Auburn Heads to Norman for SEC Showdown Against No. 11 Oklahoma

MOODY, AL - September 19, 2025 - The Auburn Tigers (3-0) will face their toughest test yet this Saturday as they travel to Norman, Oklahoma, to take on the No. 11-ranked Sooners (3-0) in a pivotal SEC clash. Kickoff is set for 2:30 p.m. CT at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium, with national coverage on ABC.

This Week 4 matchup marks the first SEC game of the season for both programs and the only ranked-on-ranked SEC contest of the weekend. Auburn enters the game ranked No. 22 in the AP Poll following wins over Baylor, Ball State, and South Alabama. Oklahoma, meanwhile, has surged to No. 11 after dispatching Illinois State, Michigan, and Temple by wide margins.

Arnold Returns to Familiar Turf

Saturday's game carries added emotional weight for Auburn quarterback Jackson Arnold, who spent the past two seasons at Oklahoma. Arnold started 10 games for the Sooners in 2024 before transferring to Auburn amid a coaching overhaul. Now, he returns to Norman as the Tigers' leader, having thrown for 501 yards and four touchdowns this season with no interceptions. He's also added 192 rushing yards and four scores on the ground.

"He's their go-to guy in critical downs," Auburn head coach Hugh Freeze said. "You watch the tape, you think this team is one of the special ones, and he's a large reason."

Oklahoma head coach Brent Venables praised Arnold's growth but emphasized the strength of Auburn's supporting cast. "I think he's the same guy," Venables said. "He's got a healthy football team around him. Can't play quarterback by yourself."

Offensive Firepower on Display

The Sooners are led by Washington State transfer John Mateer, who ranks second nationally in total offense with 944 passing yards and five touchdowns, plus 161 rushing yards and four scores. His top targets include tight end Jaren Kanak (245 yards), wide receiver Deion Burks (225 yards), and Keontez Lewis (181 yards).

Auburn counters with a balanced attack featuring running back Jeremiah Cobb, who has rushed for 314 yards and four touchdowns, and wideouts Eric Singleton Jr. and Cam Coleman, each with 149 receiving yards.

Both teams have averaged over 30 points per game through three weeks, and oddsmakers have set the over/under at 46.5 points. Oklahoma is currently a 7-point favorite.

Historical Context and Stakes

This will be the third meeting between Auburn and Oklahoma, with the Sooners holding a 2-0 edge in the series. Last year's contest ended in a 27-21 Oklahoma win at Jordan-Hare Stadium, sealed by a fourth-quarter comeback.

For Auburn, a win in Norman would mark a signature victory and solidify their standing in the SEC. For Oklahoma, it's a chance to prove their dominance in their second year as a full SEC member.

With playoff implications already looming and personal storylines adding intrigue, Saturday's game promises to be one of the most compelling matchups of the early season.