John Mateer of the Oklahoma Sooners: 2025’s Next Big Thing | Is Brent Venables’ tenure a disappointment?

As the 2025 season approaches, the University of Oklahoma Sooners are garnering attention both for the potential of their football program and for specific players poised to make an impact on the national stage. Among the names that have been rising to the top in recent months is John Mateer, a standout athlete whose talent is making waves within the college football community. However, alongside the excitement surrounding rising stars like Mateer, there are still lingering questions about the state of the Oklahoma Sooners football program, particularly regarding the tenure of head coach Brent Venables. As Oklahoma enters a new era, these two narratives—Mateer’s potential and Venables’ leadership—are intertwined, offering a compelling glimpse into the future of one of the sport’s most storied programs.

John Mateer: A Rising Star for the Oklahoma Sooners

The emergence of John Mateer is perhaps one of the most exciting developments for Oklahoma as the team prepares for the upcoming seasons. Known for his remarkable athleticism, versatility, and football IQ, Mateer has quickly become one of the most highly anticipated players in college football. As a freshman in 2024, he made an immediate impact, showcasing his ability to perform at a high level in both offense and special teams. His presence on the field provides a much-needed spark to a team looking to regain its place among the college football elite.

Mateer’s impressive ability to make plays in various roles has caught the attention of fans and analysts alike. His combination of speed, agility, and vision makes him a dangerous asset on offense, whether he’s at wide receiver, running back, or even as a return specialist. His football intelligence allows him to read defenses quickly and make decisions on the fly, a skill that is rare for a player of his age. His ability to contribute immediately at a high level speaks volumes about his work ethic and understanding of the game.

Oklahoma has always been known for producing top-tier athletes, and Mateer appears to be on the fast track to join that group. His ability to adjust to the physicality and speed of college football is one of the main reasons why he has already made an impression in the Sooners’ preseason camps. The coaching staff, led by Brent Venables, is keen to harness Mateer’s potential to help lead the team to future success. His rapid rise could be a key element in Oklahoma’s return to prominence, and many are already predicting that Mateer will be one of the standout players in 2025.

Brent Venables’ Tenure: A Question of Expectations

While Mateer’s emergence is certainly a source of optimism, the same cannot be said for all aspects of the Oklahoma Sooners football program. As Venables enters his third season as head coach, questions surrounding his ability to lead the team to the next level continue to persist. Following his arrival in 2022, expectations for Venables were sky-high, given his successful tenure as the defensive coordinator at Clemson, where he helped build one of the most dominant defenses in college football. His reputation as a defensive mastermind was expected to translate into success for the Sooners, but so far, that success has been elusive.

When Venables took over at Oklahoma, the program was coming off a successful run under Lincoln Riley, but it was clear that the Sooners’ defense needed significant improvement. Venables was hired with the expectation that he would address those shortcomings and bring a more balanced approach to the team. However, the reality has been somewhat underwhelming.

In 2022, Venables’ first season at the helm, the team finished with a respectable record but saw major inconsistencies. Oklahoma’s defense, while improved in some areas, still struggled with basic issues like tackling, coverage, and generating consistent pressure on the quarterback. While the Sooners made strides in some areas, the defense did not immediately reach the level of excellence that many expected under Venables’ guidance.

2023 was another year of growth but with its own set of challenges. Despite some flashes of brilliance, the Sooners’ defense continued to be inconsistent, and the team as a whole struggled to match the high expectations set for the program. Oklahoma’s offense, meanwhile, underperformed in certain critical games, exacerbating the pressure on the coaching staff.

With Venables entering his third season, the pressure is mounting. While his coaching pedigree is undeniable, there are increasing concerns about whether his systems and philosophies are translating into tangible results. As the Sooners look to build on their success, fans and analysts alike are wondering if Venables’ tenure is living up to expectations or if it is already beginning to show signs of disappointment.

The Importance of Building a Strong Defense

At the heart of the conversation surrounding Brent Venables’ tenure is the emphasis he has placed on defense. Venables, known for his expertise in building elite defensive units, has a clear vision for how the Sooners’ defense should operate. His strategy involves creating pressure on the quarterback, limiting big plays, and forcing turnovers. The goal is to build a defense that can dictate the pace of the game and give the offense more opportunities to capitalize.

However, the inconsistency of the Sooners’ defense has been a point of contention. While there have been flashes of brilliance, such as strong showings against high-caliber offenses, the defense has often failed to execute when it matters most. This has left fans questioning whether Venables can truly transform Oklahoma’s defense into a national championship-caliber unit.

Oklahoma’s Recruiting Success: A Bright Future Ahead?

One of the major bright spots during Venables’ tenure has been the success he has had in recruiting. Oklahoma’s recruiting classes have consistently ranked among the best in the nation, and Venables has done a tremendous job of bringing in top-tier talent on both sides of the ball. John Mateer is a prime example of the kind of player Venables and his staff have been able to attract to Norman. The Sooners’ future looks bright with young, talented players entering the program, and if they can develop that talent, it could propel them to national relevance once again.

Venables’ ability to recruit top-notch defensive players will ultimately determine his success in the long run. The 2025 season will be a pivotal year in this regard, as several key recruits will be expected to make an immediate impact on the field. If Oklahoma’s defense takes the next step under Venables’ guidance, it will go a long way toward justifying the high expectations placed on him when he first took over.

The Pressure to Compete with the Big 12 and Nationally

As Oklahoma transitions into a new era under Venables, there is also the reality of the highly competitive Big 12 and the changing landscape of college football. While the Sooners have historically been one of the top programs in the conference, they are now facing increased competition from teams like Texas, Baylor, and Kansas State, who have all been improving in recent years. Additionally, the looming move to the SEC adds another layer of complexity to the future of Oklahoma football. As the Sooners prepare to join the ranks of the SEC, the level of competition will only intensify, and Venables will be tasked with ensuring his team is ready for that challenge.

The question for Oklahoma fans, then, is whether Venables can build a program that not only dominates the Big 12 but can also compete at the highest levels nationally, particularly in the SEC. For all the promise that comes with recruiting and developing talent, Oklahoma has not yet consistently been able to reach the College Football Playoff or compete for a national title during Venables’ tenure. In an era where the Sooners are expected to be perennial contenders, these goals will be a significant measure of Venables’ success.