The Oklahoma Sooners’ transition to the Southeastern Conference (SEC) for the 2024-2025 season represents one of the most significant shifts in college football history. After years of dominance in the Big 12, where they were perennially at or near the top, the Sooners face a new challenge in the SEC—a conference notorious for its physicality, talent, and overall competitiveness. Despite the daunting nature of this transition, the Sooners’ 2025 football team has received surprising optimism and attention from analysts, pundits, and fans alike. With a blend of returning talent, strong recruiting classes, and a proven coaching staff, Oklahoma appears poised to not only survive but thrive in its second season in the SEC.
A Season of Transition
When Oklahoma first announced its move to the SEC, the overwhelming reaction was one of skepticism. The SEC was, and still is, the most competitive conference in college football, home to juggernauts like Alabama, Georgia, LSU, and Auburn, among others. In the Big 12, Oklahoma had been the class of the conference for years, dominating the competition and making regular appearances in the College Football Playoff (CFP). But in the SEC, the level of competition was expected to rise dramatically, and many wondered if the Sooners would be able to maintain their elite status.
However, the Sooners’ 2024 season, while marked by growing pains and some inevitable challenges, provided glimpses of promise. Head coach Brent Venables, who took the reins in 2022, emphasized a strong defensive mentality, an area that had been lacking during Oklahoma’s previous seasons under Lincoln Riley. Though the Sooners finished the 2024 campaign with a respectable record, it was clear that they were still adapting to the new level of competition.
In 2025, however, the narrative surrounding Oklahoma’s football team has shifted from “can they compete?” to “how high can they go?” A blend of returning star power, incoming talent, and a more refined understanding of SEC football has many experts now predicting that the Sooners will not only meet expectations but could challenge for a spot in the College Football Playoff.
Key Players Returning
While Oklahoma’s 2024 season in the SEC revealed some areas for improvement, the talent on the roster was undeniable. Heading into 2025, the Sooners are bringing back several key players who will be pivotal to their success.
Quarterback Dillon Gabriel returns for his final season in Norman after a solid 2024 campaign. Gabriel, a dynamic playmaker with the ability to make all the throws, is poised to lead the offense. His dual-threat capabilities make him a nightmare for opposing defenses, and with another year of experience under his belt, he should be even more comfortable in Oklahoma’s offense. Gabriel’s leadership will be crucial in navigating the challenges of the SEC, where every game is a battle.
The Sooners also have a strong group of wide receivers, including Drake Stoops and Nick Anderson. Stoops, who has been a reliable option for Oklahoma throughout his career, brings a veteran presence to the offense. Anderson, on the other hand, has the potential to emerge as a true playmaker. He’s shown flashes of brilliance, and his development could be one of the keys to Oklahoma’s success in 2025.
In the backfield, Gavin Sawchuk looks poised to take over as the primary running back. Sawchuk, a highly touted recruit, has shown bursts of brilliance in his first two seasons at Oklahoma and could be ready to step into a more prominent role in 2025. The Sooners have always been known for their potent offenses, and a strong running game will be vital in their ability to compete in the SEC.
On the defensive side of the ball, Danny Stutsman, who emerged as a star linebacker in 2024, returns to anchor the defense. Stutsman’s sideline-to-sideline speed and ability to read plays make him one of the most dynamic defensive players in college football. His leadership will be crucial as Oklahoma looks to improve defensively in a conference known for its physicality.
The SEC Challenge
It’s no secret that the SEC is a different beast when compared to the Big 12. The level of competition is unmatched, and every week is a battle. However, there are a few factors that could work in Oklahoma’s favor in 2025.
First, Oklahoma is used to playing a high-powered brand of offense. The Big 12, while not as strong defensively as the SEC, has always been home to explosive offenses. As a result, Oklahoma’s offense is well-equipped to handle the high-scoring nature of the SEC. The Sooners have a track record of success against strong defenses, and with Gabriel at the helm, they should be able to put points on the board against even the toughest SEC opponents.
Second, Oklahoma’s defense, under the guidance of Brent Venables, should continue to improve. Venables, a defensive mastermind with a reputation for building tough, physical defenses, has already begun to make an impact in Norman. His system is designed to be aggressive and disrupt offenses, and as his players become more familiar with his schemes, the Sooners’ defense should only get better.
Finally, Oklahoma’s recruiting efforts have been stellar. The Sooners have consistently brought in top-tier talent, and their 2025 recruiting class is no exception. Venables and his staff have focused on building a balanced roster, with a mix of blue-chip recruits and experienced transfers. This depth should help the Sooners stay competitive in the SEC, where injuries and fatigue can quickly derail a team’s season.
The Strength of the SEC
While Oklahoma has its share of advantages, the SEC remains an incredibly challenging conference. Teams like Alabama, Georgia, and LSU have dominated the college football landscape for years, and they will continue to be formidable opponents in 2025. However, the SEC is not a monolith. There are opportunities for teams like Oklahoma to rise above expectations.
In the SEC West, Alabama and LSU remain the top dogs, but there are signs that the balance of power could be shifting. Alabama, while still incredibly talented, has shown vulnerability in recent years, and LSU, though strong, has had its own inconsistency. In the SEC East, Georgia remains the gold standard, but the Bulldogs have to contend with Florida, Tennessee, and South Carolina, each of which is improving and could challenge for conference supremacy.
This wide-open competition gives teams like Oklahoma a window of opportunity. While the Sooners may not yet be ready to dethrone Alabama or Georgia in 2025, they could very well position themselves as one of the top teams in the SEC, especially if they can take advantage of any slip-ups from the traditional powerhouses.
Schedule and Key Matchups
In 2025, Oklahoma will face a grueling SEC schedule, but they have several key matchups that could define their season. The games against Alabama, Georgia, and LSU will be the true tests, but the Sooners will also need to navigate their games against middle-tier SEC teams like Ole Miss, Arkansas, and Mississippi State.
One of the most anticipated games will be the season opener against Alabama. This game will serve as an early litmus test for how far Oklahoma has come in its transition to the SEC. A strong showing against the Crimson Tide, even in a loss, could signal to the college football world that the Sooners are ready to compete at the highest level.
Games against Georgia and LSU will also be critical in shaping Oklahoma’s path to the College Football Playoff. If they can win at least one of these matchups and continue to dominate against the lower-tier SEC teams, they will remain in the hunt for a playoff spot.
