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Five Season-Defining Plays from Oklahoma’s 2025 Regular Season

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Five Season-Defining Plays from Oklahoma’s 2025 Regular Season


NORMAN — Exhale, Sooner fans — you’re in.

Oklahoma is headed to the College Football Playoff for the first time since 2019 after beating LSU 17-13 on Saturday. The Sooners are currently No. 8 in the CFP rankings, though their position can change, depending on what happens in the various conference championship games played on Friday and Saturday.

OU went 10-2 overall and 6-2 in SEC during the regular season.

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Here are five moments that defined Oklahoma’s 2025 regular season:

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R Mason Thomas’ game-sealing sack vs. Auburn

R Mason Thomas was forced to miss the first half of OU’s SEC opener against Auburn, due to a targeting call that he received in the Sooners’ previous game against Temple.

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Thomas, though, didn’t waste any time when he was cleared to check into the game.

The senior edge rusher finished the game with four solo tackles and two sacks. His final sack came with less than two minutes remaining, as he took down Auburn quarterback and former Sooner Jackson Arnold in the end zone for a safety that iced the game.

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Gracen Halton’s scoop-and-score TD vs. Kent State

You might ask, “How can a play in the third quarter of a game that OU won 44-0 be a ‘season-defining’ play?”

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Fair enough.

But even though the Sooners’ defense allowed only 36 points in their first four games, they didn’t force a takeaway until Game 5 against Kent State.

In the third quarter — when OU already held a comfortable advantage — Thomas got a strip sack on Golden Flashes quarterback Devin Kargman. Defensive tackle Gracen Halton was right there to scoop up the football and run it into the end zone.

Halton’s recovery and touchdown seemingly ignited OU’s ability to turn its opponents over. Jaydan Hardy logged an interception later that game, and the Sooners finished the season with 13 takeaways.

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John Mateer’s rushing TD vs. Tennessee

Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer’s season has been riddled by ups and downs.

He was the odds-on Heisman Trophy favorite after four games before he underwent surgery on his right hand. Since returning from the injury, Mateer’s game has been inconsistent.

Mateer wasn’t perfect against Tennessee, but he made big plays when called upon.

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He was particularly effective with his legs, finishing the win with 80 yards. Mateer capped off his strong night on the ground with a one-yard rushing touchdown, making it a two-score game with less than two minutes remaining.

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While Mateer finished OU’s 33-27 win with only 159 passing yards, he sent Volunteer fans to the exits and even “shushed” the crowd when he crossed the goal line.

Taylor Wein’s strip sack vs. Alabama

The 406 offensive yards that Oklahoma allowed against Alabama don’t tell the tale.

The Sooners consistently affected quarterback Ty Simpson and all of the Crimson Tide’s other weapons. OU forced three takeaways, one of which was a strip sack from defensive end Taylor Wein in the third quarter.

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Oklahoma only got a field goal on its ensuing drive, but those three points went a long way in the Sooners’ 23-21 win.

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Wein also blocked a field goal right before halftime, preventing Alabama from scoring three points in the second quarter.

Isaiah Sategna’s TD vs. LSU

The College Football Playoff wouldn’t be on the table if the Sooners didn’t take care of business against LSU in their regular-season finale.

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Oklahoma’s offense struggled to find a rhythm aside from two big plays. Deion Burks caught a screen pass and ran it 45 yards for a touchdown to tie the game, but the Tigers retook the lead moments later.

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Trailing 13-10, OU had to respond on its final drive to keep its playoff dreams alive. The Sooners did just that, as Isaiah Sategna found space in the middle of the field. Mateer hit Sategna in stride for a 58-yard touchdown.

The Sooners’ defense forced a turnover on downs on LSU’s ensuing possession to clinch their spot in the CFP.

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Oklahoma

Oklahoma Ford Sports Blitz: June 28, 2026

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Oklahoma Ford Sports Blitz: June 28, 2026


In this week’s Your Vote Counts, Oklahoma’s Own Scott Mitchell leads Jason Dunnington and Sen. Paul Rosino in a discussion about new Oklahoma laws, including those addressing data centers. Other topics include inflation and the ongoing impact of the war in Iran.





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Where to find July 4th fireworks, festivals, and family fun in Oklahoma

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Where to find July 4th fireworks, festivals, and family fun in Oklahoma


Looking for the perfect spot to celebrate Independence Day in Oklahoma this year? From massive fireworks displays over Grand Lake to food truck festivals and live music across the OKC metro, communities are pulling out all the stops to celebrate the Declaration of Independence. Grab your lawn chairs, round up the family, and get ready for an unforgettable week of summer fun. Here is your ultimate guide to the best Fourth of July events happening right in your backyard!

Key takeaways

  • The bigger picture: Oklahoma communities are going all out for Independence Day in 2026, with celebrations spanning from Norman’s four-day Fourth Fest to major fireworks displays in Edmond, Tulsa, and on Grand Lake — giving families across the state plenty of options close to home.
  • More details: Highlights include Liberty Fest in Edmond, one of the largest fireworks displays in the metro area, the Duck Creek Fireworks on Grand Lake featuring a War Bird flyover tribute synchronized to patriotic music, and Tribute to Liberty in Midwest City, which combines live music, a laser show, and fireworks in honor of the Declaration of Independence’s 250th anniversary.
  • Why this matters: This year’s celebrations carry extra weight as part of America’s semiquincentennial, with several events — including Tribute to Liberty and the Duck Creek Fireworks — built around honoring both the nation’s founding and the service members who’ve defended it.
  • Date: 9:45 p.m. July 1-4
  • Location: Reaves Park; 2501 S Jenkins Ave., Norman

This year’s Fourth Fest is bigger than ever before, spanning four days. The city has added additional programming across multiple parks. Before the fireworks, enjoy a wide range of attractions including bouncy houses, local vendors, food trucks, pony rides, and a petting zoo. The fireworks show begins at 9:45 p.m. on July 4.

  • Date: 8:30 p.m. July 3
  • Location: Scissortail Park, 300 SW 7th St., Oklahoma City

OKCPHIL’s Red, White, and Boom concert is a high-energy celebration that brings the community together for an unforgettable summer evening of music. The Oklahoma City Philharmonic performs a vibrant program of American classics, fan favorites, and patriotic anthems.

  • Date: 6-10 p.m. July 3
  • Location: Boomer Lake Park; 2310 E Lakeview Road, Stillwater

This Independence Day celebration will include area vendors, food trucks, hometown hospitality, and a fireworks show. Free parking will be available at Stillwater High School’s Pioneer Stadium.

  • Date: July 3-4
  • Location: Yukon City Park & Chisholm Trail Park, 2200 S Holly Ave., Yukon

Bring the whole family to Freedom Fest in Yukon! Experience a lineup of live outdoor concerts, peruse the food trucks on site, and enjoy the activities for kids.

  • Date: 2-10 p.m. July 4
  • Location: Buck Thomas Park, 1903 NE 12th St., Moore

Enjoy one of the largest fireworks shows in the state with food trucks, vendors, and activities throughout the day. Admission is free. Fireworks will begin around 9:45 p.m.

  • Date: 7-10 p.m. July 4
  • Location: Joe B. Barnes Regional Park, 8700 E Reno Ave., Midwest City

Bring your chairs and join Midwest City in its celebration of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Enjoy food trucks, games, The Wise Guys performing live on stage, a huge fireworks display, and a laser show.

  • Date: 9:30 p.m. July 4
  • Location: University of Central Oklahoma; 100 N University Drive, Edmond

Liberty Fest’s grand finale is one of the largest fireworks displays in the metro area. Bring your entire family to witness the spectacular show. Parking is available in lots on campus.

  • Date: July 4
  • Location: Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees, 32888 S 4507 Road, No. 8123, Afton

Duck Creek Fireworks is the longest-running tradition on Grand Lake. Keep an eye out for the highly anticipated War Bird flyover, a tribute to the men and women serving overseas. The fireworks, beginning at sunset, will be synchronized to patriotic music.

  • Date: July 4
  • Location: River West Festival Park, 2100 S Jackson Ave., Tulsa

Celebrate America’s independence at Tulsa’s annual FreedomFest celebration. This celebration includes all-ages entertainment and a variety of activities and tasty concessions. FreedomFest features one of the largest free fireworks displays in Oklahoma.





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Oklahoma Lottery Powerball, Lotto America results for June 27, 2026

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Oklahoma Lottery Powerball, Lotto America results for June 27, 2026


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The Oklahoma Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big.

Here’s a look at June 27, 2026, results for each game:

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Winning Powerball numbers from June 27 drawing

03-16-28-30-59, Powerball: 11, Power Play: 2

Check Powerball payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Lotto America numbers from June 27 drawing

03-08-18-22-39, Star Ball: 06, ASB: 02

Check Lotto America payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick 3 numbers from June 27 drawing

3-6-9

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Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Cash 5 numbers from June 27 drawing

15-17-20-25-26

Check Cash 5 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Powerball Double Play numbers from June 27 drawing

02-26-34-43-45, Powerball: 15

Check Powerball Double Play payouts and previous drawings here.

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Winning Millionaire for Life numbers from June 27 drawing

26-32-38-51-52, Bonus: 05

Check Millionaire for Life payouts and previous drawings here.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your lottery prize

  • Sign Your Ticket: Please make sure to sign and complete the back of your ticket
  • You have 180 days from the draw date to claim your prize.
  • Prizes up to $600: Can be claimed at any Oklahoma Lottery retailer or at the Oklahoma Lottery Winner Center, located at 300 N. Broadway in downtown Oklahoma City. Hours of operation are Monday – Friday 7:30 am – 4:00 pm.
  • Prizes from $601 to $49,999: These can be claimed at the Oklahoma Lottery Winner Center or by mail. Payments can be issued as a check or direct deposit (ACH). Claiming in person requires a photo of the front and back of the winning ticket, a valid ID, official proof of Social Security number and a completed claim form.
  • Prizes of $50,000 or more: These can be claimed in person at the Oklahoma Lottery Winner Center or by mail. Payment options include check or ACH. Bring a photo of the front and back of the winning ticket, proof of Social Security number, a completed claim form, and valid ID.

Mail-in Claims: Mail the original signed ticket and a completed claim form to the Oklahoma Lottery, P.O. Box 548810, Oklahoma City, OK 73154. For direct deposit, include a voided check or bank letter with your account details. Non-winning tickets are not accepted, and Oklahoma Lottery assumes no responsibility for lost or stolen mail.

For additional details, refer to the official Oklahoma Lottery claim page.

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When are the Oklahoma Lottery drawings held?

  • Powerball: 9:59 p.m. CT Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
  • MEGA Millions: 10 p.m. CT Tuesday and Friday.
  • Lucky for Life: 9:38 p.m. CT daily
  • Lotto America: 9:15 p.m. CT Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
  • Pick 3: 9:10 p.m. CT daily.
  • Cash 5: 9:10 p.m. CT daily.
  • Powerball Double Play: 9:59 p.m. CT Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
  • Millionaire for Life: 10:15 p.m. CT daily.

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by an Oklahoma editor. You can send feedback using this form.



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