Would Oklahoma have the spark they need to end the season strong with a new coach?

In college football, the impact of a new coach cannot be overstated. For a program as storied as the Oklahoma Sooners, the arrival of a new head coach often signals a shift in both philosophy and culture, and the 2025 season presents a particularly intriguing chapter in Oklahoma’s football history. With Brent Venables taking over as head coach in 2022, Oklahoma is undergoing a period of transition, and how this transition unfolds will be key to determining whether the Sooners can finish the season strong and continue their path toward national relevance.

Venables, a longtime assistant coach with a successful track record, particularly on the defensive side of the ball, arrived in Norman with big shoes to fill. The departure of Lincoln Riley—a highly successful coach who led the Sooners’ offense to numerous Big 12 titles and playoff appearances—left a void that Venables was tasked with filling. The question on the minds of Oklahoma fans, analysts, and college football enthusiasts alike is: Will Venables’ vision and leadership spark the Oklahoma Sooners to finish the 2025 season with a strong push?

This question is more than just about Venables himself. It involves the team’s collective identity, the development of young talent, and the ability to adapt to both internal and external challenges. With a solid recruiting class, a blend of returning veterans, and key newcomers, the 2025 season offers a chance for the Sooners to make significant strides under Venables. However, the path forward will require more than just new leadership—it will require a complete buy-in from players, sustained progress on both sides of the ball, and the ability to respond to adversity.

Let’s take a deep dive into the factors that will determine whether Oklahoma has the spark they need to end the season strong and reassert themselves as one of college football’s elite programs.

1. The Brent Venables Era: Leadership and Philosophy

The hiring of Brent Venables was a pivotal moment in Oklahoma’s recent history. Venables had spent several years at Clemson, where he helped build one of the most dominant defenses in college football and played a key role in securing multiple national championships. His defensive expertise made him one of the most respected coordinators in the country, and it was that pedigree that made him an attractive hire for the Sooners.

Venables is known for his aggressive, attacking style of defense, which is predicated on getting after the quarterback, stopping the run, and playing a high-pressure, turnover-forcing style of football. This approach was a cornerstone of Clemson’s success, and Oklahoma fans were hopeful that Venables could inject a much-needed defensive identity into a program that had often been criticized for being too reliant on offensive firepower.

While Venables is undoubtedly a defensive mastermind, his philosophy goes beyond just defense. He is a coach who preaches the importance of team culture, accountability, and discipline. These qualities are often what separates good teams from great teams, and Venables’ approach to team-building aims to create a sense of unity and purpose in the locker room.

The biggest question for Oklahoma, however, is how quickly the team will adapt to Venables’ system. As with any coaching change, there is always an adjustment period. Venables inherited a team that was accustomed to Lincoln Riley’s high-octane offensive system, and transitioning to a more balanced and defensively-focused team requires a shift in mindset and execution. However, the core of Venables’ plan revolves around physicality, hard work, and competing at a high level every week—values that resonate strongly with the Oklahoma football tradition.

2. The Quarterback Question: Jackson Arnold’s Development

In the world of college football, few positions are as crucial as the quarterback. For the Sooners, the question of who will lead the offense in 2025 is a major factor in their ability to finish strong. With Dillon Gabriel having played his final season, Oklahoma has turned to Jackson Arnold, a freshman quarterback who enrolled early in 2024.

Arnold, a highly touted recruit, comes to Oklahoma with a dual-threat skillset that could prove to be a game-changer for the Sooners. His ability to make plays with both his arm and his legs gives him a dimension that Oklahoma hasn’t had in recent years. He’s known for his strong decision-making, quick release, and leadership skills, and the hope is that he will develop quickly under Jeff Lebby, Oklahoma’s offensive coordinator, who has proven adept at coaching up talented quarterbacks.

The transition to a new system under Venables may place additional pressure on Arnold. However, his experience in high school, combined with the mentorship he will receive at Oklahoma, should help him hit the ground running. The key for the Sooners will be giving Arnold the right amount of support—both in terms of coaching and talent around him. Having a reliable offensive line, talented wide receivers, and a strong running game will all contribute to Arnold’s success.

If Arnold can develop quickly and effectively manage the offense, Oklahoma’s offensive explosiveness could remain a central pillar of their identity. A strong showing from the young quarterback could provide the spark the Sooners need to finish the season strong, competing for a Big 12 title and potentially a spot in the College Football Playoff (CFP).

3. Defensive Improvements: A Venables Signature

One of the most significant changes under Venables’ leadership is the defensive resurgence that Oklahoma fans hope to see in 2025. Historically, Oklahoma’s defense has been inconsistent, often leaving the team exposed in high-stakes games. Under Venables, the defense is expected to improve significantly, especially with his focus on developing physical, aggressive defenders who can create turnovers and disrupt opposing offenses.

In 2024, the defense showed signs of promise, but it still struggled at times, particularly against high-powered offenses in the Big 12. Heading into 2025, Venables has brought in a host of talented recruits and transfers, particularly along the defensive line and linebacker corps, which should bolster the team’s ability to stop the run and pressure the quarterback.

Key returnees like Danny Stutsman and Reggie Grimes provide experience and leadership, while young players like Marcus Stripling and Jaden Rowe could take on larger roles. The improvement of Oklahoma’s defense will not only allow the team to stay competitive in high-scoring games but will also give the offense more opportunities to put points on the board.

With Venables’ background as a defensive coach, the Sooners’ defense is expected to be a major strength of the team in 2025. If the defense can rise to the occasion and consistently shut down opposing offenses, Oklahoma will be a formidable opponent for anyone in the country.

4. Special Teams and Depth: The X-Factors

While offense and defense understandably dominate the conversation, special teams can often be the difference between winning and losing in tight games. For Oklahoma, special teams have been a mixed bag in recent years, with inconsistencies in the kicking game and coverage units often creating headaches for the team. However, with a new coaching staff, there is an opportunity for improvement in this area.

Venables has made it clear that every aspect of the game—offense, defense, and special teams—deserves equal attention. Improving special teams will be crucial for Oklahoma’s success in 2025, particularly in close games against tough opponents. Finding a reliable kicker and punter, as well as improving kickoff and punt coverage units, will help the Sooners maintain strong field position and avoid costly mistakes in critical moments.

Moreover, the overall depth of the roster will play a pivotal role in how Oklahoma finishes the season. While the Sooners have a solid starting lineup, having quality depth, especially in positions like the secondary and offensive line, will ensure the team can weather injuries and fatigue as the season progresses. The ability to rotate players in and out without a significant drop-off in performance will be critical for the Sooners as they aim to finish strong and compete for championships.

5. External Factors: Big 12 Rivalries and National Spotlight

In addition to internal changes, Oklahoma’s 2025 schedule will present plenty of external challenges that will test the team’s resolve. As the Sooners move forward in a new era under Venables, they will face several rivals that could ultimately shape their fate.

Rivalries with teams like Texas, Baylor, and Kansas State remain paramount for the Sooners. Each of these programs is capable of producing upsets and forcing Oklahoma to dig deep for victories. Additionally, with the program’s transition to the SEC looming on the horizon, the Sooners will need to build momentum and reassert themselves as a top-tier program within the Big 12 before they move into the most competitive conference in college football.

Moreover, the national spotlight will also play a significant role in how Oklahoma finishes the season. With Venables leading the charge, all eyes will be on the Sooners as they attempt to reestablish themselves as a championship contender. The pressure to perform on a national stage will be immense, but if the team can rise to the occasion, Oklahoma could make a run toward a CFP spot or at least position themselves for a major bowl appearance.

The Spark Is There, But Can It Be Sustained?

As the 2025 season approaches, Oklahoma’s potential to finish strong is undeniable, but the path to success will require hard work, growth,

and consistency across the board. With Brent Venables leading the team, Jackson Arnold expected to take the reins at quarterback, and a defense that is primed for a resurgence, the Sooners have all the ingredients needed to make a run at the Big 12 championship and a spot in the College Football Playoff.

However, the true question remains: Can Oklahoma sustain the momentum throughout the season and handle the pressure of competing at the highest level? If the Sooners can answer this question with resilience, they will indeed have the spark they need to finish the 2025 season strong and reestablish their place among the elite programs in college football. With the right leadership, execution, and player development, the Oklahoma Sooners are poised to prove that they can still be a powerhouse on the national stage, even under a new regime.