Blog Article
Oklahoma Football 2025: Is This Brent Venables’ Last Stand?
Oklahoma football’s Brent Venables is officially coaching for his job.
After two losing seasons in three years at one of college football’s most prestigious programs, the Oklahoma head coach finds himself in an impossible position. The Sooners’ 6-7 debut in the SEC wasn’t just disappointing—it was a wake-up call that sent shockwaves through Norman and forced the program into crisis mode.
According to 247Sports’ Brad Crawford, Venables enters the 2025 season on the nation’s hottest seat, facing more pressure than any other coach in college football. Oklahoma’s win total at DraftKings sits at just 6.5 wins. At most programs, that might be acceptable. But Oklahoma isn’t most programs.
This is a program with 950 wins, seven national championships, and zero tolerance for mediocrity.
The Numbers Don’t Lie—Venables Is Running Out of Time
Here’s what Venables is up against:
- A 22-17 overall record in three seasons
- Two losing seasons (6-7 in both 2022 and 2024)
- A 2-6 debut in SEC play that left Oklahoma tied for 13th in the standings
- The program’s worst scoring offense since 1998 (24.0 points per game)
- A schedule that ESPN ranks as the toughest in college football
“I know the buyout is considerable, but if he suffers a losing season for a third time in four years at Oklahoma, the Sooners are going to be looking for a new head coach after the 2025 season,” Crawford said.
The math is simple. Another losing season equals a coaching change.
Oklahoma Went All-In on a Complete Program Overhaul
When faced with the potential collapse of its program, Oklahoma did something remarkable.
They didn’t just make incremental changes. They burned everything to the ground and started over. The university hired a third-party consultant to evaluate every aspect of the program. What followed was nothing short of revolutionary:
- Hired two new coordinators (Ben Arbuckle on offense, defensive restructuring)
- Installed an entirely new front office with seven staffers
- Brought in former NFL executive Jim Nagy as general manager
- Added 21 transfer portal players to address critical weaknesses
- Even hired a new trainer with NFL connections
This wasn’t just roster tinkering. This was organizational warfare against mediocrity.
The crown jewel of this transformation? Landing John Mateer, the No. 1 quarterback in the transfer portal.
John Mateer: The $34.9 Million Question
Everything hinges on one player.
Mateer arrives from Washington State with ridiculous production: 3,139 passing yards, 29 passing touchdowns, 826 rushing yards, and 15 rushing touchdowns in 2024. His 44 total touchdowns led all of college football—more than Heisman finalist Cam Ward (41) and Clemson’s Cade Klubnik.
But here’s what makes Mateer special: he’s reuniting with offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle, the mastermind behind Washington State’s explosive offense. The chemistry is already there. The system is proven. The question is whether it can translate to the brutal SEC gauntlet.
“John Mateer, the Washington State quarterback transfer—he’s gotta be a guy. He can’t just be someone that comes in there and has 20 touchdown passes. He’s gotta have 30 to 32 touchdown passes for Oklahoma to be a major contender and for Brent Venables to get off the nation’s hottest seat.”
No pressure, right?
Venables Made One Smart Decision: He’s Calling Defense Again
When your job is on the line, you go back to what made you successful.
Venables built his reputation as one of college football’s elite defensive coordinators. At Clemson, his defenses were legendary. At Oklahoma, the defense has actually been the bright spot—allowing just 21.5 points per game in 2024 and ranking 29th nationally in scoring defense.
So when defensive coordinator Zach Alley bolted for West Virginia, Venables made the obvious choice. He’s taking back defensive play-calling duties.
“Why am I gonna call the defense? Because I’m good at it,” Venables said. “I’m confident in it.”
This move accomplishes three things:
- It puts the defense in the hands of a proven coordinator
- It frees up resources to focus on offensive improvements
- It plays to Venables’ greatest strength during a make-or-break season
Smart coaches know when to bet on themselves.
The Schedule From Hell Awaits
Here’s the brutal truth about Oklahoma’s 2025 schedule.
ESPN’s SP+ ranks it as the toughest in college football. The Sooners will face eight teams projected to start the season in the top 25. There are no easy games. No breathers. No margin for error.
The gauntlet includes:
- Michigan at home in Week 2
- Auburn, Texas, Ole Miss, Missouri, and LSU in conference play
- Road trips to South Carolina, Tennessee, and Alabama
- The annual Red River Rivalry that could define seasons
This schedule could either validate Oklahoma’s transformation or expose it as window dressing. Success against this competition would immediately change national perception. Failure would seal Venables’ fate.
What Success Actually Looks Like in 2025
Forget about playoff dreams for now.
Oklahoma needs to prove three fundamental things in 2025:
- The offense can score consistently (targeting 30+ points per game)
- The team can compete physically with SEC opponents week after week
- Venables can develop the roster depth necessary for long-term success
Most analysts project 7-5 or 8-4, which would represent clear progress while falling short of traditional Oklahoma standards. But here’s the reality: a winning season and bowl appearance might be enough to buy Venables another year.
The key metrics extend beyond wins and losses. Can Mateer throw for 30+ touchdowns? Can the offensive line protect him against SEC pass rushes? Can the defense create turnovers and game-changing plays?
These are the questions that will determine whether Oklahoma’s transformation succeeds or fails.
This Is Make-or-Break Time for Everyone
Oklahoma’s 2025 season represents the ultimate high-stakes gamble.
Venables has bet his career on a complete program overhaul. Athletic director Joe Castiglione has invested heavily in new infrastructure and personnel. The fanbase is demanding immediate results after years of frustration.
In a recent ESPN article, analyst Bill Connelly noted that Mateer and Arbuckle’s additions make Oklahoma “one of the most interesting teams in college football” heading into 2025. The pieces are in place for dramatic improvement.
But potential means nothing in the SEC. Execution under pressure determines everything.
For Venables, 2025 isn’t just another season—it’s his final audition. The combination of Mateer’s proven production, Arbuckle’s innovative system, and a defense with established talent creates the framework for success.
The question isn’t whether Oklahoma has the tools to compete.
The question is whether they can use them before it’s too late.
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