Oklahoma Sooners’ 2025 Football Squad: Unexpected Praise in Their Second SEC Season
As the Oklahoma Sooners prepare for their second season in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) in 2025, they find themselves in an unexpected position: receiving widespread praise and recognition for their football program. Just a few short years ago, the Sooners were moving from the Big 12 Conference into a new, more competitive world of SEC football, a move that was met with skepticism from pundits, players, and fans alike. The consensus at the time was that Oklahoma might struggle in the much more physical and competitive SEC environment, which boasts some of the nation’s most formidable programs like Alabama, Georgia, and LSU.
However, as the 2025 season approaches, those doubters have begun to silence themselves. Oklahoma’s football squad has proven they are not just surviving in the SEC; they are thriving in it, and it’s been a pleasant surprise for both fans and analysts across the country. With a blend of talent, coaching acumen, and resilience, the Sooners are being touted as one of the top teams to watch in the 2025 season.
A Strong Start in the SEC
Oklahoma’s transition to the SEC was met with some initial challenges in 2024. They finished the season with a respectable 9-4 record, but the transition from the more wide-open Big 12 to the power-centric SEC required some adjustment. The speed and physicality of the SEC took some getting used to, especially as Oklahoma faced off against elite programs like Georgia and Alabama. However, even in their losses, the Sooners demonstrated flashes of brilliance, particularly on offense, where they continued to build upon their high-flying style of play, which had made them a dominant force in the Big 12.
The team’s most significant achievement during the 2024 season was a memorable win over a top-ranked LSU team, which set the stage for greater expectations in 2025. That win showed that the Sooners were no longer just “outsiders” in the SEC—they were legitimate contenders, capable of taking down some of the conference’s most storied programs.
Key Players for 2025
Heading into 2025, the Sooners are not only relying on the lessons learned from their first year in the SEC but are also building off a roster that features a mixture of established stars and emerging young talent. At the heart of Oklahoma’s success in 2025 will be their dynamic quarterback, Jackson Arnold.
Jackson Arnold (QB):
Arnold, the highly touted five-star recruit who was part of the 2024 class, has quickly made a name for himself as one of the top quarterbacks in college football. After a solid freshman year, Arnold is poised to take over the SEC in his sophomore campaign. His combination of athleticism, arm strength, and football IQ gives him the ability to thrive in both traditional and spread-style offenses. In 2024, he showed flashes of greatness, making pinpoint throws while also using his legs to extend plays.
With an entire offseason to further develop under head coach Brent Venables and offensive coordinator Jeff Lebby, Arnold is expected to take a major leap forward in 2025. His ability to make quick decisions and read defenses will be key in navigating the fierce competition of the SEC.
Running Back:
The Sooners also boast a talented backfield led by senior running back Jovantae Barnes. Barnes is a powerful, between-the-tackles runner with the vision to find holes in opposing defenses and the ability to break off big runs. Complementing Barnes is freshman phenom Trevonte’ Coleman, a speedster who has the ability to change the game with his burst. The running back committee could be one of the deepest in the conference in 2025, and with a solid offensive line, the Sooners should have no problem finding success on the ground.
Wide Receivers:
Oklahoma’s receiving corps is another strength for the Sooners in 2025, and they are led by wide receiver Drake Stoops, who has been one of the most consistent players on the roster over the past few years. Stoops, a true leader on and off the field, is a reliable target for Arnold and will be essential in the team’s vertical passing game. Alongside Stoops, Oklahoma features a trio of talented pass catchers, including Marvin Mims, who’s known for his deep threat ability, and sophomore tight end Austin Stogner, who is an excellent mismatch weapon in the passing game.
Venables’ Defensive Renaissance
While Oklahoma’s offense has long been its trademark, it’s the defense that has earned the most praise heading into the 2025 season. Under head coach Brent Venables, who took over as head coach in 2022, the Sooners’ defense has undergone a significant transformation. Venables, a former defensive coordinator at Clemson, has brought a tough, aggressive, and disciplined defensive mindset to Norman, Oklahoma, and it is starting to pay dividends.
In 2024, the Sooners made substantial progress on the defensive side of the ball, improving in nearly every statistical category. Venables has revamped Oklahoma’s defensive line, and with a mix of experienced upperclassmen and young stars, they have become one of the most disruptive front sevens in college football. This group has the ability to put pressure on opposing quarterbacks while also stifling the run game—something that is crucial in the SEC.
Defensive Line:
Oklahoma’s defensive line is anchored by senior pass rusher Ethan Downs, who is known for his relentless motor and ability to get to the quarterback. Alongside him, redshirt junior Jaden Rowe has made a name for himself as a dominant presence on the edge. Together, these two players form one of the top pass-rushing duos in the conference.
Linebackers:
Oklahoma’s linebacking corps is another strong point, led by junior Danny Stutsman, a versatile linebacker who excels at both stopping the run and covering in space. Stutsman’s ability to read the game and make plays on the ball will be crucial for Oklahoma’s defense in 2025. The team also features up-and-coming players like Kip Lewis, who are expected to step into significant roles.
Secondary:
The Sooners’ secondary has been a point of emphasis under Venables, and while the group has room to grow, there is considerable upside. Players like Key Lawrence and Gentry Williams have the athleticism and playmaking ability to become stars in the SEC. If they can stay healthy and continue to develop, Oklahoma’s defense could become one of the most complete units in the conference.
Sooner Special Teams
One often overlooked but essential aspect of any successful football team is special teams, and Oklahoma has a solid group in 2025. Senior kicker Zach Schmit returns as one of the most reliable kickers in college football, while punter Luke Elzinga provides a strong leg to flip the field when necessary. Having a dependable special teams unit could prove critical in the tight, low-scoring SEC games that Oklahoma will encounter.
SEC Championship Contention?
With the influx of talent, the coaching stability, and the continued improvement on defense, Oklahoma is poised to contend for the SEC Championship in 2025. The SEC remains one of the most competitive conferences in college football, and the road to the title will undoubtedly be tough. However, Oklahoma’s combination of offensive firepower and defensive tenacity makes them a dangerous team.
While programs like Georgia, Alabama, and LSU will likely remain the conference’s heavyweights, Oklahoma has positioned itself as a legitimate contender. They have the depth, the leadership, and the talent to compete with the best. Furthermore, their experience in the SEC after one season of acclimation gives them a leg up in 2025.
It’s still early in their SEC journey, but the Sooners’ 2025 football squad has shown they are ready to make waves. Whether they can continue their ascent into the elite ranks of the SEC will depend on how well they perform against the conference’s best, but the early praise and recognition they’ve earned suggests that Oklahoma is no longer a team simply adjusting to the SEC—they are a team that has arrived.
