Oklahoma Sooners among teams with a chance to win national title

The Oklahoma Sooners have long been one of the most storied programs in college football. With a history steeped in tradition and a fan base that bleeds crimson, the Sooners have consistently been in the conversation for national championships. While they may not have claimed a national title in recent years, the team’s continued prominence in the Big 12 and in the national spotlight means that Oklahoma is always a contender—especially in an ever-evolving college football landscape.

As of now, the Oklahoma Sooners stand as one of the programs with a legitimate chance to compete for a national title. But the journey to reclaiming the sport’s top prize is no simple task, and it requires the perfect combination of talent, coaching, and execution. Let’s dive into the key factors that make Oklahoma a team to watch in the race for the national championship.

When Brent Venables was hired as the head coach of Oklahoma in 2022, many saw it as the return of a familiar face—a former Sooner assistant who had helped build the foundation of their defense during the team’s most successful seasons in the late 2000s and early 2010s. Venables had established himself as one of the top defensive minds in college football during his time as the defensive coordinator at Clemson, and his hiring represented a shift in philosophy for Oklahoma.

Under the previous regime, the Sooners had been known for their high-powered offenses, driven by Heisman-winning quarterbacks and prolific wide receivers. But those teams often fell short of their championship goals due to a lack of defensive consistency. Venables’ arrival was seen as an effort to rectify that issue, bringing a focus on toughness, discipline, and a high-energy defense that could complement the team’s traditionally explosive offense.

So far, Venables has been making strides toward returning Oklahoma to elite status. In his first season, the Sooners showed glimpses of what could be a strong, defensively minded team that can go toe-to-toe with the juggernauts of the sport. Although there were some growing pains, particularly on defense, Venables’ influence was noticeable. The recruiting efforts also began to pick up, as the program started to land high-profile defensive prospects who were excited about the opportunity to play for one of the top defensive minds in college football.

As the program continues to develop under Venables, Oklahoma is poised to be in the mix for the national title in the coming years. With continued growth on both sides of the ball, the Sooners’ defense could very well become the foundation upon which a championship contender is built

One of the defining characteristics of Oklahoma football over the past two decades has been its ability to produce elite quarterbacks. Whether it was Heisman winners like Baker Mayfield, Kyler Murray, and Jalen Hurts, or other talented signal-callers like Spencer Rattler, Oklahoma has been a quarterback factory. As of now, the Sooners have yet to settle on a quarterback who can lead them back to a national championship, but there is talent on the roster.

In 2023, Dillon Gabriel enters his second season as the starting quarterback for the Sooners, and he brings a lot of promise. Gabriel, who transferred from UCF, has shown that he can excel in a high-powered offense, and he’s demonstrated the ability to make big-time throws under pressure. His familiarity with the up-tempo system, combined with his ability to take care of the football, has made him a stable force for the offense. If Gabriel can continue to develop and avoid the inconsistencies that plagued the Sooners’ quarterback play in recent years, he could very well be the player to help Oklahoma reach the next level.

Beyond Gabriel, Oklahoma has an array of skill position players who can make a difference on the national stage. Wide receivers like Marvin Mims (now in the NFL), along with the rising talent of players like Jalil Farooq and Theo Wease, give Oklahoma an opportunity to maintain its reputation for producing explosive, dynamic athletes at the skill positions. The Sooners’ running back room, too, is filled with potential, with guys like Eric Gray, who had a breakout season in 2022, leading the charge. Oklahoma’s ability to produce electric plays from its skilled players continues to be a strong point for the program.

If Gabriel can continue to grow as a leader and execute in critical moments, Oklahoma’s offense should remain among the most dangerous in the Big 12, capable of going toe-to-toe with anyone in the country. With Venables focused on solidifying the defense, the offense will need to continue to carry its weight to ensure that the Sooners are in contention for the national title.

A key factor in Oklahoma’s ability to compete for a national championship is its ability to recruit at a high level. Under Venables, the program has been putting together top-tier recruiting classes, particularly on the defensive side of the ball. While Oklahoma has traditionally been known for its offensive firepower, Venables has made it clear that he’s building a team that can compete in all phases of the game.

In the 2023 and 2024 recruiting cycles, Oklahoma has landed some major defensive prospects, including top defensive linemen, linebackers, and secondary players. These recruits will play a significant role in the Sooners’ ability to be competitive not just in the Big 12, but also on the national stage. Programs that win national championships typically have elite talent across the board, and Oklahoma’s recruiting has started to reflect that.

Moreover, Oklahoma’s transition to the SEC is a critical component of the program’s future success. Joining the Southeastern Conference, home to some of the most talented teams in college football, will present a new challenge for Oklahoma. However, it also opens up new recruiting pipelines, especially as the Sooners will now be competing against schools like Alabama, Georgia, and LSU for the same recruits. If Oklahoma can continue to recruit at a high level in the SEC, the program will be well-positioned to not only compete for Big 12 titles but also to make a run at the College Football Playoff and, eventually, a national championship.

One of the major hurdles for Oklahoma in the last few years has been the lack of consistency in terms of coaching and program culture. Lincoln Riley, who was the head coach before Venables, was an offensive mastermind, but his tenure saw some frustration with the defense, which was often a liability in big games.

Venables’ arrival has brought a more balanced approach to the team, with a heavy emphasis on toughness, discipline, and building a championship-caliber culture. Venables, a defensive coach by nature, has placed a high premium on building a team that plays with physicality and mental fortitude. While the offense has always been a strong point, the defense is now expected to hold up its end of the bargain, and Venables is leading that charge.

With a clear identity now taking shape, the culture within the program has also started to shift. The Sooners are beginning to embrace a more all-around approach, where no area of the team is neglected. The emphasis on defense, combined with offensive firepower, could make Oklahoma one of the most well-rounded teams in the country as they look to return to the pinnacle of college football.

While the Sooners have historically been the class of the Big 12, the conference has experienced a lot of upheaval in recent years, with teams like Texas and Oklahoma State consistently providing tough competition. The upcoming departure of Oklahoma and Texas for the SEC is set to reshape the conference, but it will also affect the Sooners’ path to the College Football Playoff. In the current format, Oklahoma has had to contend with teams like Ohio State, Alabama, and Clemson for a spot in the Playoff, but their move to the SEC will only increase the level of competition.

However, Oklahoma’s move to the SEC could also present a unique opportunity for the program. Playing in the toughest conference in college football will provide a true test of their ability to compete at the highest level. If the Sooners can make a smooth transition and compete immediately, they will undoubtedly garner national attention and a stronger position in the Playoff race.

1. Elite Quarterback Play: If Dillon Gabriel can build on his 2022 performance and elevate his game, he can lead Oklahoma to compete with the best in the nation.

2. Strong Recruiting Classes: Venables is bringing in top-tier talent, particularly on defense, which could help elevate Oklahoma to the elite level they once were at.

3. Improved Defense: With Venables at the helm, the Sooners’ defense is beginning to match the high expectations that their offense has set for the last two decades.

4. Winning Culture: Venables is building a championship culture that emphasizes discipline, toughness, and mental toughness, critical elements for competing at the national level.

5. The SEC Factor: Although joining the SEC will be a challenge, it will also provide an opportunity for the Sooners to prove themselves on the biggest stage and gain more recognition nationally.

While Oklahoma has yet to break through and win a national title in recent years, they are positioning themselves as a legitimate contender once again. With Brent Venables leading the charge and a well-balanced roster of talent on both sides of the ball, the Sooners could very well be back in the hunt for a national championship in the near future.