Paul Finebaum deems 2025 a “make or break” season but attributes the adjustments to Brent Venables.

As the 2025 college football season approaches, all eyes in Norman, Oklahoma, are squarely focused on the Oklahoma Sooners football program. The Sooners, led by head coach Brent Venables, are entering a critical year in their quest to return to the pinnacle of college football after an up-and-down 2024 campaign. The pressure is mounting, and even the seasoned analysts of the sport, including Paul Finebaum, have labeled the 2025 season as a “make or break” year for Venables and his staff. With significant adjustments already underway and a changing landscape in the competitive world of college football, Venables has much to prove — not just to his fanbase but to the broader college football community.

In this piece, we’ll break down why Finebaum considers the upcoming season so crucial for the Sooners and why Venables’ leadership and adjustments could make or break the program’s trajectory in the years to come.

Brent Venables’ First Years at Oklahoma: Progress with Questions

When Brent Venables was hired as the head coach of the Oklahoma Sooners in 2022, it was seen as a homecoming for the long-time assistant coach, who had previously been a key part of the Sooners’ defense under Bob Stoops from 1999 to 2011. Venables came to Oklahoma with an extensive resume of success as the defensive coordinator at Clemson, where he helped lead the Tigers to multiple national championships and transformed the program into a perennial powerhouse.

Expectations were high when Venables returned to Norman, but the reality of transitioning into a head coach role proved to be more complicated than anticipated. Venables inherited a program that had become accustomed to offensive firepower but had struggled defensively in recent years. Under his watch, the Sooners began to show improvement on defense, but they faced a tough challenge on the other side of the ball. The offense, once known for its explosive plays and high-scoring games, lacked the same punch it had in previous years, and inconsistencies at key positions became a significant issue.

In 2024, the Sooners finished with a respectable 9-4 record, including a 6-3 mark in the Big 12, but fell short in several key matchups. A loss to Texas in the Red River Rivalry game and an early exit from the Big 12 Championship left many wondering whether Venables had truly solved the issues that had plagued the program in the years prior. While the defense made strides, the offense was still not operating at the championship level that Oklahoma fans had come to expect.

This season, however, represents a crossroads. Venables must demonstrate that his vision for the program is coming to fruition — and that his ability to adjust and adapt has brought Oklahoma back into contention for the College Football Playoff and, eventually, a national title.

Finebaum’s “Make or Break” Assessment: What’s on the Line?

Paul Finebaum, one of the most respected voices in college football analysis, has repeatedly pointed to the 2025 season as a “make or break” year for Venables and Oklahoma. Finebaum, who has a knack for identifying critical turning points in programs, understands the high stakes for the Sooners heading into the upcoming season.

Venables has proven that he can recruit elite talent, particularly on the defensive side of the ball. Oklahoma has secured several top-ranked recruiting classes, including highly regarded prospects in 2025. The defense has shown improvement, and players like Jaren Kanak, Kendall Dolby, and Reggie Pearson have begun to establish themselves as foundational pieces in the Sooners’ future. However, recruiting is only one part of the equation — developing those players, building a cohesive team, and performing on the field is another.

Finebaum’s concern, however, lies primarily with Venables’ ability to implement an offensive system that complements the defense and puts the team in a position to compete for championships. Despite the gains defensively, the Sooners’ offensive struggles were evident in 2024, especially after the departure of Caleb Williams and the uncertainty surrounding the quarterback position. This uncertainty has led to questions about Oklahoma’s ability to match up with the powerhouse offenses of teams like Alabama, Georgia, and Ohio State, who continue to dominate on both sides of the ball.

Venables has a decision to make. Will he continue to build his identity around a stout defense while hoping that offensive progress will follow? Or will he embrace a more aggressive, modern offensive philosophy — one that matches the high-flying offenses that have defined college football for the past decade? His decisions in this area will likely define his legacy as Oklahoma’s head coach.

Venables’ Adjustments: Shaping Oklahoma’s Future

While the pressure is undeniably on Venables, the offseason has brought about a series of significant adjustments that could set the Sooners up for success in 2025. The first major shift came in the form of a revamped offensive coaching staff. Venables made the bold move of hiring Jeff Lebby as offensive coordinator, a hire that was met with excitement and skepticism alike.

Lebby, who was the offensive coordinator at Ole Miss before joining Oklahoma, brings with him a reputation for running a fast-paced, high-scoring offense. His work with Lane Kiffin at Ole Miss and his prior experience at UCF and Baylor have made him one of the rising stars in offensive football. Lebby’s offense has always been predicated on an up-tempo attack that utilizes a dynamic quarterback and a strong, versatile running game.

For Oklahoma, Lebby’s hiring is a signal that Venables understands the need for a balanced approach. The Sooners’ defense has improved under Venables’ tutelage, but if the team is to compete for national titles, the offense must take significant steps forward. Lebby’s system is designed to take full advantage of the talent at Oklahoma’s disposal — and to provide the Sooners with a dynamic, explosive offense that will be capable of going toe-to-toe with any team in the country.

Key Adjustments on Offense: The Quarterback Position

Perhaps the biggest question mark surrounding Oklahoma football in 2025 is the quarterback position. The Sooners have dealt with significant instability at quarterback in recent years, with Spencer Rattler’s departure and Dillon Gabriel’s injury struggles hindering the offense in 2024. Heading into 2025, Venables and Lebby will need to find a solution at quarterback that can both run the offense and elevate the play of those around him.

Jackson Arnold, the five-star quarterback recruit from Denton, Texas, represents a potential game-changer for Oklahoma. Arnold enrolled early and was a key part of the Sooners’ spring practices, impressing coaches and analysts alike with his arm strength, mobility, and poise under pressure. If Arnold can step in and seize the starting job, he has the tools to run Lebby’s offense effectively and provide a much-needed spark to the Sooners’ attack.

However, with Arnold being a true freshman, it’s also possible that Oklahoma will rely on more experienced options, including Davis Beville or General Booty, to provide stability in the early part of the season. The quarterback decision will be one of Venables’ most important choices heading into 2025 — and how he handles it could determine the future of the program.

Oklahoma’s Defense: Strength or Over-Reliance?

On the defensive side of the ball, Venables has made significant progress since taking over as head coach. Oklahoma’s defense, which had been a liability in previous seasons, showed signs of improvement in 2024. The Sooners’ front seven, led by stars like Jalen Redmond, Reggie Pearson, and Jaren Kanak, became one of the more formidable units in the Big 12. Oklahoma’s ability to generate pressure on the quarterback and limit big plays was a step forward, and it was clear that Venables’ system was beginning to take root.

However, the question remains: Will Oklahoma’s defense be enough to carry the team to a national championship, or will the offense need to step up and provide more consistency? If Oklahoma is to take the next step, they will need to find balance between a potent defense and a high-powered offense. The challenge for Venables is finding that balance and ensuring that the team isn’t overly reliant on one side of the ball.

The key for Venables and Oklahoma will be maintaining defensive consistency while improving offensive output. If the Sooners can elevate their offensive play to match their defense, they will be a serious contender for the College Football Playoff.

Looking Ahead: What’s at Stake in 2025

The 2025 season for Oklahoma football is crucial on multiple fronts. Venables must show that his adjustments — particularly on offense — are paying off, and that the Sooners are capable of competing at the highest level. With a revamped offensive staff, a promising quarterback in Jackson Arnold, and a solid foundation on defense, Venables has the tools necessary to succeed.

However, if Oklahoma stumbles in 2025 and fails to reach their potential, questions about Venables’ ability to lead the program back to the top will undoubtedly intensify. With the increased competition from SEC rivals and perennial powerhouses across the country, the Sooners cannot afford to remain stagnant.

The 2025 season is not just about improving Oklahoma’s record; it’s about demonstrating that the Sooners can once again compete for a national championship. With key decisions to be made and a talented roster in place, Venables has the opportunity to prove that he’s the right man for the job. It’s time for Oklahoma to take that next step — and if they don’t, the repercussions will be felt

far beyond the 2025 season.

As Paul Finebaum succinctly put it, this is a “make or break” year for the Oklahoma Sooners, and all eyes will be on Norman to see whether Venables can rise to the challenge.