The Oklahoma Sooners must overcome these five challenges in order to qualify for the College Football Playoffs.

The Oklahoma Sooners football program is one of the most prestigious in college football, and as such, expectations are always high. After some recent turbulence in the postseason, the Sooners are determined to reassert themselves as a national power, with a clear goal of returning to the College Football Playoffs (CFP). However, reaching the postseason’s pinnacle requires overcoming significant challenges both on and off the field. While Oklahoma has the talent and resources to compete at the highest level, several factors will dictate whether they can achieve the ultimate goal.

Let’s take a deep dive into the five major challenges the Sooners will need to overcome to secure their place in the College Football Playoffs.

1. Quarterback Play and Consistency

One of the most important positions on any football team, especially at a program like Oklahoma, is quarterback. Historically, the Sooners have been fortunate enough to have elite quarterbacks such as Baker Mayfield, Kyler Murray, and Jalen Hurts, all of whom not only led the team to success but also made major impacts in the Heisman race. However, in recent years, quarterback play has been inconsistent, which has hurt Oklahoma’s ability to break through and challenge for a national title.

In 2024, Dillon Gabriel has shown flashes of brilliance, but there have been periods of inconsistency in his play. To earn a spot in the College Football Playoffs, Gabriel and whoever is behind him must play at a high level every game. Oklahoma needs consistent quarterback play that can manage the offense effectively, deliver accurate throws, and make key plays in crunch moments. If Gabriel can find his rhythm and play like the Heisman candidate he was earlier in the season, it could make a massive difference in Oklahoma’s playoff hopes.

Moreover, Gabriel’s performance in big games will be pivotal. Historically, the Sooners have been vulnerable in high-pressure matchups. Whether it’s an intense Big 12 championship game or a late-season showdown with a ranked opponent, Gabriel must rise to the occasion and prove that he is capable of leading the team through these critical moments.

Key to Success: Consistency at quarterback, especially in big games, is crucial. Gabriel must elevate his play and avoid costly turnovers that could derail Oklahoma’s season.

2. Offensive Line Stability and Improvement

The offensive line is a crucial aspect of any successful football team, and for Oklahoma, it will be vital if they want to make a serious push for the College Football Playoffs. Historically, the Sooners have boasted strong offensive lines, but in recent seasons, the unit has struggled at times to keep up with the speed and physicality of top-tier defenses. This inconsistency has put a lot of pressure on the quarterbacks and running backs to make plays, and it’s one of the reasons Oklahoma’s offense hasn’t been as explosive as in previous years.

In 2025, the offensive line will need to step up to give Gabriel enough time to throw and provide Eric Gray or whoever the primary back is with running lanes to gain yards on the ground. This is especially important for the Sooners’ style of offense, which often thrives when the running game is balanced with an effective passing attack. If Oklahoma’s offensive line can dominate the trenches and protect their quarterback, it would give the Sooners a strong foundation to build upon.

Moreover, the Sooners’ offensive line will be tested by some of the best defensive fronts in college football. Teams like Texas, Baylor, and Kansas State feature strong defensive lines that could exploit any weaknesses in Oklahoma’s protection. Success in these games will hinge on the ability of the offensive line to protect Gabriel, sustain drives, and open up running lanes.

Key to Success: A dominant offensive line capable of consistently protecting Gabriel and opening holes for the running backs will be essential for the Sooners’ success.

3. Defensive Consistency and Pass Rush

The Oklahoma defense has been a sore spot for much of the last decade, often giving up big plays and failing to execute in crucial moments. In 2025, the Sooners need a complete turnaround on the defensive side of the ball if they are to make the College Football Playoffs. Head coach Brent Venables has made it clear that improving the defense is one of his top priorities, and his defensive coaching pedigree gives hope that he can turn things around.

Oklahoma will need to be more than just opportunistic on defense; they need to be consistent, fundamentally sound, and able to disrupt opposing offenses. In particular, the Sooners must improve their pass rush. In previous seasons, Oklahoma has struggled to consistently get after opposing quarterbacks, which has allowed offenses to move the ball down the field and keep the Sooners on their heels.

The addition of defensive playmakers like Reggie Grimes and Jalen Redmond has certainly improved the pass rush, but it’s important that they find ways to put pressure on quarterbacks, particularly in must-win games. The defense must also improve its ability to prevent big plays, something that has been an issue for Oklahoma for years. They need to limit explosive plays, force turnovers, and be more disciplined in the red zone.

Key to Success: Improving the pass rush and being more consistent against the run and in coverage will be essential for Oklahoma to contend with the best offenses in college football.

4. The Big 12’s Depth and Championship Game Pressure

While the Big 12 may not be the power conference it once was, the league has plenty of competitive teams that will pose a threat to Oklahoma’s playoff aspirations. Texas, Baylor, Kansas State, and TCU all boast strong programs, and every team in the conference has a chance to knock off a contender on any given week. The Sooners will need to be focused each week and not fall victim to a trap game.

Moreover, the Big 12 Championship Game continues to be a significant hurdle for Oklahoma. The Sooners have often made it to the title game in the past, but they’ve faced stiff competition from the likes of Texas and Baylor, and losing that game has kept them out of the College Football Playoffs in previous seasons. The pressure of performing in the championship game, especially when a playoff berth is on the line, can weigh heavily on any team. For Oklahoma, getting to the championship game is half the battle, but winning it is the key to securing a place in the College Football Playoffs.

Oklahoma will need to get past tough competition throughout the season, particularly in the Big 12, where teams are hungry to prove themselves against the Sooners. If Oklahoma can stay undefeated or only take one loss during the regular season, they will increase their chances of making the College Football Playoffs, but they must also win the Big 12 Championship to guarantee a spot in the four-team field.

Key to Success: A strong regular-season performance and winning the Big 12 Championship Game are essential to Oklahoma’s playoff hopes.

5. Handling High Expectations and Pressure

Oklahoma football has always had high expectations, and 2025 is no different. The Sooners have a proud tradition and are regularly ranked among the top teams in the country, so the pressure to perform is always present. However, as seen in previous years, the weight of expectations can sometimes affect a team’s ability to perform in critical moments.

The Sooners’ coaching staff, led by Brent Venables, must manage this pressure effectively and ensure that the players are mentally prepared for the grind of a long season. Keeping the team focused and avoiding distractions will be a key factor in their pursuit of the College Football Playoffs. Oklahoma has the talent, but mental toughness and focus are just as important as physical ability in high-pressure situations, particularly when the stakes are as high as a playoff berth.

Handling expectations also means managing adversity. There will inevitably be setbacks throughout the season—whether it’s a tough loss, an injury, or a difficult stretch of games—and how the team responds will play a major role in determining their success. Oklahoma must avoid getting bogged down by one loss or negative moment and instead stay focused on their goals.

Key to Success: The mental toughness to overcome adversity and stay focused on the ultimate goal will be vital in helping Oklahoma reach the College Football Playoffs.