HOUSTON, October 12, 2026 — Oklahoma head football coach Brent Venables has been named Paul “Bear” Bryant National Coach of the Week following the Sooners’ dramatic 27-24 win over No. 1 Texas in the Red River Rivalry on Saturday.
Fifth-year kicker Tate Sandell’s 47-yard field goal as time expired gave the Sooners the first win in program history over a No. 1 ranked team while OU was unranked.
The American Heart Association, a relentless force changing the future of health for everyone everywhere, presents the Bear Bryant Awards annually to celebrate excellence in coaching, to honor Coach Bryant’s legacy and to raise awareness and critical funds for its mission. The coaching legend died from a heart attack in 1983, just 28 days after his final victory and retirement.
Venables’ halftime adjustments paid dividends for the Sooners. After trailing 17-7 at the half, Oklahoma scored the first 17 points of the second half to take a 24-17 lead with 10:07 remaining. The offensive attack saw a turnaround in the second half as well – after just one net rushing yard in the first half, the Sooners rushed for 80 yards on 12 carries in the second half.
The Sooners scored points in all facets of Saturday’s game, with points on offense, defense (a 42-yard interception return by Peyton Bowen), and special teams (a blocked punt recovered for a touchdown by Dakoda Fields). The blocked punt for a score was OU’s first since 2019.
The win was OU’s first win over a top-ranked team since 2007, ending a four-game skid to top-ranked teams.
The Sooners return home on Saturday, Oct. 17, for a Southeastern Conference matchup with No. 15/17 Kentucky.
Each week through the remainder of the season, the Paul “Bear” Bryant Awards will recognize a coach for leading their team to an exceptional victory. The Paul “Bear” Bryant National Coach of the Week is chosen by a committee of national college football media members. Venables’ selection follows previous selections of Missouri’s Eli Drinkwitz, Missouri’s Luke Fickell, Ole Miss’ Pete Golding, Oklahoma State Eric Morris, Western Michigan’s Lance Taylor and Memphis’ Charles Huff.
Fans can follow the lead up to January’s annual Paul “Bear” Bryant Awards Ceremony at facebook.com/bryantawards, x.com/bryantawards or Instagram.com/bryantawards or the hashtag #BryantAwards. To attend the exclusive, VIP experience visit bryantawards.org.
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