Joel Klatt Predicts Bright Future for Sooners, Expecting ‘Very Good Things Ahead’ in the Upcoming Season

As the new college football season approaches, fans across the nation are looking to analysts, experts, and former players for insight into which teams have the potential to make a run at the college football playoff and which programs could exceed expectations. One of the voices that carries significant weight in these discussions is Joel Klatt, a former college quarterback, respected commentator, and Fox Sports’ lead analyst for college football. Known for his deep understanding of the game and keen insights, Klatt’s opinions are highly regarded by fans and experts alike. Recently, Klatt shared his thoughts on the Oklahoma Sooners, and his assessment is one that has caught the attention of many in the college football community. He sees “very good things ahead” for the Sooners this season and believes that they are poised for a successful year.

The Oklahoma Sooners are a program with a rich history of success, having been a dominant force in college football for decades. Under legendary coaches like Barry Switzer, Bob Stoops, and Lincoln Riley, Oklahoma has consistently been in the hunt for national championships and has produced some of the most talented players in the history of the sport. However, after a coaching change and some recent challenges, the Sooners are at a bit of a crossroads. Despite some uncertainty, Klatt is bullish on the future of the program, citing several key factors that could lead to a breakout season for Oklahoma in 2023.

The Impact of Brent Venables

One of the primary reasons for Klatt’s optimism about the Sooners’ future is the arrival of Brent Venables as the head coach. Venables, who took over the head coaching job after Lincoln Riley’s departure to USC, brings a wealth of experience and success to the position. As the former defensive coordinator for Clemson, Venables was instrumental in the Tigers’ national championships in 2016 and 2018, building one of the most formidable defenses in college football. His defensive acumen and coaching pedigree make him a great fit for the Sooners, who have traditionally been known for their high-powered offenses but have struggled defensively in recent years.

Klatt, a former quarterback, understands the importance of having a strong defense in the modern game. He believes that Venables’ emphasis on developing a stout defense will pay dividends for the Sooners in 2023. In his analysis, Klatt pointed out that a solid defense not only helps to keep games close but also gives the offense more opportunities to score, which is crucial in a high-scoring league like the Big 12.

Venables’ ability to recruit and develop talent is another key reason for Klatt’s optimism. Since taking over the program, Venables has made a concerted effort to build a balanced team, focusing on both sides of the ball. Oklahoma has always been known for its offensive firepower, but with Venables at the helm, the Sooners are expected to return to being a well-rounded, championship-caliber team. Klatt believes that Venables’ defensive schemes, along with the development of his players, will make the Sooners a serious contender in 2023.

Quarterback Play and Offensive Potential

While defense is certainly a critical aspect of Oklahoma’s future, Klatt also sees great promise in the Sooners’ offense. A big part of Oklahoma’s recent success has been its ability to develop high-level quarterbacks, and 2023 should be no different. With the departure of Spencer Rattler to South Carolina and Caleb Williams transferring to USC, Oklahoma fans may have had their doubts about the quarterback position. However, Klatt is confident that the Sooners have the talent under center to continue their offensive dominance.

The main contender for the starting quarterback role is Dillon Gabriel, a transfer from UCF. Gabriel, who had a successful career with the Knights, brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record as a dual-threat quarterback. Klatt highlighted Gabriel’s ability to make plays with his arm and his legs, pointing out that his skill set makes him a perfect fit for the high-octane offense that Oklahoma is known for. Gabriel’s ability to stretch the field vertically and take advantage of the Sooners’ speedy and dynamic receivers is a major strength, and Klatt believes that he has the potential to lead the team to great things in 2023.

Klatt also spoke highly of the weapons surrounding Gabriel, noting that Oklahoma has a talented group of wide receivers and running backs who can make plays in space. Players like Marvin Mims, who has been one of the top receivers in the Big 12, will continue to be a major factor in the offense. With Mims and a host of other playmakers, the Sooners’ offense should continue to be one of the most explosive in the country.

In addition to Gabriel and Mims, Oklahoma boasts a deep running back room, led by the likes of Eric Gray and Javontae Barnes. Gray, a seasoned veteran, has been a reliable force in the backfield, while Barnes, a highly touted freshman, brings a dynamic skill set that could make him a key contributor in his first year. Klatt is particularly excited about the depth of talent in the running back room, which will allow the Sooners to maintain a balanced offensive attack that can threaten both in the air and on the ground.

Recruiting Success and Depth

Another area that has Klatt excited about Oklahoma’s future is the program’s recruiting success. Under Venables, the Sooners have already seen a significant boost in their recruiting rankings, which is expected to continue in the coming years. Venables has made it clear that he is committed to building a team that can compete for championships, and that starts with bringing in top-tier talent.

Klatt emphasized that recruiting is the lifeblood of any successful program, and Oklahoma has shown that it is more than capable of attracting elite players. With Venables leading the charge, the Sooners are in position to continue building a roster that is loaded with talent on both sides of the ball. This depth will be crucial as the season progresses, especially in the Big 12, where a strong roster can make all the difference in close games.

Oklahoma’s recruiting efforts have not only focused on skill positions but also on improving the trenches, which is often the difference between a good team and a great team. Klatt noted that the Sooners’ offensive and defensive lines have received considerable attention, and with strong play in the trenches, Oklahoma will be able to compete with the top teams in the nation.

The Big 12 Landscape and National Championship Aspirations

As Klatt looks ahead to the 2023 season, he is particularly excited about Oklahoma’s prospects in the Big 12 Conference. The Sooners have long been one of the most dominant teams in the conference, and while they are no longer the favorite to win the conference title after a few seasons of transition, Klatt believes that they are still very much in the mix.

Klatt pointed out that while Texas has often been viewed as Oklahoma’s main rival, the Sooners have an excellent opportunity to take control of the conference in 2023. With the departure of some of the top teams in the conference, including Baylor and Iowa State, the path to a Big 12 Championship is open for Oklahoma. If they can stay healthy and execute at a high level, Klatt believes the Sooners will have the opportunity to return to the College Football Playoff for the first time since 2020.

Of course, winning the Big 12 will not be enough for Oklahoma if they are to achieve their ultimate goal of a national championship. Klatt acknowledged that the Sooners will need to prove themselves against some of the nation’s top teams, particularly in the SEC, where Oklahoma is set to join in the near future. Still, Klatt is optimistic about Oklahoma’s ability to compete at the highest level, citing their combination of a high-powered offense and an improved defense as the key to success.

A Bright Future Under Brent Venables

While the 2023 season may not be an instant return to the College Football Playoff for the Sooners, Joel Klatt’s optimism suggests that Oklahoma fans have much to look forward to. The combination of a seasoned quarterback in Dillon Gabriel, a revamped defense under Brent Venables, and a highly promising recruiting class puts the Sooners in a position to make noise in both the Big 12 and on the national stage.

Klatt sees the future as bright for Oklahoma and believes that the team is on the verge of returning to elite status. With a dynamic offense, a recharged defense, and an influx of talent, the Sooners could be primed for a breakout season that sets the stage for long-term success.

As college football fans eagerly await the start of the 2023 season, Oklahoma fans have reason to be excited. Joel Klatt’s prediction of “very good things ahead” for the Sooners is a sentiment that should give hope to those who have endured a few years of uncertainty. Under the leadership of Brent Venables, the Sooners are poised to return to prominence, and the 2023 season could be the start of something special.