What Football Conference Is Oklahoma In? (2025 Update)

By Sarah Miller · January 27, 2035

Oklahoma is currently a member of the Southeastern Conference (SEC), having officially joined on July 1, 2024, after previously competing in the Big 12 Conference.

Understanding Oklahoma's Move to the SEC

The University of Oklahoma's football program, one of the most storied in college sports history, transitioned from the Big 12 Conference to the Southeastern Conference (SEC) in 2024. This move marks a pivotal shift in the landscape of NCAA Division I football and reflects broader realignment trends across collegiate athletics.

Why Did Oklahoma Join the SEC?

Financial incentives: The SEC offers significantly higher media revenue sharing compared to the Big 12.
National exposure: SEC games dominate major television networks like CBS, ESPN, and ABC.
Competitive prestige: The SEC consistently ranks as the top conference in college football, with multiple national championships in recent decades.
Geographic expansion strategy: The SEC has strategically added prominent programs from non-traditional Southern markets to grow its national footprint.
Long-term stability: Amid conference realignment, joining the SEC ensures Oklahoma remains in a power conference through at least 2030.

Oklahoma's Football History and Conference Timeline

Before joining the SEC, Oklahoma was a cornerstone of the Big 12 Conference since its formation in 1996. The Sooners won 14 Big 12 championships, including multiple back-to-back titles, establishing themselves as the dominant force in the league.

Key Milestones in Oklahoma Football

Founded: 1895
NCAA Championships: 7 (most recently in 2000)
Conference Titles: Over 50 across various leagues including MVIAA, Big Six, Big Seven, Big Eight, Big 12, and now SEC
Heisman Trophy Winners: 7 (including Baker Mayfield and Kyler Murray)
Notable Coaches: Bud Wilkinson, Barry Switzer, Bob Stoops, Brent Venables

Comparison of Power Conferences in 2025

As college football evolves, understanding how the SEC compares to other Power Four conferences helps contextualize Oklahoma’s strategic decision.

Conference	2024 Average Attendance	2023-24 Media Revenue (per school)	AP Top 25 Finishes (Last 5 Years)	College Football Playoff Appearances
SEC	75,124	$75.8M	48	12
Big Ten	68,941	$59.7M	39	8
Big 12	54,361	$43.2M	22	3
ACC	52,103	$40.1M	25	4

Table data source:1, 2, 3

The data shows that the SEC leads in both fan engagement and financial strength. With an average attendance over 75,000 and per-school payouts exceeding $75 million annually, the SEC provides Oklahoma access to larger audiences and greater resources. Additionally, the conference’s dominance in playoff appearances enhances the Sooners’ path to national title contention.

Impact on Schedule and Rivalries

Oklahoma’s entry into the SEC reshapes its traditional matchups. While annual games against Texas remain under a new agreement until 2025, future scheduling will prioritize rotating SEC opponents such as LSU, Alabama, and Florida.

New SEC West Rotation (Starting 2025)

Home: LSU, Arkansas, Texas A&M, Missouri*
Away: Alabama, Auburn, Ole Miss, Mississippi State
*Note: Missouri is in SEC East but plays annually due to proximity

Frequently Asked Questions About Oklahoma Football and the SEC

What conference is Oklahoma football in now?

Oklahoma football is currently in the Southeastern Conference (SEC), starting competition in the 2024 season.

When did Oklahoma join the SEC?

Oklahoma officially joined the SEC on July 1, 2024, after announcing the move in 2023 alongside Texas.

Why did Oklahoma leave the Big 12?

Oklahoma left the Big 12 primarily for increased revenue, greater national exposure, and long-term stability offered by the SEC’s media deals and brand strength.

Does Oklahoma still play Texas every year?

Yes, Oklahoma and Texas will continue their annual Red River Showdown rivalry game through 2025, even though both are now in different divisions within the SEC.