How will OU football fare in 2025 season? Our way-too-early picks of each Sooners game
As we look toward the 2025 season for the Oklahoma Sooners, it’s clear that expectations will be high. After a few years of rebuilding and a major transition under head coach Brent Venables, the Sooners are aiming to return to their former glory as one of the top teams in college football. With a new quarterback likely to take the reins and several key players stepping into leadership roles, the 2025 season will be crucial in determining whether the program is truly back on track.
As always, the Sooners will face a tough schedule packed with conference foes from the Big 12, as well as some non-conference challenges that will set the tone for their playoff hopes. In this way-too-early breakdown, we’ll go game by game to predict how Oklahoma might fare throughout their 2025 season. While a lot can change between now and then, these early assessments are based on current rosters, coaching, and overall outlook.
Game 1: Oklahoma vs. Arkansas State (Home)
Prediction: Win
The season opener is typically one of the most important games for any team, as it sets the tone for the rest of the year. Oklahoma will start its 2025 campaign at home against Arkansas State, an FBS opponent that has historically struggled against Power 5 teams. Oklahoma’s talent will be too much for the Red Wolves to handle, and the Sooners should secure a comfortable win in the season opener. Expect a strong showing from the offense, particularly in the passing game, as new players step up to make a statement.
Game 2: Oklahoma vs. SMU (Home)
Prediction: Win
In this non-conference matchup, the Sooners will face a solid SMU team. While the Mustangs are no slouches, they don’t quite have the roster depth and talent that Oklahoma possesses. Expect a competitive game early, but as the game progresses, the Sooners’ superior talent, coaching, and depth will show, leading to a solid victory. The key to this game will be controlling the line of scrimmage and establishing a balanced offense.
Game 3: Oklahoma at Tulsa (Away)
Prediction: Win
Oklahoma will head on the road to face a Tulsa team that has shown some flashes of competitiveness in recent years but has struggled to maintain consistent success. While this game could present some challenges—especially with the potential for an upset in a rivalry game—the Sooners’ talent and depth should be more than enough to handle Tulsa. The offense will likely put up big numbers in this one, and the defense should do enough to keep Tulsa from mounting a serious threat.
Game 4: Oklahoma vs. Texas (Neutral Site, Red River Rivalry)
Prediction: Win
The Red River Rivalry is always one of the most anticipated games of the season for Oklahoma, and 2025 should be no different. Texas, while talented, is still in a rebuilding phase under head coach Steve Sarkisian, and the Sooners have an edge when it comes to both experience and roster depth. Oklahoma’s offense should have an advantage against a Texas defense that has had trouble stopping high-powered offenses. The game will be close, as it usually is, but the Sooners should edge out the Longhorns with a crucial win in this annual showdown.
Game 5: Oklahoma vs. Kansas State (Home)
Prediction: Win
Kansas State has proven to be a difficult opponent for Oklahoma in recent years, with the Wildcats boasting a solid defense and a disciplined offense. However, with the game being played at home, the Sooners will have the advantage in terms of crowd support and overall talent. The key to this game will be for Oklahoma’s defense to contain Kansas State’s running game and limit big plays. If the Sooners can execute their game plan, they should come away with a win, but it will be a hard-fought one.
Game 6: Oklahoma at Kansas (Away)
Prediction: Win
Kansas has made significant strides in recent years under head coach Lance Leipold, but they are still a ways away from competing with the top-tier teams in the Big 12. With the game being played in Lawrence, the Jayhawks will have some home-field advantage, but Oklahoma should still be able to handle them with relative ease. Expect a solid performance from the offense, with the Sooners capitalizing on Kansas’ defensive weaknesses. This is a game Oklahoma should win, though it may be closer than some would expect.
Game 7: Oklahoma vs. Baylor (Home)
Prediction: Win
Baylor will likely still be a tough opponent in 2025, as they have a well-coached defense and an offense that can be explosive. However, Oklahoma’s offense will be too much for the Bears to stop, especially with the Sooners playing at home. The game could be a shootout, and it will be important for Oklahoma to play disciplined football and avoid turnovers. If they can control the tempo of the game and exploit Baylor’s defensive vulnerabilities, they should come out on top.
Game 8: Oklahoma at Oklahoma State (Away)
Prediction: Win
The Bedlam rivalry with Oklahoma State is always a battle, and 2025 is likely to see a competitive game. Oklahoma State is a strong program with a good mix of offense and defense, but they may struggle to keep up with Oklahoma’s talent, especially if the Sooners’ offense hits its stride. This is another potential trap game, as Bedlam has had its share of surprising outcomes, but Oklahoma’s overall skill and depth should prevail. The Cowboys will make it tough, but the Sooners should pull out a win in Stillwater.
Game 9: Oklahoma at TCU (Away)
Prediction: Win
TCU is a program on the rise and will undoubtedly provide a stiff challenge for the Sooners. With a high-powered offense and an aggressive defense, TCU will look to make things difficult for Oklahoma. However, the Sooners’ talent, especially on the offensive side of the ball, should be enough to overwhelm the Horned Frogs. This will be another close game, but with key players stepping up in critical moments, Oklahoma should come away with the win on the road.
Game 10: Oklahoma vs. Iowa State (Home)
Prediction: Win
Iowa State has been a solid team in recent years, but they have struggled against the top-tier programs in the Big 12. With the game being played in Norman, the Sooners will have the advantage in this matchup. Iowa State’s defense could pose some challenges, but Oklahoma’s offense will likely be too much for them to handle. Expect the Sooners to win comfortably, with a strong performance from both the offense and defense.
Game 11: Oklahoma vs. West Virginia (Home)
Prediction: Win
West Virginia has had its fair share of struggles in recent seasons, and 2025 is unlikely to be much different. While they have some talent, they will have a difficult time keeping up with Oklahoma’s offensive firepower. This is another game that Oklahoma should win with relative ease, especially given that it is being played at home. Look for a dominant performance, as the Sooners use this game to build momentum heading into the postseason.
Game 12: Oklahoma at Texas Tech (Away)
Prediction: Win
Texas Tech is a team that has had its ups and downs, but under head coach Joey McGuire, they are trending in the right direction. This game could provide some challenges, especially with the Red Raiders playing at home, but Oklahoma’s depth and overall talent should carry them to victory. Texas Tech’s defense will likely struggle to contain Oklahoma’s offense, and the Sooners will make enough plays to secure the win.
Season Outlook:
Overall, Oklahoma’s 2025 season looks promising, with the Sooners likely finishing the regular season with a strong record. With games against top-tier teams like Texas and Baylor, as well as a few road tests against Oklahoma State, TCU, and Kansas, the season will be far from easy. However, the Sooners are well-positioned to contend for a Big 12 championship and potentially make a run to the College Football Playoff.
While there are challenges ahead, the combination of returning talent, key incoming players, and a year of seasoning under Brent Venables will make Oklahoma a formidable force. If they can stay healthy and continue to develop, this could be a breakout year for the Sooners, and they may well find themselves in contention for major postseason accolades by the end of the 2025 season.
Final Prediction: 11-1 Regular Season
The Sooners will likely finish the regular season with only one loss, either to a formidable opponent like Texas or Baylor, but with a solid enough resume to compete for a Big 12 title and a potential spot in the College Football Playoff.
