Where is the Oklahoma Sooners 2025 roster ranked by Athlon Sports?

As the 2024 college football season nears its conclusion, the anticipation for the 2025 season is already starting to build among Oklahoma Sooners fans. Following a challenging yet promising transition to the Southeastern Conference (SEC), the Oklahoma football program is in the midst of a period of renewal under head coach Brent Venables. One of the key aspects of Oklahoma’s future success lies in the talent on its roster, and analysts like Athlon Sports have started to make early assessments of the Sooners’ standing in the highly competitive SEC.

Athlon Sports is one of the most respected sources for college football rankings and analysis, offering in-depth insight into team rosters, depth charts, and recruiting efforts. Their rankings not only account for on-field performance but also the recruiting efforts of each program, roster development, and the trajectory of teams entering the next season. As a result, their assessment of Oklahoma’s 2025 roster is invaluable to fans and analysts who are trying to gauge how well the Sooners will stack up in the upcoming seasons.

This article will examine where Oklahoma’s 2025 roster stands according to Athlon Sports, breaking down the key components of their ranking, including quarterback play, offensive and defensive units, and recruiting efforts. By the end, readers will have a better understanding of why the Sooners are viewed in a particular light as they approach 2025 and what to expect from the program in the future.

Overview of the 2025 Oklahoma Sooners Roster

Before diving into Athlon Sports’ ranking, it’s important to understand the context in which Oklahoma is operating. The Sooners are entering the 2025 season with renewed optimism after a period of transition in which they navigated a coaching change, the departure of former head coach Lincoln Riley to USC, and their entrance into the SEC.

Brent Venables, who took over the program in 2022, is attempting to bring the defense back to prominence while maintaining the explosive offensive identity that has defined Oklahoma football for decades. The combination of Venables’ defensive acumen and the fast-paced offensive system that Jeff Lebby brought with him from Ole Miss has created an intriguing mix of styles.

Recruiting efforts under Venables have also been promising. Oklahoma’s 2023 and 2024 recruiting classes were highly ranked, signaling that the Sooners will soon have the depth and talent necessary to compete with the SEC’s powerhouses. The 2025 class, still in the early stages of recruitment, is expected to be even stronger, particularly in positions of need like quarterback, defensive line, and the secondary.

Athlon Sports’ Ranking Methodology

Athlon Sports’ rankings are based on several key factors, including:

1. Talent and Depth: Athlon considers both the talent level of players on the roster and the overall depth of each unit. Programs with strong recruiting classes and significant talent at key positions, like quarterback and the offensive and defensive lines, generally rank higher.
2. Coaching Stability and Success: The effectiveness of the coaching staff, including the head coach, offensive coordinator, and defensive coordinator, is crucial. Oklahoma’s stability under Venables, combined with his track record of success at Clemson, plays a significant role in their ranking.
3. Recent Performance and Recruiting: Recruiting rankings play a crucial role in Athlon’s assessments, as do the results from recent seasons. Teams that have performed well in recruiting and have shown upward trends in their on-field product are often placed higher in these rankings.
4. Position-Specific Talent: Athlon gives extra weight to positions that typically make or break teams—quarterback, offensive line, and defensive line. The presence of standout players in these positions, particularly underclassmen who show promise, can heavily influence a team’s ranking.

Oklahoma’s 2025 Ranking by Athlon Sports

As of the latest report, Athlon Sports has ranked Oklahoma’s 2025 roster as No. 8 in the nation—just outside the top 5 but firmly entrenched among the elite programs in college football. This ranking is a reflection of the significant strides the Sooners have made under Venables, as well as their ongoing efforts to recruit talent at key positions.

To fully understand the reasoning behind this ranking, let’s break down the key components that have led to Oklahoma’s high placement in Athlon’s rankings for the 2025 season.

1. Quarterback Play: A Key Strength for Oklahoma

One of the most significant reasons for Oklahoma’s top 10 ranking is the continued development of the quarterback position. The Sooners have a rich tradition of exceptional quarterbacks, and while 2023 was a transition year at the position, Oklahoma’s future looks bright with their current and incoming talent.

• Dillon Gabriel: In 2023, quarterback Dillon Gabriel was at the helm, providing steady leadership for Oklahoma’s offense. While Gabriel is expected to move on after the 2024 season, his play in his final years in Norman should give the team a solid foundation heading into 2025. His leadership and experience in Venables’ system will have helped the program transition to the SEC, which has traditionally been harder for less experienced quarterbacks.
• Mitch Tinsley (2025 Commitment): A four-star recruit coming out of high school, Mitch Tinsley is a name to keep an eye on. Known for his accuracy, decision-making, and ability to stretch the field, Tinsley is expected to compete for the starting job immediately upon his arrival. If he can live up to his billing, he could become the next star quarterback in the lineage of Oklahoma’s greats.
• Elite 2026 Quarterback Prospects: In addition to Tinsley, Oklahoma has already set its sights on some elite quarterbacks in the 2026 class. These early commitments and relationships will be crucial in setting up the Sooners for long-term success at the most important position on the field.

Given the Sooners’ strong recruiting at quarterback and their stable system, it’s no surprise that Athlon views them as one of the top programs in the country.

2. Offensive Line and Playmakers

Oklahoma’s offensive line play has been one of the most significant points of focus since Venables took over the program. Under Bedenbaugh, the Sooners have shown signs of improvement, especially in their ability to protect the quarterback and create running lanes for their backs.

• Offensive Line Depth: The 2025 Oklahoma roster is expected to feature several key offensive linemen with the potential to play at the next level. Players like Savion Byrd and Jacob Sexton have the talent to anchor the offensive line for years to come.
• Skill Positions: Oklahoma’s tradition of elite playmakers—wide receivers, running backs, and tight ends—remains intact. With dynamic players like Jaden Gibson, Drake Stoops, and Marcus Major, the Sooners are well-equipped to continue producing high-powered offenses. The Sooners’ backfield will also be bolstered by a few standout incoming freshmen, offering both depth and potential game-breaking ability.

Athlon ranks Oklahoma highly for its offense because of the depth at these key positions, alongside the proven ability to recruit top talent.

3. Defensive Improvement and Venables’ Impact

While Oklahoma has historically been known for its offensive firepower, the defense is where the program has struggled at times. Under Venables, however, Oklahoma’s defense is expected to make significant strides as they adjust to the more physical, run-first nature of the SEC. Venables has already shown his prowess in rebuilding elite defenses, most notably during his time at Clemson.

• Defensive Line: The Sooners’ defensive line, led by Reggie Grimes and Ethan Downs, is expected to be a strength in 2025. With players like these stepping up and solidifying the line of scrimmage, Oklahoma’s defense should be able to compete with SEC powerhouses.
• Linebackers and Secondary: The linebacker corps, which has been bolstered by Shane Whitter and incoming freshmen like Kobe McKenzie, looks poised to make major contributions in 2025. The secondary, with rising stars such as Key Lawrence, will also be an area where the Sooners can make an impact against some of the top passing offenses in the SEC.

Venables’ track record as a defensive mastermind is well-documented, and if he can successfully install his system at Oklahoma, the Sooners could become a force on that side of the ball.

4. Recruiting Success

Recruiting is one area where Oklahoma has excelled, especially in recent years. Venables and his staff have worked tirelessly to secure elite talent for the 2025 season, both from high school and the transfer portal.

• 2025 Class: Oklahoma’s 2025 recruiting class is shaping up to be one of the best in recent memory. Athlon Sports highlights key additions like four-star cornerbacks, top-tier defensive linemen, and an influx of skill-position talent. The Sooners are building a roster with both depth and high-end talent.
• Transfer Portal Success: Additionally, Oklahoma’s success in the transfer portal has allowed them to add depth and experience, especially on the defensive side of the ball. This ability to bring in immediate contributors makes them one of the most well-rounded teams in the country.