Oklahoma Sooners Get Some Surprising Love Regarding Their 2025 Football Team in Their Second Season in the SEC
The transition to the Southeastern Conference (SEC) is a monumental shift for any college football program. Historically considered the most competitive and prestigious conference in the country, the SEC has long been the breeding ground for elite teams, future NFL stars, and national championships. For the Oklahoma Sooners, the 2025 season will mark their second year in the SEC, following their highly anticipated move from the Big 12. The transition has brought with it a host of questions, from how the team will adapt to the grueling competition in the SEC to whether they can maintain their status as a powerhouse.
Despite the challenges that come with stepping into one of the most competitive conferences in the country, the Sooners have garnered some surprising love and recognition as they prepare for the 2025 season. From national analysts to fans, the consensus seems to be that Oklahoma has the potential to make a significant impact in its second season in the SEC. With a solid foundation built under Head Coach Brent Venables, a roster full of emerging talent, and the program’s legacy of success, the Sooners are being regarded as one of the teams to watch in the SEC in 2025.
This article will take a deep dive into why the Oklahoma Sooners are receiving such positive attention heading into their second year in the SEC, analyzing key aspects of their program, including coaching, recruiting, returning talent, and their potential to compete with the heavyweights of the SEC.
The SEC Transition: Year One and Year Two Outlook
When Oklahoma first announced that it would be leaving the Big 12 for the SEC, the move was met with a mix of excitement and trepidation. Oklahoma, a perennial contender in the Big 12 under previous head coach Lincoln Riley, had built a reputation as one of the most successful programs in college football, consistently winning conference titles and competing for national championships. But the SEC is a different beast altogether.
In their first year in the SEC (2024), the Sooners faced some stiff competition, with heavyweights like Georgia, Alabama, and LSU setting a high bar. Oklahoma finished with a solid record, but not without bumps along the way. However, despite some early struggles, the Sooners showed resilience, particularly on defense, and their offense was still explosive enough to compete at a high level. The experience gained in year one provided valuable lessons, and many analysts believe the Sooners will be in a better position to contend in year two.
In 2025, Oklahoma is expected to take significant strides forward. The combination of the experience gained in year one, the talent influx from recruiting, and the development of key players gives the Sooners optimism. Heading into their second season, the Sooners are being viewed as a program that could surprise many by competing for an SEC championship or, at the very least, earning a spot in a prestigious bowl game.
The Brent Venables Effect: A Defensive Renaissance
One of the most significant reasons why the Oklahoma Sooners are receiving “surprising love” heading into 2025 is the impact that Brent Venables has had on the program. Venables, who took over as Oklahoma’s head coach prior to the 2022 season, has brought a new defensive mindset to the team, one that is essential in the hyper-competitive SEC.
Venables’ reputation as one of the top defensive minds in college football precedes him. Before becoming Oklahoma’s head coach, he had a long and successful tenure as the defensive coordinator at Clemson, where his defenses were consistently ranked among the best in the nation. Upon arriving at Oklahoma, Venables immediately set about revamping the Sooners’ defense, which had struggled in recent years under the previous coaching regime.
In year one (2024), the Oklahoma defense showed significant improvement. The Sooners were more aggressive, physical, and fundamentally sound. Venables’ scheme, which focuses on creating pressure on opposing quarterbacks, forcing turnovers, and stopping the run, began to take shape. Key players like Jaren Kanak and Reggie Pearson emerged as potential stars, and the defense became more aligned with Venables’ vision of a fast, disciplined, and opportunistic unit.
Heading into year two (2025), the defense is expected to take another step forward. With the continued development of players and an influx of top-tier recruits, Venables has the tools at his disposal to create one of the top defenses in the SEC. The Sooners will still need to contend with high-powered offenses from teams like Georgia, Alabama, and LSU, but they have the coaching and talent to compete at that level.
Offensive Firepower: Dillon Gabriel’s Leadership
While the defense is certainly a point of focus, the Oklahoma Sooners also boast one of the most explosive offenses in college football, led by senior quarterback Dillon Gabriel. Gabriel, who transferred to Oklahoma from UCF prior to the 2022 season, has proven to be one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in the country. His ability to make plays both with his arm and his legs makes him a dual-threat weapon that opposing defenses struggle to contain.
In 2024, Gabriel’s performance showed flashes of brilliance. Despite the challenges of playing in the SEC for the first time, Gabriel demonstrated poise, leadership, and the ability to make big plays when needed. His connection with wide receiver Drake Stoops was particularly impressive, and the duo is expected to have an even more significant impact in 2025. Stoops, a dynamic and reliable target, could emerge as one of the top wide receivers in the SEC.
Moreover, the Sooners’ offensive line, which had some growing pains in 2024, is expected to be much improved. With the addition of new recruits and the development of young talent, Oklahoma’s offensive line could become a strength in 2025, providing Gabriel with the protection he needs to operate at a high level. Additionally, the Sooners’ running game, led by Jovantae Barnes and Marcus Major, is poised to make a bigger impact, giving Oklahoma balance on offense.
While the SEC is home to many elite defenses, Oklahoma’s ability to put up points quickly and efficiently, led by Gabriel and a high-powered offense, makes them a dangerous team in 2025. The combination of an explosive offense and an improved defense has many analysts excited about what the Sooners can accomplish in year two of their SEC journey.
Recruiting Success: Building for the Future
Another reason why the Sooners are receiving attention in the lead-up to the 2025 season is their recruiting success. Under Brent Venables, Oklahoma has made significant strides in terms of attracting top-tier talent, especially on the defensive side of the ball. Venables has been able to land several highly-rated recruits who fit his defensive philosophy, and this influx of talent has bolstered the team’s depth and future prospects.
In particular, Oklahoma’s recruiting success has extended to the defensive line, a position that is crucial in the SEC, where the battle in the trenches is often the deciding factor in games. Players like Adepoju Adebawore and Kobie McKinzie, who are part of Oklahoma’s top-rated recruiting class, have the potential to make an immediate impact in 2025 and beyond. Their ability to generate pressure on the quarterback and disrupt opposing offenses will be crucial for the Sooners’ defense as they face the high-powered offenses of the SEC.
Offensively, Oklahoma continues to recruit elite talent at the skill positions, with young playmakers coming in at both wide receiver and running back. These recruits will complement the established stars on the roster, giving the Sooners a balanced and potent attack moving forward.
The continued success in recruiting allows Oklahoma to not only compete with SEC powerhouses in the short term but also to position themselves for long-term success in one of the toughest conferences in college football.
Expectations for 2025: A Competitive Season Ahead
Heading into the 2025 season, the expectations for the Oklahoma Sooners are higher than ever. After a solid showing in their first year in the SEC, the Sooners are ready to take the next step. With Brent Venables leading the charge, an improved defense, a high-powered offense led by Dillon Gabriel, and a strong recruiting class, Oklahoma is well-positioned to compete with the best of the best in the SEC.
While it will undoubtedly be challenging to take down juggernauts like Georgia, Alabama, and LSU, the Sooners are not backing down. Their combination of talent, coaching, and experience makes them one of the most intriguing teams to watch in 2025. As the Sooners continue to adjust to the rigors of SEC football, they could surprise many by competing for an SEC championship or earning a coveted spot in the College Football Playoff.
For Oklahoma fans, the 2025 season represents an exciting opportunity to see their team take on the SEC’s best and prove that the Sooners are more than just a strong program—they’re a force to be reckoned with in the SEC. The love they’re receiving heading into the 2025 season is well-earned, and the future of Oklahoma football looks brighter than ever.
