The year 2025 looms large for the Oklahoma Sooners football program, a season laden with immense anticipation, unprecedented challenges, and the undeniable sense that an “imminent storm is coming.” After a tumultuous debut in the SEC in 2024, where the Sooners finished a disappointing 2-6 in conference play and a 6-7 overall record (their second losing season since 1999), Head Coach Brent Venables finds himself at a critical juncture. Yet, despite the past struggles and the daunting schedule ahead, there’s a pervasive feeling in Norman that the Sooners are not just prepared, but poised to reclaim their glory.
The optimism stems from a series of calculated moves and a fundamental belief in the program’s foundational principles. Venables has undeniably hit the reset button, particularly on the offensive side of the ball, and taken decisive action to put his stamp firmly on the defense.
The Sooners’ offense in 2024 was almost unrecognizable, ranking 97th nationally in points per game, 93rd in third-down conversion rate, 113th in total offense, and a dismal 119th in passing yards per game. This abysmal performance necessitated a radical shift, and Venables responded by bringing in Ben Arbuckle as the new offensive coordinator. Arbuckle, who previously served as the offensive coordinator at Washington State, brings a fresh perspective and a dynamic, modern offensive scheme.1
Crucially, Arbuckle isn’t coming alone. He’s followed by quarterback John Mateer, who transferred from Washington State after a stellar 2024 season. Mateer passed for over 260 yards per game and was responsible for an astounding 44 total touchdowns, ranking first nationally in that metric. His dual-threat capabilities – combining elite passing with significant rushing ability – are exactly what the Sooners need to ignite their offense. Mateer’s comfort with Arbuckle’s system provides a built-in advantage, potentially shortening the learning curve.2 This established rapport could be the secret sauce for an immediate offensive resurgence.
Beyond Mateer, the Sooners have bolstered their running back room with the late-spring addition of transfer Jaydn Ott from Cal, who accumulated 3,460 all-purpose yards over three seasons.3 Ott, along with returning talents like Jovantae Barnes and Xavier Robinson, creates a crowded but talented backfield. The receiving corps, which needs playmakers to emerge, will be boosted by a healthy Deion Burks (who was OU’s leading receiver in 2024 before injuries limited him to five games) and Jayden Gibson (who missed all of 2024 with an injury). Transfers like Javonnie Gibson, Keontez Lewis, and Isaiah Sategna also add depth and new potential.4
However, the biggest question mark on offense remains the offensive line. After allowing 50 sacks in 2024, tied for the most in the FBS, this unit has a steep climb to competitiveness in the SEC. While transfer help has been sought to bolster the line, their ability to protect Mateer and open running lanes will dictate the true ceiling of the new-look offense.
On the defensive side, Brent Venables is taking direct control.5 After the departure of defensive coordinator Zac Alley, Venables, a two-time national champion defensive coordinator himself, announced he would personally handle defensive play-calling duties for 2025.6 This move has been met with both excitement and trepidation, but it underscores Venables’ unwavering belief in his defensive philosophy and his commitment to returning Oklahoma’s defense to elite status.
The defensive unit suffered key losses through graduation and the portal, but it returns enough pieces to be formidable.7 Defensive end R Mason Thomas is a force on the edge, coming off a season with nine sacks and 12.5 tackles for loss.8 Corner Eli Bowen earned Freshman All-American honors, and senior safety Robert Spears-Jennings provides a physical presence in the secondary.9 The addition of Oklahoma State transfer Kendal Daniels to the “Cheetah” role (a hybrid linebacker/safety position) is expected to provide versatility and impact.10 A significant boost also came from five-star recruit David Stone, who surprisingly entered the portal in the spring but ultimately decided to return to Oklahoma, bolstering the defensive front.11
Venables has also assembled a remarkably deep defensive staff, including two co-defensive coordinators in Todd Bates and Jay Valai, and new additions like Nate Dreiling and Wes Goodwin, both of whom have previous defensive coordinator experience.12 This wealth of defensive knowledge, combined with Venables’ direct play-calling, is expected to lead to a more cohesive and aggressive defensive unit.
The biggest obstacle standing in the way of Oklahoma’s glory reclamation is its brutal 2025 schedule. According to ESPN’s SP+ advanced analytics, the Sooners have the toughest schedule in the entire country. This includes nine opponents ranked in the SP+ top 25: No. 2 Alabama, No. 5 Texas, No. 9 LSU, No. 10 Michigan, No. 11 Ole Miss, No. 13 Tennessee, No. 17 South Carolina, No. 21 Missouri, and No. 25 Auburn.
Key matchups include a Week 2 home game against Michigan, the annual rivalry clash with Texas in Dallas, and daunting road trips to South Carolina, Tennessee, and Alabama. The schedule is unrelenting, offering no easy weeks and demanding consistent, high-level performance. ESPN’s analytics project Oklahoma to win just 6.9 games in 2025, a testament to the sheer difficulty of their slate.
Despite the daunting schedule and the recent struggles, the narrative of Oklahoma “reclaiming glory” is not unfounded. It stems from several factors:
- Coaching Accountability: Venables has acknowledged the team’s shortcomings and made decisive changes. His willingness to take over play-calling signals a personal commitment to the defense and a belief in his own ability to fix issues. The return of former offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson as an offensive analyst also adds valuable experience to the staff.
- Talent Infusion: The transfer portal has brought in impact players like John Mateer and Jaydn Ott on offense, and Kendal Daniels on defense, along with the retention of key recruits like David Stone.13 This infusion of talent, combined with the development of existing players, provides a stronger foundation.
- Heisman Hopeful: While the focus is on team success, John Mateer’s explosive potential could make him a dark horse Heisman Trophy candidate, which would naturally elevate the entire program’s profile.
- The “Boomer Sooner” Identity: Oklahoma football is built on a tradition of winning championships. The move to the SEC is seen by many as a necessary step to compete at the highest level of college football. There’s a renewed sense of purpose and determination within the program to prove they belong among the SEC’s elite.
- The 12-Team Playoff: With the expanded College Football Playoff, the margin for error is slightly larger. While winning the SEC outright will be an immense challenge, a strong showing and a competitive record in the conference could still open a path to the postseason.
The 2025 season is not just a transition year for Oklahoma; it’s a statement year. The “imminent storm” isn’t merely the challenge of the SEC, but the growing anticipation that the Sooners, under Venables’ re-energized leadership and with a retooled roster, are ready to unleash their full potential. They understand the stakes, embrace the grind, and are fundamentally preparing to remind the college football world why Oklahoma has always been, and aims to remain, synonymous with glory. The road will be incredibly tough, but the belief in Norman is that the Sooners are prepared for the fight, ready to prove they are indeed back.
