What will the OU football team look like in the spring of 2025? This is an analysis of the Sooners.

As the 2024 season wraps up, all eyes will be on the future of Oklahoma Sooners football, and for good reason. Under the leadership of Brent Venables, the Sooners are transitioning into a new era—both in terms of coaching philosophy and conference realignment. The move to the SEC in 2025 presents a new set of challenges, but it also opens the door for Oklahoma to reaffirm itself as a powerhouse on the national stage.

So what will the Sooners’ roster look like in the spring of 2025? Which players will be stepping up, and how will Venables’ defensive-first philosophy blend with the offense moving forward? What areas of the team will need to improve to compete in the SEC?

This analysis will delve into the key players, the coaching dynamics, and the areas of focus for Oklahoma as it readies itself for the challenges of the SEC and the pursuit of national championships in the coming years.

The Coaching Foundation: Venables’ System and Impact

Brent Venables arrived at Oklahoma in 2022 after a highly successful tenure as Clemson’s defensive coordinator, where his defenses were a cornerstone of the Tigers’ national championship success. Venables’ focus on defensive excellence, discipline, and toughness has been the cornerstone of his coaching philosophy. While his first couple of seasons at Oklahoma showed a program still adjusting to his system, the long-term vision remains clear: build a team that thrives on defensive stability and physicality while still maintaining a high-powered offense capable of winning shootouts when necessary.

In the spring of 2025, Venables’ impact will be more fully realized as his recruits begin to emerge as foundational players, and his system becomes more ingrained. With the SEC’s competition raising the stakes for every game, the focus on defense, balanced with offensive explosiveness, will be crucial.

Offense: Rebuilding After Major Departures

Oklahoma has traditionally been known for its offensive juggernauts. Lincoln Riley’s high-flying offenses were the hallmark of the program’s success from 2015 to 2021. Under Riley, the Sooners became one of the most prolific offenses in college football, with players like Baker Mayfield, Kyler Murray, and Jalen Hurts all excelling under center.

However, with the departure of Riley and the influx of Venables’ defensive-first mindset, Oklahoma’s offense will look very different in the spring of 2025. The key question is how the Sooners will adapt while maintaining their ability to score efficiently and compete with the powerful defenses they will face in the SEC.

Quarterback: The Search for a Leader

The quarterback position will be one of the most scrutinized spots on the team as we approach 2025. Oklahoma has had stability at quarterback over the past few seasons with players like Spencer Rattler and Dillon Gabriel, but in 2024 and beyond, the Sooners will look to a new face under center.

As of spring 2025, it’s likely that Oklahoma will have a new starting quarterback who is ready to take over the reins in what is expected to be a more run-oriented offense than in the past. There are several possibilities:

• Jackson Arnold – A highly touted freshman recruit for the Sooners in 2023, Arnold has the physical tools to thrive in Venables’ system. His combination of size, arm strength, and mobility makes him a dual-threat quarterback who could lead the offense into the next phase of Oklahoma football. By the spring of 2025, Arnold could be ready to emerge as the leader of the team, bringing both stability and excitement to the offense.
• Davis Beville – If Beville stays on the roster, he could also compete for the starting spot. A graduate transfer from Pittsburgh, Beville has experience at the college level but has yet to find consistent playing time. By 2025, he could either be a veteran presence or provide competition for Arnold, depending on how the depth chart shakes out.
• Nick Evers – Another promising recruit, Evers has the skills to push for a starting role if he doesn’t start in 2024. His ability to make plays with his legs and his improving arm could make him an intriguing candidate for Venables’ system.

Regardless of who the quarterback is, Venables’ offensive philosophy will likely emphasize efficiency, ball control, and situational football, so the quarterback will need to be able to make timely decisions and avoid turnovers while still being able to take advantage of big-play opportunities when necessary.

Running Back: A Potential Strength

Given the potential for a run-heavy offense, Oklahoma’s running back room will be a key area of focus in 2025. Oklahoma has a long history of developing top-tier running backs, from Adrian Peterson to Joe Mixon to Kennedy Brooks.

By 2025, Oklahoma should have an established running back room, with Jovantae Barnes, Tawee Walker, and possibly a couple of highly rated recruits vying for carries. Barnes has already shown flashes of his potential, and his development in the next few seasons could make him one of the SEC’s premier backs. Walker, too, has impressed as a younger player with his vision, power, and burst.

In addition to these two, expect the Sooners to lean on a complementary running back who can offer different skills, whether it’s speed, receiving ability, or pass protection. The team’s depth at running back will be crucial to balancing the offense and keeping defenses honest.

Wide Receivers: Filling the Gaps

While the Sooners have traditionally been known for elite wide receivers, 2025 will be a transitional year at the position. With departures of key players like Marvin Mims, the Sooners will look to new faces to emerge as go-to targets for their quarterback.

• Andrei L. Johnson – A highly touted recruit who had a solid 2024 season, Johnson could break out in 2025 as one of the top wide receivers for the Sooners. His size, speed, and route-running ability make him a prime candidate to step into the spotlight.
• Jaden Gibson – Another rising star, Gibson’s height and ability to win contested catches will give the Sooners a physical presence on the outside. If he continues to develop, he could become one of the top targets for the Oklahoma quarterback in 2025.
• Drake Stoops – While not the most physically imposing receiver, Stoops’ work ethic, intelligence, and familiarity with the offense make him a steady contributor in the slot. His veteran leadership and consistency will help guide a young receiver corps.

Oklahoma will need one or two breakout players to step up and form a solid receiving unit, but their ability to produce big plays and work together will be paramount as the Sooners adjust to the SEC’s physical brand of football.

Defense: The Backbone of the Sooners in 2025

One of the most notable aspects of Brent Venables’ tenure at Oklahoma has been his defensive philosophy. While the offense may take time to adjust to new personnel, the defense is where the Sooners will look to make their biggest strides in 2025.

The biggest questions facing the defense revolve around the defensive line, linebacker corps, and secondary. Let’s break down the key positions.

Defensive Line: A Strength with SEC Challenges

With Venables’ emphasis on physicality and pressure up front, the defensive line will be one of the most important areas of the team. By 2025, expect Oklahoma’s line to feature a mixture of experienced players and talented young recruits.

• Reggie Grimes and Isaiah Coe are likely to be stalwarts on the line, providing leadership and power in the trenches. Grimes, in particular, has the ability to rush the passer effectively, and he’ll be crucial in disrupting the offensive flow of SEC opponents.
• Additionally, new recruits and transfers like Zadavion Jones and PJ Adebayo could help build depth and offer flexibility in Venables’ defensive schemes.

The key for Oklahoma’s defensive line will be their ability to control the line of scrimmage against the powerful running games they’ll face in the SEC.

Linebackers: Speed and Versatility

Venables has historically emphasized speed and athleticism in his linebackers, and in 2025, the Sooners will likely have a dynamic linebacker unit. Players like Danny Stutsman and Kendall Daniels will play pivotal roles in both defending the run and covering passing routes.

• Stutsman, a physical and aggressive linebacker, could become the heart and soul of the defense, providing leadership, energy, and sideline-to-sideline range.
• Jaren Kanak, a former highly rated recruit, should see significant playing time as a sophomore. His speed and athleticism make him an ideal fit for Venables’ defensive schemes.

Oklahoma will need to find consistency at linebacker, as these players will be tasked with handling SEC offenses that will present different types of challenges.

Secondary: The Key to Limiting Big Plays

In the secondary, Oklahoma will need to adjust to SEC offenses that can air it out but also exploit weaknesses in coverage. By 2025, the Sooners will likely have a secondary full of experience and talent.

• Key Lawrence and Billy Bowman will be key figures in the

secondary, offering leadership and skill as both cornerbacks and safeties. Their ability to cover deep routes and make plays in the box will be essential to the defense’s success.

• The Sooners will also need to continue developing younger players like Gentry Williams and Keenan Jackson to add depth and versatility in the defensive backfield.

Special Teams: A Potential Game Changer

Oklahoma’s special teams will also be a significant area of focus in 2025. Players like Gabe Brkic (kicker) and Nick Anderson (punter) will need to step up in a high-pressure conference. Special teams have the potential to tilt the game in Oklahoma’s favor, especially against high-powered SEC offenses.

 Ready for the SEC?

In the spring of 2025, the Oklahoma Sooners will have a team built around the steady hand of Brent Venables, with a roster full of promising young players and experienced veterans. With a dynamic offense that will likely rely on an efficient quarterback, a deep running back corps, and a wide receiver group looking for breakout performances, the Sooners will have a balanced attack.

On defense, the Sooners will feature a formidable defensive line, a speedy and versatile linebacker corps, and a secondary capable of limiting big plays.

While the SEC presents unique challenges, Oklahoma’s rich tradition of football excellence, combined with Venables’ defensive mastery, gives them a chance to remain competitive on the national stage. The spring of 2025 will be a transitional period, but it also represents an exciting opportunity for Oklahoma to establish itself as a powerhouse in the SEC. The future is bright, and the Sooners are positioned to compete at the highest level once again.