College Football Expert Optimistic About Oklahoma Sooners in 2025: What to Expect From the Sooners in the Upcoming Season
The Oklahoma Sooners have long been one of the most prestigious programs in college football. Known for their high-powered offenses and strong football culture, Oklahoma has remained a dominant force in the Big 12 Conference for decades. However, after a period of transition and a shift in coaching leadership, many have questioned whether the Sooners can reclaim their position among the nation’s elite programs.
With Brent Venables now at the helm as head coach, the Sooners are undergoing a significant transformation, particularly on the defensive side of the ball. After several seasons of offensive dominance under former coach Lincoln Riley, the team is beginning to prioritize building a stronger defense to complement its offensive talent. As the 2025 college football season draws nearer, a number of college football experts are optimistic about what the Sooners can achieve under Venables’ leadership. The combination of a revamped defense, an impressive recruiting class, and a talented roster of returning players has left many experts feeling confident about Oklahoma’s chances of making a deep run into the College Football Playoff (CFP) and contending for a national title in 2025.
In this article, we will delve into why college football experts are so optimistic about the Oklahoma Sooners in 2025, highlighting key factors such as the team’s recruiting, coaching, returning talent, and how they stack up against other national contenders.
Brent Venables and the Defensive Transformation
When Brent Venables took over as head coach at Oklahoma in 2022, one of the primary areas that needed attention was the defense. For years, the Sooners were known for their high-scoring offenses, often putting up impressive numbers, but the defense struggled to hold up in key games, especially when facing elite teams in the College Football Playoff or against top-ranked opponents in the regular season.
Venables, a former defensive coordinator at Clemson, came to Oklahoma with a reputation for building elite defenses that could stifle even the most explosive offenses. Known for his ability to adapt to the strengths and weaknesses of his players, Venables has quickly set about reshaping the Sooners’ defense. Under his leadership, Oklahoma’s defensive unit has become more aggressive, more disciplined, and more focused on winning at the line of scrimmage.
In 2024, the Sooners showed significant improvement on the defensive side of the ball. While they were far from perfect, Venables was able to instill his hard-nosed, physical defensive philosophy into the players, resulting in noticeable improvements in both rushing defense and pass coverage. The Sooners’ ability to get after the quarterback and create pressure on opposing quarterbacks also showed signs of growth. As a result, the 2025 season holds much promise, as experts expect even greater strides for the defense, which will be critical for the team’s national championship aspirations.
The defensive line will be one of the most important areas to watch. Oklahoma has already secured a few elite defensive recruits for the 2025 class, including five-star talent, which bodes well for the future. The pass rush has been a key weakness for the Sooners in recent seasons, but with the addition of new recruits and the development of young talent, the 2025 defense is expected to be far more formidable. Moreover, the depth at cornerback and linebacker positions will provide much-needed balance and consistency.
Strong Recruiting Class and a Talent-Rich Roster
One of the main reasons college football experts are optimistic about Oklahoma’s future is the team’s growing talent pool. Brent Venables has shown an incredible ability to recruit top-tier talent, especially on the defensive side of the ball. His reputation as a defensive mastermind and the success he had at Clemson has made Oklahoma an attractive destination for elite recruits, and it’s evident that the Sooners are becoming a major player in recruiting wars.
The 2025 recruiting class for Oklahoma is shaping up to be one of the best in the nation. The Sooners have already secured commitments from several five-star prospects, particularly along the defensive line and at linebacker. This influx of talent will provide Oklahoma with a wealth of depth and athleticism, helping to build a more balanced and versatile team. Additionally, the program’s continued success in recruiting elite offensive talent will ensure that the Sooners remain competitive on that side of the ball as well.
Oklahoma’s recruiting efforts have not been limited to defense. The team has consistently brought in high-caliber offensive players, including top quarterbacks, running backs, and wide receivers. This allows the Sooners to maintain a high level of offensive efficiency, while also improving their overall talent pool. Dillon Gabriel, the quarterback, is a proven leader, and having another year to grow under the Venables system will benefit both him and the rest of the offensive unit.
Moreover, the development of key players from the 2024 recruiting class, as well as the progress of established starters, will help further solidify Oklahoma’s depth. Players who have been in the program for a few years under Venables’ tutelage are expected to take a significant step forward in 2025, adding to the team’s overall talent and experience.
Returning Talent and Key Position Battles
While Oklahoma’s 2025 recruiting class is certainly impressive, it is the return of key players from the 2024 season that will play a pivotal role in the Sooners’ success in the upcoming season. Several key players on both sides of the ball are returning for their final seasons in Norman, and their leadership and experience will be critical for the team’s success.
On offense, Dillon Gabriel will return for his senior season at quarterback, bringing with him years of experience and the ability to lead a high-powered offense. Gabriel has been an efficient and accurate passer since transferring from UCF, and his leadership in 2025 will be crucial for Oklahoma’s success. With a talented group of receivers, including Theo Wease and Jaden Bray, Gabriel has the tools to guide the Sooners to another potent offensive campaign.
Oklahoma’s offensive line also returns a wealth of experience, including Marvin Mims Jr., one of the top offensive linemen in the conference. This group of linemen will play an essential role in keeping Gabriel clean in the pocket, while also helping the running game to produce at a high level. The team’s ability to win in the trenches will be one of the defining factors in the 2025 season.
On the defensive side of the ball, Jalen Redmond, one of the Sooners’ top defensive linemen, will return for his final season. Redmond’s presence in the defensive front will provide a strong foundation for Oklahoma’s pass rush and help them improve against the run. The Sooners will also benefit from the return of several experienced linebackers and cornerbacks, providing a well-rounded defensive unit that will be crucial for their playoff aspirations.
One of the more intriguing aspects of the 2025 season will be the position battles that will unfold throughout spring camp and fall camp. With so much new talent coming into the program, there will be fierce competition for starting roles across the board. Whether it’s at quarterback, on the defensive line, or in the secondary, Oklahoma’s coaching staff will have to make tough decisions about who will start in the fall, but this competition should only serve to elevate the overall talent and depth of the team.
Big 12 Dominance and CFP Aspirations
The Big 12 Conference will continue to serve as Oklahoma’s home for the time being, and the Sooners are looking to return to their perch atop the conference in 2025. With Texas preparing to join the SEC, the Sooners’ biggest challenge will likely come from within the conference, with teams like Kansas State, TCU, and Baylor poised to make noise. However, with the roster Oklahoma has built, it’s hard to imagine any team dethroning the Sooners from the top spot in the Big 12, barring a major setback.
Oklahoma will be looking to win the Big 12 title and secure a spot in the College Football Playoff in 2025. As the program continues to grow under Venables, the Sooners will likely find themselves among the top teams in the country, with their combination of explosive offense and an improved defense making them a serious threat to any team they face. In a season that’s expected to feature several strong teams across the nation, Oklahoma’s balanced approach and elite talent could put them in a position to contend for a national championship.
Conclusion: Optimism Abounds for Oklahoma in 2025
As the 2025 college football season approaches, the Oklahoma Sooners are poised to make a run at the College Football Playoff and a national championship. With a strong defensive overhaul under Brent Venables, an elite recruiting class, a talented roster of returning players, and a deep commitment to excellence on both sides of the ball, the Sooners are primed for success.
College football experts are optimistic about Oklahoma’s chances in 2025 because of the program’s commitment to balance and growth. As Venables continues to shape the team, the Sooners will be a force to be reckoned with in the Big 12 and beyond. Whether they’re competing for a spot in the CFP or challenging for a national title, Oklahoma is a program on the rise, and 2025 could very well be the year they return to their rightful place among the nation’s elite programs.
