About Our Ads Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Oklahoma Sooners improved to 5-4 overall and 3-3 in SEC play in the 2026 season, earning an upset road win against the Florida Gators . OU won 23-7 in Gainesville in their first trip to Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in program history.
The Sooners bounced back after being embarrassed at home against South Carolina last week, showing a lot of toughness to go get a win in "The Swamp" at night. A swarming defense, complemented by an offense that seemed to know what it wanted to do, led to a game in which Oklahoma controlled the action for much of the evening.
As always, a few players stood out in the victory, which felt great after a tough seven days inside the Switzer Center. Here are three stars from OU's win under the lights against the Gators.
Nov 7, 2026; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive back Reggie Powers III (3) and Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Owen Heinecke (38) tackle Florida Gators quarterback Tramell Jones Jr. (9) during the first half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images Linebacker Owen Heinecke is OU's leading tackler this season, and he was OU's leading tackler against Florida. It was a bounce-back night for the Sooners defense, which played poorly against the Gamecocks last week. Heinecke is one of the leaders of that group, and he had a very strong outing in primetime against the Gators.
Heinecke reeled in 10 total tackles, including 1.5 TFLs and half a sack. Short of one drive where the Gators ran the ball well against the Oklahoma defense, Heinecke and Co. gave up nothing else on the scoreboard. He earned an extra season of college ball in court this offseason, and he's made the most of it on an individual level through nine games.
Nov 7, 2026; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) waits to snap the ball during the second half against the Florida Gators at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images Quarterback John Mateer has been through a lot this season. Most of the fanbase has wanted him benched for two months. He underperformed against Michigan, New Mexico, Georgia, and South Carolina, not to mention the end of the Kentucky game. However, he beat Texas, played well against Mississippi State, and played well again versus Florida this week. He's seen the ups and downs, and he performed well against the Gators.
Additionally, he saw one of his closest friends, former offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle , fired on Monday, which was understandably hard on him.
Still, he made the plays he needed on Saturday night, showing resolve despite a poor season overall. Mateer hasn't been as good as OU needed him to be this year, but how many QBs in SEC history have won on the road in Neyland Stadium, Bryant-Denny Stadium, and Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in a two-year period? Mateer's done just that, and I'm willing to bet that list isn't very long.
Nov 7, 2026; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Oklahoma Sooners interim offensive coordinator Jason Witten walks on the field during the second half against the Florida Gators at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images Interim offensive coordinator Jason Witten learned on Monday that he'd been elevated to the role to replace Arbuckle. Despite having never called plays at the college level (and only coaching at the college level for eight games), he was now at the controls of the OU offense.
While it wasn't perfect, Witten's version of the Sooner attack looked more efficient, more effective, and more diverse, at least for one game. There was more balance and a commitment to getting more players involved in the passing game. Sure, it's just one game, and there are three more to go this year, but Witten should be lauded for his major role in helping the Sooners topple the Gators on the road.
Nov 7, 2026; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Florida Gators head coach Jon Sumrall and Oklahoma Sooners head coach Brent Venables shake hands before the game at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images (Matt Pendleton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) Nov 7, 2026; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Oklahoma Sooners interim offensive coordinator Jason Witten and Oklahoma Sooners head coach Brent Venables talk before the game by the Florida Gators at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images (Matt Pendleton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) Nov 7, 2026; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Oklahoma Sooners interim offensive coordinator Jason Witten walks on the field during the second half against the Florida Gators at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images (Matt Pendleton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) Nov 7, 2026; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Former Oklahoma Sooners head coach Bob Stoops talks with Florida Gators head coach Jon Sumrall before the game at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images (Matt Pendleton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) Nov 7, 2026; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) stiff arms Florida Gators inside linebacker Ty Jackson (7) during the first half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images (Matt Pendleton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) Nov 7, 2026; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Kip Lewis (10) gestures with a Gator Chomp during the second half against the Florida Gators at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images (Matt Pendleton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) Nov 7, 2026; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver Jacob Jordan (7) runs with the ball during the second half against the Florida Gators at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images (Matt Pendleton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) Nov 7, 2026; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Florida Gators jack linebacker Jayden Woods (0) looks at Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) during the second half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images (Matt Pendleton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) Nov 7, 2026; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive back Courtland Guillory (4) intercepts a pass to Florida Gators wide receiver Eric Singleton Jr. (2) during the second half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images (Matt Pendleton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) Nov 7, 2026; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Florida Gators quarterback Tramell Jones Jr. (9) throws the ball during the second half against the Oklahoma Sooners at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images (Matt Pendleton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) Nov 7, 2026; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Oklahoma Sooners mascot Boomer sits on the field during the second half against the Florida Gators at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images (Matt Pendleton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) Nov 7, 2026; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Florida Gators cornerback Ben Hanks III (12) tackles Oklahoma Sooners tight end Rocky Beers (81) during the first half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images (Matt Pendleton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) Nov 7, 2026; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Oklahoma Sooners tight end Rocky Beers (81) attempts to catch a pass while Florida Gators star defensive back Kanye Clark (20) defends during the first half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images (Matt Pendleton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) Nov 7, 2026; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Florida Gators cheerleaders perform during a timeout during the first half against the Oklahoma Sooners at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images (Matt Pendleton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) Nov 7, 2026; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Owen Heinecke (38) gestures after a quarterback sack during the first half against the Florida Gators at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images (Matt Pendleton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) Nov 7, 2026; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive back Reggie Powers III (3) and Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Owen Heinecke (38) tackle Florida Gators quarterback Tramell Jones Jr. (9) during the first half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images (Matt Pendleton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) Nov 7, 2026; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Florida Gators dazzlers perform during a timeout during the first half against the Oklahoma Sooners at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images (Matt Pendleton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) Nov 7, 2026; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Oklahoma Sooners tight end Hayden Hansen (89) gestures after making a touchdown during the first half against the Florida Gators at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images (Matt Pendleton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) Nov 7, 2026; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Oklahoma Sooners tight end Hayden Hansen (89) makes a catch for a touchdown during the first half against the Florida Gators at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images (Matt Pendleton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) Nov 7, 2026; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Florida Gators quarterback Tramell Jones Jr. (9) reaches for a first down while Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman Danny Okoye (16) tackles during the first half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images (Matt Pendleton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) Nov 7, 2026; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Oklahoma Sooners head coach Brent Venables walks on the field after the game by the Florida Gators at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images (Matt Pendleton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) 1 / 21 Fantastic photos from Oklahoma's 23-7 win over the Florida Gators Nov 7, 2026; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Florida Gators head coach Jon Sumrall and Oklahoma Sooners head coach Brent Venables shake hands before the game at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images (Matt Pendleton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) 1 / 21 Fantastic photos from Oklahoma's 23-7 win over the Florida Gators Nov 7, 2026; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Florida Gators head coach Jon Sumrall and Oklahoma Sooners head coach Brent Venables shake hands before the game at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images (Matt Pendleton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) 2 / 21 Social media reacts to Oklahoma Sooners' 23-7 win over Florida Nov 7, 2026; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Oklahoma Sooners interim offensive coordinator Jason Witten and Oklahoma Sooners head coach Brent Venables talk before the game by the Florida Gators at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images (Matt Pendleton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) 3 / 21 Fantastic photos from Oklahoma's 23-7 win over the Florida Gators Nov 7, 2026; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Oklahoma Sooners interim offensive coordinator Jason Witten walks on the field during the second half against the Florida Gators at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images (Matt Pendleton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) 4 / 21 Fantastic photos from Oklahoma's 23-7 win over the Florida Gators Nov 7, 2026; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Former Oklahoma Sooners head coach Bob Stoops talks with Florida Gators head coach Jon Sumrall before the game at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images (Matt Pendleton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) 5 / 21 Fantastic photos from Oklahoma's 23-7 win over the Florida Gators Nov 7, 2026; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) stiff arms Florida Gators inside linebacker Ty Jackson (7) during the first half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images (Matt Pendleton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) 6 / 21 Fantastic photos from Oklahoma's 23-7 win over the Florida Gators Nov 7, 2026; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Kip Lewis (10) gestures with a Gator Chomp during the second half against the Florida Gators at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images (Matt Pendleton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) 7 / 21 Fantastic photos from Oklahoma's 23-7 win over the Florida Gators Nov 7, 2026; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver Jacob Jordan (7) runs with the ball during the second half against the Florida Gators at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images (Matt Pendleton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) 8 / 21 Fantastic photos from Oklahoma's 23-7 win over the Florida Gators Nov 7, 2026; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Florida Gators jack linebacker Jayden Woods (0) looks at Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) during the second half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images (Matt Pendleton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) 9 / 21 Fantastic photos from Oklahoma's 23-7 win over the Florida Gators Nov 7, 2026; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive back Courtland Guillory (4) intercepts a pass to Florida Gators wide receiver Eric Singleton Jr. (2) during the second half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images (Matt Pendleton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) 10 / 21 Fantastic photos from Oklahoma's 23-7 win over the Florida Gators Nov 7, 2026; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Florida Gators quarterback Tramell Jones Jr. (9) throws the ball during the second half against the Oklahoma Sooners at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images (Matt Pendleton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) 11 / 21 Fantastic photos from Oklahoma's 23-7 win over the Florida Gators Nov 7, 2026; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Oklahoma Sooners mascot Boomer sits on the field during the second half against the Florida Gators at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images (Matt Pendleton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) 12 / 21 Fantastic photos from Oklahoma's 23-7 win over the Florida Gators Nov 7, 2026; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Florida Gators cornerback Ben Hanks III (12) tackles Oklahoma Sooners tight end Rocky Beers (81) during the first half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images (Matt Pendleton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) 13 / 21 Fantastic photos from Oklahoma's 23-7 win over the Florida Gators Nov 7, 2026; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Oklahoma Sooners tight end Rocky Beers (81) attempts to catch a pass while Florida Gators star defensive back Kanye Clark (20) defends during the first half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images (Matt Pendleton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) 14 / 21 Fantastic photos from Oklahoma's 23-7 win over the Florida Gators Nov 7, 2026; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Florida Gators cheerleaders perform during a timeout during the first half against the Oklahoma Sooners at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images (Matt Pendleton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) 15 / 21 Fantastic photos from Oklahoma's 23-7 win over the Florida Gators Nov 7, 2026; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Owen Heinecke (38) gestures after a quarterback sack during the first half against the Florida Gators at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images (Matt Pendleton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) 16 / 21 Fantastic photos from Oklahoma's 23-7 win over the Florida Gators Nov 7, 2026; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive back Reggie Powers III (3) and Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Owen Heinecke (38) tackle Florida Gators quarterback Tramell Jones Jr. (9) during the first half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images (Matt Pendleton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) 17 / 21 Fantastic photos from Oklahoma's 23-7 win over the Florida Gators Nov 7, 2026; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Florida Gators dazzlers perform during a timeout during the first half against the Oklahoma Sooners at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images (Matt Pendleton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) 18 / 21 Fantastic photos from Oklahoma's 23-7 win over the Florida Gators Nov 7, 2026; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Oklahoma Sooners tight end Hayden Hansen (89) gestures after making a touchdown during the first half against the Florida Gators at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images (Matt Pendleton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) 19 / 21 Fantastic photos from Oklahoma's 23-7 win over the Florida Gators Nov 7, 2026; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Oklahoma Sooners tight end Hayden Hansen (89) makes a catch for a touchdown during the first half against the Florida Gators at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images (Matt Pendleton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) 20 / 21 Fantastic photos from Oklahoma's 23-7 win over the Florida Gators Nov 7, 2026; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Florida Gators quarterback Tramell Jones Jr. (9) reaches for a first down while Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman Danny Okoye (16) tackles during the first half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images (Matt Pendleton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) 21 / 21 Fantastic photos from Oklahoma's 23-7 win over the Florida Gators Nov 7, 2026; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Oklahoma Sooners head coach Brent Venables walks on the field after the game by the Florida Gators at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images (Matt Pendleton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) Contact/Follow us @SoonersWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oklahoma news, notes and opinions. You can also follow Aaron on X @Aaron_Gelvin .
This article originally appeared on Sooners Wire: 3 stars after the Oklahoma Sooners defeat the Florida Gators
Source: Sports
