Oklahoma 2025 Football Opponent Preview: Everything You Need To Know About The Missouri Tigers Clash In Norman This Fall

The Oklahoma Sooners are preparing for one of their most anticipated seasons in recent memory as they fully immerse themselves in SEC football, and one particular matchup has fans circling their calendars—Missouri. The Sooners will welcome the Missouri Tigers to Norman in 2025 for a contest that blends conference stakes, recruiting implications, and historical familiarity into a must-watch battle.

Missouri may not always grab headlines like Georgia or Alabama, but underestimate Eli Drinkwitz’s Tigers at your peril. After steadily building the program since his arrival in Columbia, Drinkwitz has assembled a roster capable of competing with anyone in the SEC East, and in 2025, expectations for Missouri are higher than they’ve been in over a decade.

For Oklahoma, the stakes could not be clearer. Entering their second full SEC season under Brent Venables, the Sooners are determined to cement themselves as legitimate conference contenders. Last year’s growing pains provided valuable lessons, but with a reloaded roster and strong returning leadership, Oklahoma is poised to make serious noise.

The Missouri game lands at a pivotal point in Oklahoma’s schedule. Slotted for late October, the matchup falls squarely in the grind of SEC play, when depth, execution, and resilience separate contenders from pretenders. By then, the Sooners will have faced other league foes, including Tennessee and Auburn, while Missouri will likely be battle-tested after taking on teams like Kentucky, Texas A&M, and Georgia.

Missouri arrives in 2025 riding the momentum of a 10-win campaign last season, their first double-digit win total since their 2014 SEC East title run. Quarterback Jake Garcia, the former Miami transfer, finally found his rhythm in Drinkwitz’s system, delivering a breakout year that solidified his status among the SEC’s top signal-callers. With Garcia electing to return for one final season, Missouri’s offense figures to be even more dangerous this fall.

Garcia’s chemistry with star wideout Luther Burden III electrified the Tigers’ attack in 2024. Burden, a former five-star recruit, showcased why he was one of the most coveted prospects in the country, amassing over 1,300 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns. His rare combination of size, speed, and route-running polish makes him a nightmare for opposing secondaries, and Oklahoma’s revamped defensive backs will face one of their toughest challenges of the season trying to contain him.

Beyond Burden, Missouri’s offensive line deserves praise for their growth last year. Anchored by left tackle Javon Foster, the Tigers’ front proved capable of protecting Garcia and creating running lanes for tailback Cody Schrader. Schrader, a gritty back with a downhill style, returns after a 1,100-yard season, giving Missouri valuable balance.

Defensively, Missouri’s unit was among the most improved in the SEC last year, finishing in the conference’s top five in total defense and sacks. Defensive coordinator Blake Baker’s aggressive scheme emphasizes pressure and turnover creation, traits that fueled several upset wins in 2024.

At the heart of Missouri’s defense is linebacker Ty’Ron Hopper, the Florida transfer who blossomed into a tackling machine and vocal leader. His sideline-to-sideline speed, combined with his instincts, make him a disruptive force against both the run and pass. Up front, defensive end Darius Robinson headlines a formidable pass rush that tallied 35 sacks last season, applying constant heat on opposing quarterbacks.

For Oklahoma, neutralizing Missouri’s defensive front will be a key to success. The Sooners’ offensive line, long considered a program strength, faces one of its toughest assignments. Fortunately, Oklahoma returns All-American guard Cayden Green and rising star tackle Jacob Sexton, both of whom provide experience and physicality in the trenches.

At quarterback, Jackson Arnold enters his junior season with sky-high expectations. After flashes of brilliance during the 2024 campaign, Arnold is now entrenched as the face of the Sooners’ offense. His dual-threat capabilities, combined with a cannon arm, make him the type of quarterback who can elevate Oklahoma to championship contention. The matchup with Missouri will be a prime opportunity for Arnold to showcase his poise and playmaking under SEC pressure.

Arnold’s weapons include wide receiver Nic Anderson, whose breakout sophomore season included 11 touchdown receptions, and tight end Kade McIntyre, a reliable red zone target with excellent hands. The Sooners’ backfield is headlined by Gavin Sawchuk, a dynamic rusher capable of breaking off chunk plays and wearing down defenses.

Oklahoma’s defense, under Venables’ guidance, showed marked improvement in 2024, finishing among the SEC’s top units in takeaways and third-down defense. Linebacker Kip Lewis emerged as a star, combining speed, coverage ability, and leadership. Defensive end R. Mason Thomas also took significant strides, becoming a force off the edge with his relentless motor and pass-rushing skill set.

The Sooners’ secondary, featuring cornerback Gentry Williams and safety Peyton Bowen, will be tasked with slowing down Missouri’s aerial assault. Williams’ lockdown coverage abilities and Bowen’s range on the back end provide Oklahoma with the tools to disrupt opposing passing games, but containing Luther Burden will be a litmus test for their championship aspirations.

Special teams could play a decisive role in this clash. Oklahoma kicker Gavin Marshall, who connected on 85% of his field goals last season, brings reliability, while punter Josh Plaster’s directional kicking and hang time help control field position. Missouri counters with placekicker Harrison Mevis, affectionately known as “The Thiccer Kicker,” whose booming leg and clutch performances have made him a fan favorite and a genuine threat from long range.

Beyond the X’s and O’s, the Oklahoma-Missouri game carries historical significance. The programs share a rich Big 12 history, with memorable battles that shaped conference championship races in the 2000s. Missouri’s move to the SEC in 2012 altered that dynamic, but their return to Norman rekindles old rivalries and adds an extra layer of intrigue.

From a recruiting perspective, this game holds weight in the ongoing battle for prospects across Texas, Oklahoma, and the Midwest. Both programs target similar territories, and a win in this high-profile SEC matchup could sway future commitments.

The atmosphere in Norman is expected to be electric. With the Sooners’ passionate fan base embracing SEC football, every home game takes on heightened significance, and Missouri’s visit is no exception. Expect a sold-out Memorial Stadium, the Sooner Schooner circling the field, and a charged environment that tests even the most composed opponents.

Ultimately, this game could have major postseason implications. If Oklahoma intends to challenge for an SEC West title and potentially a College Football Playoff berth, holding serve at home against quality opponents like Missouri is essential. Conversely, a Missouri win in Norman would not only boost their own SEC East hopes but also signal their arrival as a true conference power.

The matchup between Oklahoma and Missouri promises hard-hitting action, explosive plays, and strategic battles across the board. It’s more than just a game—it’s a statement opportunity for both programs as they chase glory in college football’s toughest conference.

Come late October, all eyes will be on Norman, where the Sooners and Tigers collide in a game loaded with talent, storylines, and the type of drama only SEC football can deliver.