27th, with Murray first needing to beat out J.J. McCarthy in Minnesota for the starting QB job. The Vikings also have defensive lineman Jalen Redmond and offensive lineman Walter Rouse on the roster.
Oklahoma's R Mason Thomas (32) and Jonah Laulu (8) celebrate a play in the second half of the college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners and the University of Central Florida Knights at Gaylord Family Oklahoma-Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Oct., 21, 2023.
Oct 18, 2025; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks quarterback Lanorris Sellers (16) attempts to elude the rush of Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman R Mason Thomas (32) in the second half at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
Oct 18, 2025; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks quarterback Lanorris Sellers (16) is sacked by Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman R Mason Thomas (32) in the second half at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
Oct 11, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman R Mason Thomas (32) and linebacker Kip Lewis (10) celebrate during the game between the Texas Longhorns and the Oklahoma Sooners at the Cotton Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman R Mason Thomas (32) and defensive lineman Taylor Wein (44) celebrate after a safety during a college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Auburn Tigers at Gaylord Family à Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday,Sept. 20, 2025. Oklahoma won 24-17.
Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman R Mason Thomas (32) brings down Auburn Tigers quarterback Jackson Arnold (11) for a safety during a college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Auburn Tigers at Gaylord Family à Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday,Sept. 20, 2025. Oklahoma won 24-17.
Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman R Mason Thomas (32) chases after Michigan Wolverines quarterback Bryce Underwood (19) during a college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the University of Michigan Wolverines at Gaylord Family à Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. Oklahoma won 24-13.
Sep 6, 2025; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman R Mason Thomas (32) applies pressure on Michigan Wolverines quarterback Bryce Underwood (19) during the second half at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
Aug 30, 2025; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman R Mason Thomas (32) during the game against the Illinois State Redbirds at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
Aug 30, 2025; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Illinois State Redbirds running back Victor Dawson (5) is tackled by Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Kobie McKinzie (11) and defensive lineman R Mason Thomas (32) during the first half at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman R Mason Thomas (32) signs a football for a fan during Meet the Sooners Day at Gaylord Family Ñ Oklahoma Memorial Stadium, Saturday, Aug. 2, 2025.
R Mason Thomas (32) runs drills during an Oklahoma (OU) football practice at the Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, March 25, 2025.
Jul 16, 2025; Atlanta, GA, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman R Mason Thomas answers questions from the media during the SEC Media Days at Omni Atlanta Hotel. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Godfree-Imagn Images
Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman R Mason Thomas (32) brings down Navy Midshipmen fullback Alex Tecza (46) during the Armed Forces Bowl football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Navy Midshipmen at Amon G. Carter Stadium in Fort Worth, Texas, Friday, Dec. 27, 2024.
Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman R Mason Thomas (32) celebrates beside Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman Caiden Woullard (90) during a college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Alabama Crimson Tide at Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024. Oklahoma won 24-3.
Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman R Mason Thomas (32) hits Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Jalen Milroe (4) during a college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Alabama Crimson Tide at Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024. Oklahoma won 24-3.
Sep 28, 2024; Auburn, Alabama, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman R Mason Thomas (32) celebrates after sacking Auburn Tigers quarterback Payton Thorne (1) during the fourth quarter at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-Imagn Images
Sep 28, 2024; Auburn, Alabama, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman R Mason Thomas (32) moves in to block Auburn Tigers offensive lineman Izavion Miller (72) during the third quarter at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-Imagn Images
Sep 14, 2024; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman R Mason Thomas (32) tackles Tulane Green Wave quarterback Darian Mensah (10) and causes a fumble during the fourth quarter at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
Sep 14, 2024; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman R Mason Thomas (32) sacks Tulane Green Wave quarterback Darian Mensah (10) during the second half at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
Sep 14, 2024; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman R Mason Thomas (32) defends a pass by Tulane Green Wave quarterback Darian Mensah (10) during the second half at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
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Photos of R Mason Thomas during his time with the Oklahoma Sooners
Oklahoma's R Mason Thomas (32) and Jonah Laulu (8) celebrate a play in the second half of the college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners and the University of Central Florida Knights at Gaylord Family Oklahoma-Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Oct., 21, 2023.
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Photos of R Mason Thomas during his time with the Oklahoma Sooners
Oklahoma's R Mason Thomas (32) and Jonah Laulu (8) celebrate a play in the second half of the college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners and the University of Central Florida Knights at Gaylord Family Oklahoma-Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Oct., 21, 2023.
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Photos of R Mason Thomas during his time with the Oklahoma Sooners
Oct 18, 2025; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks quarterback Lanorris Sellers (16) attempts to elude the rush of Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman R Mason Thomas (32) in the second half at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
3 / 21
Photos of R Mason Thomas during his time with the Oklahoma Sooners
Oct 18, 2025; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks quarterback Lanorris Sellers (16) is sacked by Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman R Mason Thomas (32) in the second half at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
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Photos of R Mason Thomas during his time with the Oklahoma Sooners
Oct 11, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman R Mason Thomas (32) and linebacker Kip Lewis (10) celebrate during the game between the Texas Longhorns and the Oklahoma Sooners at the Cotton Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
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Photos of R Mason Thomas during his time with the Oklahoma Sooners
Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman R Mason Thomas (32) and defensive lineman Taylor Wein (44) celebrate after a safety during a college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Auburn Tigers at Gaylord Family à Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday,Sept. 20, 2025. Oklahoma won 24-17.
6 / 21
Photos of R Mason Thomas during his time with the Oklahoma Sooners
Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman R Mason Thomas (32) brings down Auburn Tigers quarterback Jackson Arnold (11) for a safety during a college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Auburn Tigers at Gaylord Family à Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday,Sept. 20, 2025. Oklahoma won 24-17.
7 / 21
Photos of R Mason Thomas during his time with the Oklahoma Sooners
Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman R Mason Thomas (32) chases after Michigan Wolverines quarterback Bryce Underwood (19) during a college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the University of Michigan Wolverines at Gaylord Family à Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. Oklahoma won 24-13.
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Photos of R Mason Thomas during his time with the Oklahoma Sooners
Sep 6, 2025; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman R Mason Thomas (32) applies pressure on Michigan Wolverines quarterback Bryce Underwood (19) during the second half at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
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Photos of R Mason Thomas during his time with the Oklahoma Sooners
Aug 30, 2025; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman R Mason Thomas (32) during the game against the Illinois State Redbirds at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
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Photos of R Mason Thomas during his time with the Oklahoma Sooners
Aug 30, 2025; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Illinois State Redbirds running back Victor Dawson (5) is tackled by Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Kobie McKinzie (11) and defensive lineman R Mason Thomas (32) during the first half at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
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Photos of R Mason Thomas during his time with the Oklahoma Sooners
Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman R Mason Thomas (32) signs a football for a fan during Meet the Sooners Day at Gaylord Family Ñ Oklahoma Memorial Stadium, Saturday, Aug. 2, 2025.
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Photos of R Mason Thomas during his time with the Oklahoma Sooners
R Mason Thomas (32) runs drills during an Oklahoma (OU) football practice at the Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, March 25, 2025.
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Photos of R Mason Thomas during his time with the Oklahoma Sooners
Jul 16, 2025; Atlanta, GA, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman R Mason Thomas answers questions from the media during the SEC Media Days at Omni Atlanta Hotel. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Godfree-Imagn Images
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Photos of R Mason Thomas during his time with the Oklahoma Sooners
Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman R Mason Thomas (32) brings down Navy Midshipmen fullback Alex Tecza (46) during the Armed Forces Bowl football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Navy Midshipmen at Amon G. Carter Stadium in Fort Worth, Texas, Friday, Dec. 27, 2024.
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Photos of R Mason Thomas during his time with the Oklahoma Sooners
Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman R Mason Thomas (32) celebrates beside Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman Caiden Woullard (90) during a college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Alabama Crimson Tide at Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024. Oklahoma won 24-3.
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Photos of R Mason Thomas during his time with the Oklahoma Sooners
Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman R Mason Thomas (32) hits Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Jalen Milroe (4) during a college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Alabama Crimson Tide at Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024. Oklahoma won 24-3.
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Photos of R Mason Thomas during his time with the Oklahoma Sooners
Sep 28, 2024; Auburn, Alabama, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman R Mason Thomas (32) celebrates after sacking Auburn Tigers quarterback Payton Thorne (1) during the fourth quarter at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-Imagn Images
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Photos of R Mason Thomas during his time with the Oklahoma Sooners
Sep 28, 2024; Auburn, Alabama, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman R Mason Thomas (32) moves in to block Auburn Tigers offensive lineman Izavion Miller (72) during the third quarter at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-Imagn Images
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Photos of R Mason Thomas during his time with the Oklahoma Sooners
Sep 14, 2024; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman R Mason Thomas (32) tackles Tulane Green Wave quarterback Darian Mensah (10) and causes a fumble during the fourth quarter at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
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Photos of R Mason Thomas during his time with the Oklahoma Sooners
Sep 14, 2024; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman R Mason Thomas (32) sacks Tulane Green Wave quarterback Darian Mensah (10) during the second half at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
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Photos of R Mason Thomas during his time with the Oklahoma Sooners
Sep 14, 2024; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman R Mason Thomas (32) defends a pass by Tulane Green Wave quarterback Darian Mensah (10) during the second half at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
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