As the Sooners inch closer to the College Football Playoff, possible home game scheduling poses a conflict with final exams and the December 2025 graduation ceremonies.
The OU Sooners are currently ranked No. 5 in the Southeastern Conference Standings. According to the ESPN Football Power Index, the Sooners have a 73.2% chance of winning its upcoming match against Louisiana State University and, if the team wins the game, it would qualify for the College Football Playoff.
The Sooners will play against LSU Saturday at Gaylord-Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium.
Finals week will run from Monday, Dec. 15 to Friday, Dec. 19. according to the OU Academic Calendar. The fall graduation ceremonies will follow on Saturday, Dec. 20, according to OU University Experiences.
According to the NCAA, the scheduled playoff game would be on either Friday, Dec. 19 or Saturday, Dec. 20, posing a conflict with exam schedules and families traveling for the graduation ceremony.
OU athletic director Joe Castiglione told OU Daily Monday that the athletic department is working with and discussing potential alternatives with the university in the case the Sooners qualify for the playoffs.
“In short, we have been in touch with campus about all of this. Alternatives are being discussed,” Castiglione said.
OU Facilities Management wrote in an email to OU Daily Wednesday morning that it will support any potential changes, but is not involved in making decisions.
OU Marketing and Communications wrote in an email Wednesday evening that the university will make a scheduling decision when final playoff pairings are announced.
“On Sunday, Dec. 7, the 12-team CFP brackets and pairings will be announced. The University is monitoring potential scenarios, and if any adjustments become necessary, we will communicate updates promptly to the University community,” the OU Marketing and Communications email reads.
This story was edited by Ana Barboza, Natalie Armour and Thomas Pablo. Gretchen Schultz and Sophie Hemker copy edited this story.
