Oklahoma linebacker Jaren Kanak had the perfect reaction to some major news dropping regarding Brent Venables and the Sooners defense on Saturday afternoon. Following the announcement, Kanak took to social media to share a Thanos-inspired meme that perfectly captured the moment. Quoting the Marvel supervillain’s iconic line, “Fine, I’ll do it myself,” Kanak humorously placed his coach’s head on Thanos’ body. It’s a fitting and hilarious image that shows off both his sense of humor and the excitement surrounding the changes in the program.
Brent Venables Takes Charge
On Saturday, Brent Venables made a significant announcement: he will take over play-calling duties on defense starting in 2025. In a statement released to the media, he emphasized that this decision came after careful reflection on “all facets of our program.” It seems that Venables is ready to be a bit more hands-on with the unit this season, which could have a major impact on the Sooners’ performance.
“I have reflected on all facets of our program over the past several weeks,” Venables stated. “Since I was hired as head coach, we have carefully assembled the defensive personnel and scheme that is suited to compete at the highest level, and we’ve built a deep and talented roster ready for the moment.” His commitment to excellence is clear, and fans are eager to see how his leadership will shape the defense moving forward.
New Faces on the Coaching Staff
Oklahoma has been actively searching for a new defensive coordinator since Zac Alley departed for a similar role at West Virginia. In light of this, the Sooners announced two staff additions on Saturday, including former Arkansas State defensive coordinator Nate Dreiling, as well as former Clemson defensive coordinator Wes Goodwin. These new hires indicate that Oklahoma is serious about strengthening its defensive strategy.
While Dreiling and Goodwin will bring their expertise to the coaching staff, it will ultimately be Venables who calls the plays when the Sooners hit the field in 2025. This decision is sure to energize the players and fans alike, as they look forward to a more dynamic and aggressive defensive approach.
Looking Ahead to the 2025 Season
As the Sooners prepare for the upcoming season, there’s a palpable sense of excitement. Oklahoma ranked No. 5 in the SEC in total defense during its inaugural year in the league, and the team’s ability to limit opponents to just 115.08 rushing yards per game also placed them in the Top-5 in the conference. With Venables back in a play-calling role for the first time since his days as defensive coordinator at Clemson, fans are hopeful that the Sooners will elevate their defensive game even further.
Their first game of the season is set for August 30, where they will face Illinois State at home. However, the Sooners will need to be in top form the following weekend, as they prepare to host the formidable Michigan Wolverines on September 6. These early matchups will be crucial in setting the tone for the season.
Kanak’s Performance and Expectations
As a key player on the team, Jaren Kanak has shown impressive skills on the field. Over his three seasons with the Sooners, he has amassed a total of 102 tackles. With Venables taking over play-calling duties, Kanak will be looking to capitalize on the new strategies and opportunities that arise. Could this be the year he truly shines?
Kanak’s humorous take on the situation reflects the camaraderie and spirit within the team. It’s not just about the X’s and O’s; it’s also about building a culture of fun and resilience. As the players rally around their coach, they are poised to tackle the challenges ahead with a blend of hard work and humor.
High Expectations for the Program
Venables has set high expectations for the Oklahoma football program, and his commitment to taking over defensive play-calling is a testament to that. “I have high expectations for our program and will do everything in my power to achieve our goals for our players,” he declared. This level of dedication is inspiring, and it’s clear that the Sooners are gearing up for a competitive season.
With a deep and talented roster already in place, the Sooners are ready to take on the challenges of the SEC and beyond. The combination of new coaching strategies and returning talent has the potential to create a formidable team that could make a significant impact in college football.
As the countdown to the 2025 season begins, fans are eagerly anticipating how these changes will unfold on the field. With Brent Venables at the helm of the defense and players like Jaren Kanak ready to step up, the Sooners are poised for an exciting year ahead. Will they rise to the occasion and meet the high expectations set before them? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: Oklahoma football is ready to make its mark.
