Brent Venables and the Oklahoma Sooners are facing a challenging road ahead after experiencing their second losing season in three years. The 2024 season was particularly tough, with the Sooners managing to secure only two victories in SEC play. To add to their woes, they suffered a defeat in the Armed Forces Bowl against Navy, intensifying the pressure on Venables as he heads into the 2025 season.
Concerns for the Future
College football insider Josh Pate has voiced his concerns regarding the Sooners’ prospects. On his podcast, he highlighted the daunting challenge that lies ahead for Oklahoma. “This time last year, we knew Florida’s got the toughest schedule in the SEC. It may be Oklahoma this year that has the toughest schedule in the SEC,” Pate remarked. This statement underscores the high stakes for Venables and his team as they prepare for what could be a make-or-break season.
Brutal Schedule Ahead
The upcoming schedule for the Sooners is nothing short of grueling. They will face off against CFP contenders such as South Carolina, Alabama, and Tennessee on the road. Additionally, home games against formidable opponents like Ole Miss, Missouri, and LSU will test their mettle. The annual “Red River Shootout” against Texas adds another layer of intensity, and to top it all off, they will square off against Michigan in a non-conference matchup. With such a challenging lineup, the Sooners must be ready to rise to the occasion.
Offensive Overhaul
In response to the dismal performance of the offense last season—where Oklahoma finished a staggering 126th in total offense and 110th in points scored—Brent Venables has made significant changes to his coaching staff. The new offensive coordinator, Ben Arbuckle, takes over from Seth Littrell, and he will be joined by former Washington State quarterback John Mateer. Both are expected to revamp the struggling offense quickly, especially with the tough schedule looming.
Recruiting for the Future
Despite the challenges on the field, there is a silver lining for the Sooners. Brent Venables has already begun to bolster the future of the program by securing a commitment from four-star wide receiver Daniel Odom for the 2026 recruiting class. Odom, a 6-foot-2, 193-pound talent from Bellflower, California, chose the Sooners after visiting Norman over the weekend. Ranked as the No. 41 wide receiver by 247 Sports, his addition is a promising sign for the Sooners as they look to retool after a tough season.
Building a Competitive Team
Odom will join fellow four-star recruit Jaden O’Neal, a quarterback, in the 2026 class. This early commitment is crucial for Oklahoma, especially after a lackluster offensive showing in 2024. The Sooners need to build a competitive roster to contend in the deep SEC, where every game is a battle. The pressure is on Venables and his staff to not only improve the current team but also to lay the groundwork for future success.
Venables’ Leadership Under Scrutiny
As the Sooners prepare for the upcoming season, Brent Venables finds himself under the microscope. His ability to navigate this challenging landscape will be critical. Pate pointed out, “Oklahoma is supposed to be part of what makes the SEC tough. Oklahoma is not supposed to be victimized by the SEC, that’s not good enough.” This sentiment reflects the high expectations surrounding the program and the urgency for improvement.
Looking Ahead
The Sooners have their work cut out for them as they approach the 2025 season. With a challenging schedule, a revamped coaching staff, and a focus on recruiting, the program is at a crossroads. The upcoming season will be a true test of Venables’ leadership and the team’s resilience. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how Oklahoma responds to the challenges ahead.
How do you think the Oklahoma Sooners will fare next season? Will they rise to the occasion, or will they continue to struggle in the SEC? The answers will unfold in the coming months, and the excitement of college football is sure to keep fans on the edge of their seats.
