The air in the Switzer Center was thick with anticipation, but for Head Coach Brent Venables, it was a familiar tension. The life of a college football coach in the NIL and transfer portal era is a constant tightrope walk, balancing roster management, recruiting, and the ever-present threat of unexpected departures. However, even for a coach accustomed to the volatile nature of modern college football, the meeting with wide receiver Deion Burks was about to deliver a stunning announcement that left Venables genuinely stunned, sending ripples through Sooner Nation.
Deion Burks, a name that had quickly become synonymous with potential and explosiveness for the Oklahoma Sooners, had a rollercoaster 2024 season. After transferring from Purdue, where he was a standout playmaker, Burks was expected to be a focal point of the Sooners’ offense. His electrifying performance in the 2024 spring game, showcasing instant chemistry with then-quarterback Jackson Arnold, fueled immense hype. However, the season itself proved challenging. Burks battled multiple injuries, including a significant soft-tissue issue and a concussion, limiting him to just a handful of games. Despite the limited snaps, he still flashed his game-breaking speed and ability, catching 31 passes for 245 yards and three touchdowns, all in the early part of the season.
Coming into the 2025 offseason, the wide receiver room at Oklahoma was in flux. The transfer portal had seen a significant exodus of talent, with players like Jalil Farooq, Nic Anderson, Andrel Anthony, and others seeking new opportunities. This made Burks’ presence, along with the presumed return of Jayden Gibson and new additions, even more critical for offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle and receivers coach Emmett Jones as they looked to rebuild the receiving corps around new starting quarterback John Mateer. All signs pointed to Burks, a redshirt senior with one year of eligibility remaining, being a veteran leader and a primary target in Oklahoma’s first full SEC season. Preseason All-SEC teams were even listing him as a top receiver, a testament to his talent despite the injury-riddled 2024.
Then came the meeting. Burks, accompanied by his family, walked into Venables’ office, with Arbuckle and Jones also present. The atmosphere, initially, felt like a typical end-of-season discussion, perhaps about his recovery, his role, or even his NFL Draft prospects – a topic Venables himself had hinted at, acknowledging Burks’ talent could lead him to the next level.
What transpired next, however, was far from typical.
Burks began by expressing his gratitude for his time at Oklahoma, for the coaching, the support through his injuries, and the belief the staff had shown in him. He spoke with a maturity and sincerity that impressed everyone in the room. He talked about the challenges of the past season, the frustration of being sidelined, and the profound introspection that period of recovery had brought. It felt like a farewell speech, almost an early declaration for the NFL Draft, a path many believed he would take given his talent and the physical toll of another college season.
He even had a dramatic flair. According to those present, Burks initially presented Coach Venables with his crimson No. 6 jersey, seemingly as a symbolic gesture of closure, thanking him for the opportunity. Venables, accepting it with grace, humbly remarked on how well Burks had worn the number.
Then, Burks unzipped his jacket, revealing a different Oklahoma jersey underneath. This in itself was a surprise, hinting at a change of numbers, a common practice in college football. But it was his words that followed that truly delivered the shock.
“I ain’t gone yet,” Burks declared, his voice ringing with conviction, a wide smile spreading across his face. “I’m switching that No. 4.”
The room erupted. What had seemed like a solemn farewell transformed into an immediate, joyous celebration. Venables, Arbuckle, and Jones, who had braced themselves for a significant loss, were visibly stunned, then overcome with relief and excitement. High fives were exchanged, hugs were shared, and the tension that had hung heavy in the air dissipated into cheers. Burks then emphatically added, “I gotta do it one more time, man!” underscoring his full commitment.
This dramatic announcement wasn’t just a simple decision to return for another year; it came with several profound implications that left Sooner Nation “stunned” and Venables “stunned” in the best possible way:
- Rejection of the NFL Draft (for now): Many, including Coach Venables himself, anticipated Burks would declare for the 2025 NFL Draft. His talent profile, despite the injury-shortened 2024, made him a legitimate professional prospect. By choosing to return, Burks is banking on a fully healthy 2025 season to showcase his abilities and improve his draft stock, a decision that speaks volumes about his belief in himself and the Oklahoma program.
- A Massive Boost to the Wide Receiver Room: With the significant attrition in the wide receiver position through the transfer portal, Burks’ return is an absolute godsend. He instantly becomes the most experienced and explosive playmaker in the group. His presence provides stability, talent, and a much-needed veteran presence for the incoming freshman and less experienced receivers. This significantly alleviates a major concern for Arbuckle’s offense as they enter the daunting SEC schedule.
- Commitment to the Program’s Vision: Burks’ explicit statement – “I believe in his plan, what he has going on” referring to Coach Venables – is a powerful endorsement. In an era where players often jump ship, his decision to stay and openly express faith in the coaching staff’s vision for the program is a morale booster, not just for the coaches but for the entire team and fanbase. It signals that players are buying into the culture Venables is building.
- The “Unfinished Business” Mentality: His comment, “Just kind of want to come back and leave a place better than when I left it,” speaks to a desire for redemption and to fulfill his potential at Oklahoma. His 2024 season was cut short and frustrating. Returning offers him a chance to have a full, dominant year and contribute meaningfully to the team’s success as they embark on their SEC journey.
- A Symbol of Stability Amidst Volatility: In a period where “Breaking News” often means a departure or a transfer, Burks’ decision to stay and make a dramatic reveal around it becomes a rallying point. It’s a positive counter-narrative, showing that not all talented players are looking for greener pastures elsewhere, and that some are deeply committed to the program they are in.
- The Number Change (No. 6 to No. 4): This seemingly minor detail holds symbolic weight. Switching to No. 4, a number he wore in the past and perhaps feels more connected to his “roots,” could signify a fresh start, a renewed focus, and a new chapter in his Oklahoma career. It’s a subtle but meaningful way for him to reclaim his identity and signal his intention to make a significant impact.
For Brent Venables, this was a moment of profound relief and genuine excitement. His reaction, captured in the widely circulated video, showed a coach deeply invested in his players, and genuinely surprised by a positive outcome when he had perhaps prepared for the opposite. It was a clear win, not just for the depth chart, but for the morale and narrative surrounding the Oklahoma football program as it prepares for its biggest challenge yet in the SEC. Deion Burks’ decision was a reminder that even in the most transactional of times, loyalty, personal drive, and a commitment to unfinished business can still create the most stunning and heartwarming headlines.
