Oklahoma Sooners are learning even more about themselves in a way that’s good for every team.

As the 2025 college football season unfolds, the Oklahoma Sooners are learning more about themselves with each passing game, both in terms of their strengths and areas for improvement. Head coach Brent Venables and his staff have emphasized the importance of this learning process—ensuring that the Sooners not only continue to perform well but also grow as a team in ways that can lead to long-term success. As Oklahoma builds its identity under Venables, the team is becoming more self-aware, taking key lessons from both their victories and losses that will ultimately make them a stronger contender for the national stage.

The process of self-discovery and growth is critical for any team, and it’s no different for the Oklahoma Sooners. The team is navigating a transitionary period as they look to re-establish themselves as a perennial powerhouse in college football. Although the Sooners have a rich and storied history, the 2025 season is proving to be a unique opportunity to learn valuable lessons about both the players and the program’s long-term potential. This season could ultimately serve as a foundational year that sets the stage for future success.

Let’s take a closer look at how the Oklahoma Sooners are learning more about themselves this season—and why this learning process is so beneficial for the team’s development.

1. The Evolution of the Offense: A Work in Progress

One of the biggest learning curves for Oklahoma this season has been with their offense. While the Sooners have always had a reputation for explosive offense—dominated by star quarterbacks like Baker Mayfield and Kyler Murray—the 2025 offense is in a period of transition. New quarterback Dillon Gabriel, who transferred from UCF, has been tasked with leading the charge, and while he’s had success in stretches, he’s also faced challenges adjusting to the nuances of Oklahoma’s offensive scheme.

This learning process has been evident in the way Oklahoma has operated in several games this season. Early on, they showcased flashes of brilliance, with Gabriel airing out long passes and utilizing his mobility to make plays on the run. However, they’ve also struggled with consistency, particularly in closing out games and maintaining offensive balance. Whether it’s been in establishing a running game or adapting to defenses that are keenly aware of Gabriel’s dual-threat capabilities, there’s been a lot of trial and error.

Running Back Depth has been a key aspect of Oklahoma’s offensive learning process. Eric Gray, who had been a standout the previous season, has graduated, leaving the team with a somewhat unproven group of running backs. As Oklahoma has faced some tough defenses, they’ve learned the importance of establishing a reliable ground game to complement Gabriel’s arm and legs. The emergence of sophomore Gavin Sawchuk and freshman Tawee Walker has been encouraging. Still, there’s no denying that this is an area where the Sooners are growing, and figuring out how to use their backs efficiently will be crucial to their long-term success.

Moreover, the offensive line has shown signs of promise but still needs work, particularly in run-blocking situations. Oklahoma’s offensive line has struggled at times to create the push needed for their running backs to find space. This has meant that the Sooners have had to rely on Gabriel’s ability to extend plays with his legs rather than simply handing the ball off and letting the backs grind out yards. The development of this line over the next few games will play a significant role in how the Sooners perform moving forward.

Overall, Oklahoma is learning how to balance its offense, find its rhythm, and adapt to various challenges. While the offensive pieces are there, they have yet to click fully into place. The coaching staff is working tirelessly to refine the game plan, create a better balance between the run and pass, and find ways to keep defenses guessing.

2. Defensive Growth: Rebuilding a Championship-Caliber Unit

On the other side of the ball, Brent Venables and the coaching staff have been tasked with rebuilding a defense that had struggled in previous seasons. Venables, known for his expertise in defense, took over the Sooners’ program with a mission to restore Oklahoma’s once-dominant defensive identity. The 2025 season has been one of growth for the defense, with young players stepping into larger roles and learning how to execute Venables’ complex defensive schemes.

While it has not been a perfect season, Oklahoma’s defense has been showing improvement as the year progresses. They’ve learned how to better manage the high-paced, high-scoring offenses that are typical of the Big 12 Conference. This season, they’ve been tested by some of the top quarterbacks and offensive weapons in the country, and each test has contributed to their growth.

One of the key takeaways for the Sooners has been learning how to create pressure without overcommitting. Oklahoma’s defensive line has shown great improvement in terms of creating havoc in the backfield, with R. Mason Thomas and Jalen Redmond emerging as standout players. Both have shown that they can disrupt the pocket and provide much-needed pressure on opposing quarterbacks. However, at times, the defense has learned that overextending in pursuit of sacks can lead to breakdowns in coverage.

Another area where the defense has made great strides is in secondary play. Oklahoma’s cornerbacks and safeties have shown improved communication and a better ability to contest passes. Woodi Washington and Gentry Williams have been critical in this area, as they’ve had to handle some of the top wide receivers in college football. Their continued development will be crucial as the Sooners look to take the next step as a defensive unit.

One of the biggest lessons for Oklahoma’s defense this season has been learning how to adjust mid-game. Early in the season, the defense had difficulty making in-game adjustments, particularly when facing high-scoring teams. However, as the season has progressed, they’ve learned how to be more flexible, with Venables providing them the tools to adjust coverage schemes and pressure packages depending on the flow of the game. The Sooners’ defense has shown an ability to bounce back and fight after allowing big plays, proving that they’re developing the resilience needed for success.

3. Special Teams: An Area of Focus for Improvement

Special teams may not always get the attention it deserves, but it is a critical area for any football team. For Oklahoma, special teams has been one area of their game where they are still figuring things out. Whether it’s the kicking game, return game, or coverage units, there have been moments of brilliance mixed with frustrating lapses. However, it’s clear that the Sooners are learning valuable lessons from these mistakes and are working on improving this phase of the game.

Zach Schmit has been Oklahoma’s primary kicker, and while he’s had his moments of success, he has also faced challenges in the pressure situations that come with kicking in crucial games. Reggie Pearson, as the special teams coordinator, has been emphasizing consistency, and the entire unit is learning how to execute better under pressure. The hope is that by the end of the season, special teams can be a point of strength rather than an afterthought.

The return game, too, has shown promise with players like Drake Stoops and Jaleel Farooq. They’ve both demonstrated explosive potential on punt and kick returns, but they’ve also made mistakes that have cost the team valuable field position. These players are learning the importance of ball security, field awareness, and making decisive decisions on the return game.

In short, special teams is an area that continues to evolve for Oklahoma, and every experience—good or bad—is helping to prepare them for more important moments as the season unfolds.

4. A Foundation for the Future: Team Chemistry and Leadership

Beyond the X’s and O’s, perhaps the most significant thing the Oklahoma Sooners are learning is how to gel as a team. College football is a dynamic sport where player leadership and team chemistry can make or break a season. The Sooners’ roster is full of talent, but how they come together as a unit will ultimately determine how far they can go.

The leadership of upperclassmen like Nick Anderson and Brayden Willis has been vital in helping younger players adjust to the expectations of playing at Oklahoma. The team has seen a lot of growth in terms of player-led accountability and self-motivation. Coach Venables has fostered an environment where every player understands their role, and it’s clear that the team is developing strong bonds both on and off the field.

The leadership on both sides of the ball is key to Oklahoma’s success, and their ability to overcome adversity, support one another, and push each other to be better every day will help lay the groundwork for future seasons. While they may not be perfect yet, the Sooners are learning how to be a cohesive, resilient team that can compete with the best of the best.