College Football Expert Believes Sooners Will Be ‘Much Better’ in 2025: What This Means for Oklahoma Football
Oklahoma football is at a pivotal juncture in its history. Under the guidance of head coach Brent Venables, the Sooners have experienced both triumphs and growing pains as they transition from the high-flying offensive dominance they were known for under previous coaches to a more balanced and physical approach to the game. Despite some challenges in the 2023 season, optimism for the program’s future is abundant. A respected college football expert recently made waves with a bold statement, predicting that the Oklahoma Sooners will be “much better” in 2025, citing improvements in both talent development and overall team strategy.
For fans, analysts, and recruits, this is a significant declaration, particularly when looking ahead to the future of the program. But what exactly does this expert mean by a “much better” Oklahoma football team in 2025? What factors contribute to this optimism, and how does the trajectory of the program reflect broader trends in college football?
In this article, we will explore the expert’s comments, delve into why Oklahoma could be poised for a major leap in 2025, and examine the key elements that could propel the Sooners back into College Football Playoff contention. We’ll also take a closer look at the improvements that are already in motion within the program, what has been learned from recent seasons, and how the landscape of college football is shaping up for the Sooners moving forward.
Understanding the Expert’s Viewpoint
To fully grasp why the expert believes Oklahoma will be “much better” in 2025, we must first understand the context of their statement. College football experts often base their predictions on a combination of recruiting trends, coaching changes, roster development, and other factors that can impact a program’s performance. When speaking about Oklahoma’s future, the expert in question pointed to several key indicators that suggest the Sooners will be much improved by 2025.
Talent Development and Recruiting: Oklahoma has always been a destination for top-tier recruits, particularly on offense. Under Venables, the program has shifted its focus to developing talent on both sides of the ball, with an emphasis on defense and a more balanced, physical style of play. The Sooners’ recruiting efforts under Venables are already paying off, as they have secured high-profile commitments for future seasons, particularly in the trenches—an area where they have historically been vulnerable.
Cultural Shift: Venables’ leadership is a central piece of this optimism. His focus on building a strong, disciplined, and team-oriented culture is already evident in the way the players approach the game. Venables has made it clear that success in the Big 12 and on the national stage requires more than just flash—it requires grit, mental toughness, and a commitment to consistent execution.
The Progression of Key Players: While the Sooners have experienced some struggles in recent seasons, much of the roster is still in development. The expert points out that the growth of key players—particularly in the quarterback room, on the offensive line, and at the defensive line—will be pivotal in Oklahoma’s ascent. This type of progression is natural in a coaching transition and should come to fruition by 2025.
With those points in mind, let’s take a deeper dive into the key factors that will make the Sooners “much better” in 2025.
The Role of Recruiting in Oklahoma’s Future Success
At the heart of any great program is the ability to recruit top-tier talent. Oklahoma has a long history of landing some of the nation’s best high school athletes, but under Venables, the approach to recruiting has become more focused on securing players who fit the vision for the program. While offensive skill positions have always been a strength for the Sooners, the real work Venables is doing is on the defensive side of the ball, where Oklahoma has historically struggled to compete with the nation’s elite teams.
Defensive Rebuild: Venables is well-regarded for his ability to build strong defensive units, and this is where the future of the Sooners lies. Since taking over as head coach in 2022, he has made a concerted effort to recruit elite defensive players who can not only stop opponents but also take the ball away and create scoring opportunities. Players like 5-star linebacker prospect, Dasan McCullough, and defensive linemen like David Hicks (2024) provide immediate depth and impact, and these recruits will be integral to Oklahoma’s future success.
Oklahoma’s defensive recruiting class for 2024 and beyond is shaping up to be one of the program’s best in years, and the impact of these future players cannot be understated. With defensive linemen who can create pressure on opposing quarterbacks and linebackers who can cover ground sideline to sideline, the Sooners’ defense will become a major strength in the coming seasons.
Offensive Playmakers: Although much of the focus is on the defense, Oklahoma’s offense will continue to be a potent force, even as the program focuses on becoming more well-rounded. With talented young quarterbacks like Jackson Arnold (2023 recruit) already in the fold, the Sooners have the potential for significant improvement at the quarterback position. Arnold’s development could be a key factor in the team’s success in 2025, especially if he can step in and become a reliable leader who can execute Brent Venables’ offensive game plan.
In addition to Arnold, the Sooners will continue to develop wide receivers and running backs who have the ability to break big plays. Though Oklahoma has always been known for its high-powered air attack, the future looks bright with a blend of skill players who can threaten defenses in multiple ways, both in the air and on the ground.
The Cultural Shift Under Brent Venables
One of the biggest changes Oklahoma has undergone since Venables’ arrival is the cultural shift he has instilled. Under Venables, the emphasis has been on discipline, toughness, and a commitment to doing the little things right. While the Sooners’ offenses in previous years were explosive and entertaining, Venables has emphasized that championships are won through a combination of talent, preparation, and mental fortitude.
Venables is known for his work ethic and high standards, and these qualities have already begun to shape the team’s culture. Under his leadership, the Sooners are transitioning from a team that relied primarily on offensive fireworks to one that is built around a more balanced and disciplined approach. This shift has already yielded positive results, and the expert believes that by 2025, the program will be ready to compete for championships in a way that they haven’t since the Bob Stoops era.
Team Identity: In 2025, expect the Sooners to be a team that can beat you in multiple ways—whether it’s with a high-flying aerial assault or a punishing ground game that controls the clock. On defense, Oklahoma’s physicality and ability to create turnovers will become a major strength, something that was notably absent in recent seasons. By instilling these values from the top down, Venables is positioning the Sooners for success in a way that will be sustainable and not reliant on one aspect of the game.
The Quarterback Development: Jackson Arnold and Beyond
As with most successful college football teams, the quarterback position is critical, and this is where Oklahoma’s potential to improve in 2025 lies. The Sooners have made significant strides in the development of Jackson Arnold, a 5-star recruit from the 2023 class. Arnold, a dual-threat quarterback, has the ability to stretch the field with his arm and legs, and his growth as a player will be key to Oklahoma’s success in the coming seasons.
The development of Arnold is something that will undoubtedly pay dividends by 2025, when he will be expected to take over the offense full-time. If Arnold continues on his current trajectory, the Sooners will have a quarterback capable of leading them to big wins in the Big 12 and potentially putting them back in the College Football Playoff discussion.
While Arnold may be the quarterback of the future, he’s not the only one in the pipeline. Oklahoma has been consistently landing talented quarterbacks in recent recruiting cycles, which will give the program depth at the position. This development allows for long-term stability and the flexibility to build around a strong foundation under center.
The Impact of Experience: Learning from Setbacks
Oklahoma’s struggles in the 2023 season were evident, but they may prove to be invaluable in the long run. While the team’s record may not have been where fans hoped it would be, the experience gained from competing against top-tier teams in the Big 12 and on the national stage will serve as a learning experience for both the players and the coaching staff.
The setbacks of the 2023 season—whether they came in close losses or in the midst of defensive struggles—will only make the team stronger in 2025. Players who were once considered underclassmen will gain experience and maturity, while the coaching staff will refine their strategy and approach.
Long-Term Vision: Venables’ long-term vision for the program has always been about building a foundation that will pay off down the line. While the early years of his tenure have been filled with growing pains, the expert’s assertion that Oklahoma will be “much better” in 2025 reflects a growing confidence in Venables’ plan. By 2025, the Sooners will have a full roster of experienced players who understand the program’s culture and are prepared to execute on both sides of the ball.
Conclusion: Oklahoma’s Bright Future in 2025
The expert’s prediction that Oklahoma will be “much better” in 2025 is not just optimistic speculation—it’s based on a clear set of factors that indicate growth, development, and progression within the program. With elite recruits arriving in Norman, a cultural shift under Brent Venables, and a deepening commitment to developing both sides of the ball, Oklahoma is poised to make a major jump in the next few years.
Fans should be excited for what’s to come, as the Sooners are on track to reassert themselves as a perennial College Football Playoff contender. As 2025 approaches, the Sooners will have a potent mix of experienced players, emerging stars, and a solidified coaching staff ready to take the program back to the top. It’s clear that the future is bright for Oklahoma football, and with the steps being taken now, the Sooners will be better positioned than ever to compete for championships in the near future.
