The 2024 college football season was a challenging one for the Oklahoma Sooners. After a promising start to the era under head coach Brent Venables, the team finished with a losing record of 6-7, marking a tough second year for Venables and the program. With the transition from the Big 12 to the SEC, this season was always going to be a critical one, but it raised important questions about the future of the Sooners and their head coach. Now, as the 2025 season approaches, the Sooners face an incredibly pivotal year—one that could determine not only their direction as a team but also the future of Venables at the helm.
Oklahoma is a proud program with a storied history in college football, boasting seven national championships and numerous conference titles. The Sooners have long been a powerhouse in the sport, but recent struggles have left the fanbase yearning for a return to prominence. The hire of Brent Venables in 2022 was meant to usher in a new era of Oklahoma football, especially as the program made its move to the SEC, a conference known for its competitive nature and elite teams. However, despite high expectations and an optimistic outlook, Venables has faced significant challenges in his first three seasons, including the disappointment of two losing records.
Brent Venables’ Tenure at Oklahoma: Challenges and Expectations
When Venables was hired, many expected the defensive-minded coach to revitalize the program. He had an impressive track record as a defensive coordinator at Clemson, where he helped build one of the most dominant defenses in college football. Venables’ strong recruiting abilities and defensive expertise made him a natural fit to lead Oklahoma, especially with the Sooners transitioning to a more competitive SEC. However, his tenure has been marked by inconsistencies, especially on the defensive side of the ball, and a lack of overall progress on the field.
In his first season as head coach in 2022, Venables inherited a team that had seen success under Lincoln Riley but was in need of a cultural shift. The Sooners finished with a 6-7 record, marking their first losing season since 1998. This was a stark contrast to the high expectations placed on Venables’ shoulders. The 2022 season also saw Oklahoma struggle defensively, with the team allowing more than 30 points per game. This was surprising, considering Venables’ reputation as a defensive mastermind. The Sooners’ lack of a consistent offensive identity was another issue that plagued them, making it clear that Venables needed to rebuild both sides of the ball to return the program to its former glory.
Despite a tough start, the Sooners were expected to rebound in 2023 and show more promise under Venables. However, the 2024 season was equally disappointing, with Oklahoma finishing 6-7 again, continuing the trend of mediocrity. The Sooners’ defense still showed signs of vulnerability, and the offense lacked the explosive playmaking ability that fans had come to expect from Oklahoma. While the team did have some bright spots, including a talented quarterback in Dillon Gabriel, it was clear that significant improvements were needed across the board. Venables faced mounting pressure as the Sooners prepared to enter the SEC, with the conference being home to elite teams like Alabama, Georgia, and LSU, who all expected to continue their dominance.
The 2025 Season: A Make-or-Break Year for Venables
The 2025 season is poised to be the most crucial of Venables’ tenure at Oklahoma. With two losing seasons already under his belt, the Sooners cannot afford another year of underachievement. The pressure is mounting on Venables to not only show significant improvement but to prove that he is the right coach to lead Oklahoma through its transition to the SEC.
SEC Network analyst Paul Finebaum has been vocal about the significance of the 2025 season for Venables. On “The Paul Finebaum Show,” Finebaum emphasized that Venables’ future with Oklahoma is on the line this year. Finebaum pointed out that while Venables has undeniable talent as a coach, he cannot afford to have another losing season, especially with the Sooners moving to the SEC.
“Oklahoma got the best quarterback in the portal,” Finebaum said, referring to the Sooners’ acquisition of quarterback John Mateer from Washington State. “I think it’s essential because as much as I admire Coach Venables, he can’t have another season like this. It just won’t work.”
Finebaum’s comments reflect the growing sentiment among many Oklahoma fans and analysts that the 2025 season will make or break Venables’ tenure at the school. While Venables has shown potential as a recruiter and developer of talent, he needs to demonstrate that he can win consistently, especially against the tougher competition that awaits in the SEC.
The Arrival of John Mateer and Ben Arbuckle
One of the most important developments in the offseason for Oklahoma was the addition of John Mateer, a transfer quarterback from Washington State. As one of the top players available in the transfer portal, Mateer represents a significant upgrade for Oklahoma at the quarterback position. His arrival is a clear indication that Venables and his staff are serious about turning things around in 2025.
Mateer, who had a standout career at Washington State, brings a level of stability and experience to the Sooners’ offense. He is expected to be the starting quarterback for Oklahoma, providing an important spark for the team. His ability to lead an offense that has struggled to find consistency in recent years could be the key to unlocking the potential of the Sooners in 2025. With a dynamic playmaker like Mateer under center, Oklahoma hopes to finally have the offensive balance it has lacked in the past.
Additionally, Oklahoma also made a key hire in offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle, who previously worked with Mateer at Washington State. Arbuckle’s offensive schemes are known for their creativity and ability to develop quarterbacks, and he will be tasked with getting the most out of Mateer and the rest of the Oklahoma offense. With the addition of Arbuckle and Mateer, Venables hopes to finally build a team capable of competing at a high level in the SEC.
Venables’ Future at Oklahoma
As much as the 2025 season is about the on-field performance of the Sooners, it is also about the future of Brent Venables at Oklahoma. Venables has a reported buyout of approximately $45 million, which adds to the pressure to deliver results in the upcoming season. If the Sooners fail to show significant improvement or suffer another losing season, it’s highly unlikely that Oklahoma will retain Venables for the 2026 season.
The 2025 season will determine if Venables can live up to the expectations that accompanied his hiring. With the addition of a high-profile quarterback in Mateer and a new offensive coordinator in Arbuckle, the Sooners have the pieces they need to succeed. However, if the team fails to take a step forward, it will be difficult for Oklahoma to justify keeping Venables as head coach.
Conclusion
The 2025 college football season is shaping up to be a crucial year for Brent Venables and the Oklahoma Sooners. With two consecutive losing seasons behind them and the added pressure of moving to the SEC, the Sooners can’t afford another disappointing campaign. Venables’ future at Oklahoma is on the line, and the addition of John Mateer and Ben Arbuckle gives the program hope for a successful season. If the Sooners fail to improve in 2025, it could mark the end of Venables’ tenure in Norman, but if he can get the team back on track, the future could be bright once again for Oklahoma football.
