What will the OU football team look like in the spring of 2025? This is an analysis of the Sooners.
As the Oklahoma Sooners prepare for the 2025 spring football season, they are undergoing a period of transition. The Sooners, traditionally one of college football’s most prestigious programs, have recently navigated a changing landscape, with the departure of head coach Lincoln Riley in 2021 and the hiring of Brent Venables, a former Oklahoma defensive coordinator, to take the reins. As Oklahoma heads into the spring of 2025, the team will be looking to solidify its foundation in a new era under Venables, aiming to return to its perennial position among the elite teams in college football.
While a lot can change between now and the spring of 2025, including potential roster changes through the transfer portal and recruiting cycles, we can examine the team’s trajectory based on their current roster, coaching staff, and recent recruiting efforts. In this analysis, we will break down the key components of the Oklahoma Sooners football team as they prepare for the 2025 season, with a focus on what the team could look like both offensively and defensively, the impact of coaching, and the program’s overarching goals for the future.
1. The Coaching Staff: Brent Venables’ Vision Takes Shape
Brent Venables took over as head coach of the Oklahoma Sooners in 2022 after the departure of Lincoln Riley to USC. Venables returned to Oklahoma after a successful stint as the defensive coordinator at Clemson, where he helped the Tigers win two national championships. Venables is widely recognized as one of the top defensive minds in college football, and his hiring marked a significant shift for the Sooners, who had become known for their high-powered offense under Riley but had struggled defensively in recent years.
By 2025, Venables’ stamp on the team will be much more evident. The key areas of focus for Venables include improving the defense, instilling discipline, and cultivating a culture of toughness and physicality. Since his hiring, Venables has worked hard to build up the Sooners’ defense, and by 2025, the fruits of his labor should be on display.
Offensively, the Sooners will likely maintain their up-tempo, high-scoring attack that has become synonymous with Oklahoma football, though with a greater emphasis on balance and situational football. Venables is known to value discipline, fundamentals, and team-first mentalities, which should translate into a more well-rounded and stable team in 2025, particularly in the trenches on both sides of the ball.
2. Offensive Outlook: A Dynamic Yet Balanced Attack
Oklahoma’s offensive identity has historically been built around a high-flying passing game led by dynamic quarterbacks and skilled wide receivers. Under Venables, the team will likely retain some of these offensive principles, but there is also an expectation that the Sooners will place a greater emphasis on running the ball effectively and controlling the clock.
Quarterback: The Future of the Sooners’ Offense
By the spring of 2025, the quarterback position for Oklahoma will be crucial in determining the team’s success. As of 2023, Dillon Gabriel is the incumbent starter, having transferred from UCF to Oklahoma before the 2022 season. Gabriel is a dual-threat quarterback with a strong arm and impressive mobility, but he has yet to lead the Sooners to a College Football Playoff appearance.
Given that Gabriel will have exhausted his eligibility by 2025, the Sooners will need a new face under center. The future of the quarterback position will be shaped by the 2024 recruiting class and the transfer portal. Jackson Arnold, the five-star recruit from Guyer High School in Denton, Texas, was a major acquisition for Oklahoma in the 2023 recruiting class and is expected to be a potential successor to Gabriel. If Arnold is able to develop quickly, he could be the key to leading the offense in 2025. His strong arm, poise, and ability to make plays with his legs give him the tools to excel in Venables’ system, which will likely focus on efficiency, ball control, and deep-ball accuracy.
Alternatively, Nick Evers, a former four-star recruit who joined Oklahoma in 2023, may also be in the mix for the starting job. The competition for the quarterback position in 2025 will be intense, and it’s possible that the Sooners will have a battle on their hands during the spring to determine who will take the reins.
Running Back: A Return to Power Football
While Oklahoma has long been known for its explosive passing game, the team will likely prioritize running the ball in 2025 to better complement its defense. Eric Gray was a standout for the Sooners in 2022 and 2023, but by 2025, a new running back will have taken over. Oklahoma has recruited several talented running backs in recent years, including Tawee Walker and Daylan Smothers, and by 2025, these players could be the future of the running back position.
In addition, Marcus Major, a solid power back, could still be in the mix. The Oklahoma offensive line, which has consistently produced talented units, will need to open up running lanes for whoever emerges as the primary ball carrier. Expect the Sooners to use a committee approach, with multiple backs contributing and an increased focus on establishing the run.
Wide Receiver and Tight End: A Skilled Group for 2025
Oklahoma’s wide receiving corps is likely to remain a major strength of the offense in 2025. Players like Theo Wease, Jaden Gibson, and Drake Stoops (who will likely have graduated by 2025) have been key contributors in the passing game in recent years, and new recruits will continue to strengthen the unit.
The 2024 recruiting class includes highly rated wide receivers, and by 2025, one or two of them could step into significant roles. In addition, tight end remains an important position in the offense. Brayden Willis, who could be out of eligibility by 2025, leaves big shoes to fill, but Oklahoma has a tradition of producing top-tier tight ends. A talented group of young players will need to step up and provide support for the quarterback, whether in the passing game or as blockers in the run game.
3. Defensive Outlook: A Return to Defensive Dominance
Oklahoma’s defense has been a major area of focus for Venables, and by 2025, we can expect significant improvement in this area. Under former head coach Lincoln Riley, the Sooners were often criticized for their inability to stop high-powered offenses. Venables, however, is a defensive mastermind, and his expertise should begin to bear fruit as he instills his multiple front defense and aggressive scheme in Oklahoma’s players.
Defensive Line: Dominance in the Trenches
The defensive line will be the foundation of Venables’ defensive system. Oklahoma has always had a strong tradition of producing elite pass rushers, and by 2025, the Sooners will look to continue that trend. Players like Reggie Grimes, Jalen Redmond, and Isaiah Coe will likely have graduated by 2025, but the Sooners have a new wave of talent coming in. R Mason Thomas, Kobie McKinzie, and David Ugwoebu are among the defensive line recruits who could make an immediate impact.
Oklahoma’s defense will focus on pressuring the quarterback with a combination of edge rushers and interior linemen who can collapse the pocket. Expect the Sooners to rotate defensive linemen frequently to keep fresh legs on the field and maintain a constant push against opposing offenses.
Linebacker: Speed, Versatility, and Tackling
The linebacker corps is another area where Venables’ influence will be crucial. The Sooners will need to replace some key players from the 2023 season, but the pipeline of talent is strong. Oklahoma has a history of producing standout linebackers, and in 2025, this unit should be one of the strengths of the defense. Danny Stutsman, a future NFL talent, will likely be the anchor of the defense, and players like Kedrick Blackshire and Lewis Carter could be ready to step up.
Venables values versatility in his linebackers, and expect the Sooners to use a mix of players capable of covering the pass, stuffing the run, and rushing the quarterback. The defense will likely emphasize speed and agility at the linebacker position to keep up with fast-paced offenses in the Big 12.
Secondary: Building a Ball-Hawking Defense
In the secondary, Oklahoma will likely continue to focus on developing athletes capable of locking down wide receivers and creating turnovers. Players like Billy Bowman and Key Lawrence will provide leadership in the secondary, and Gentry Williams, a highly touted recruit, could make an immediate impact in the secondary.
Venables’ defense will rely on press-man coverage and an ability to make plays on the ball, with an emphasis on creating turnovers through interceptions and forced fumbles. With an improved pass rush, Oklahoma’s secondary should have more opportunities to showcase their ball skills.
4. Special Teams: Maintaining Solid Play
In the spring of 2025, special teams will continue to be a crucial component for Oklahoma. With a strong emphasis on field position and covering kicks, the Sooners will need to replace any key players who graduate or leave for the NFL. Gabe Brkic, one of the best kickers in college football, will likely have moved on, but the Sooners will rely on a steady leg to
help them win close games.
 A Bright Future for Oklahoma in 2025
By the spring of 2025, the Oklahoma Sooners will be firmly entrenched in the Brent Venables era. With a strong recruiting class, a focus on rebuilding the defense, and continued offensive firepower, the Sooners will look to return to national prominence. The combination of a dominant defensive line, talented linebackers, and a versatile secondary will give Oklahoma the tools to compete at the highest level. Meanwhile, the quarterback position will be the focal point of the offense, as the Sooners look to find a new leader to build around.
Oklahoma is on the verge of a new era in college football, and if Venables can continue to build the program the way he envisions, the Sooners will be a force to be reckoned with in 2025 and beyond. With a mix of experienced players and young talent, the spring of 2025 is just the beginning of a promising future for the Oklahoma Sooners.
