Following several offseason adjustments, the Oklahoma Sooners could decline in five areas in 2025.

As the Oklahoma Sooners continue to reshape their roster and coaching staff following the 2024 season, the team faces a variety of challenges heading into the 2025 campaign. While the Sooners have experienced success in recent years, the offseason adjustments—whether through player departures, coaching changes, or shifts in the team’s overall direction—have created areas of concern. As head coach Brent Venables looks to continue building the program, there are several facets of the team that could decline in the upcoming season, potentially hindering the Sooners’ chances for success.

Here are five key areas where the Oklahoma Sooners could experience a decline in 2025:

1. Quarterback Play and Offensive Stability

Quarterback play has always been a focal point for Oklahoma, which has produced elite quarterbacks like Baker Mayfield, Kyler Murray, and Jalen Hurts in recent seasons. However, heading into 2025, the Sooners find themselves in an uncertain situation at the most crucial position on the field.

The Sooners lost their starting quarterback from 2024, and while there is talent in the quarterback room, there is a lack of proven experience. This could result in growing pains as Oklahoma adjusts to a new leader under center. The transfer portal may offer an influx of talent, but a new quarterback could take time to acclimate to the high expectations in Norman, especially if he’s still learning the playbook or adjusting to the speed of college football.

In addition, the Sooners will likely see changes in their offensive system as Brent Venables continues to shape the program. A change in offensive philosophy could result in early struggles as the team adjusts. This could hinder Oklahoma’s ability to score at the level they are accustomed to, particularly in high-stakes games against top-tier opponents in the Big 12.

2. Loss of Offensive Playmakers

Oklahoma’s offense has been a high-flying machine over the past several years, with elite talent at the wide receiver, running back, and quarterback positions. However, in 2025, there is a possibility that the Sooners could experience a significant decline in offensive playmaking ability.

With the departures of key players from the 2024 roster—such as wide receivers and running backs who were central to the team’s offensive success—Oklahoma may struggle to replace that production. New players will have to step up and assume larger roles, but that transition may take time. Without proven talent at the skill positions, the Sooners could face a less explosive offense, which will impact their ability to put up points in high-pressure situations.

This is especially concerning for the Sooners’ passing game, as the wide receiver corps could take a step back in 2025. Rebuilding the offense around new playmakers could prove challenging, particularly with a quarterback who is still adjusting to the system. The Sooners will need their younger players and any incoming transfers to step up quickly if they want to maintain their high-scoring reputation.

3. Defensive Inconsistency

While Brent Venables is known for his prowess as a defensive-minded coach, Oklahoma’s defense has yet to fully match the high expectations set for the program. Despite some improvement over the past seasons, defensive consistency continues to be a major concern. Heading into 2025, the Sooners could face a decline in this area, as the defense still lacks depth at certain positions and is working through development at several key spots.

The departure of key defensive players who were foundational to the unit in 2024 could leave the defense vulnerable, especially against high-powered offenses in the Big 12. Oklahoma’s defense must find ways to get more consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks, improve in the secondary, and stop the run. Without significant improvements in these areas, the Sooners could face recurring struggles on defense in 2025.

A lack of depth, particularly in the defensive line and linebacker positions, may also be a concern. If the Sooners struggle to develop younger players or fail to find immediate contributors through the transfer portal, they could find themselves exposed by top offensive teams, especially in conference play.

4. Special Teams Vulnerabilities

While special teams don’t always receive the same level of attention as other aspects of the game, they can be a critical factor in a team’s success. Heading into 2025, there is reason to believe that Oklahoma could experience a decline in this area, which would have significant ramifications for the team’s overall performance.

Special teams’ miscues—whether in the form of missed field goals, blocked kicks, or poor coverage—can swing momentum and determine the outcome of games. Oklahoma has been known for its offensive firepower, but if their special teams units struggle, it could lead to missed opportunities or poor field position, which hampers their ability to execute the offense efficiently.

Additionally, if Oklahoma has not fully addressed special teams needs with incoming players or coaching changes, this could represent an area of decline. The Sooners’ success in 2025 could ultimately hinge on how well they perform in the kicking game and on special teams coverage, especially in tight, low-scoring games.

5. Recruiting and Depth Development

Recruiting is always a key factor in a team’s long-term success, and while Oklahoma remains a strong program in terms of attracting talent, there are signs that the Sooners’ recruiting efforts could face challenges in the 2025 season.

As more teams across the country continue to ramp up their recruiting efforts, particularly in states like Texas and California, the Sooners could find themselves competing against top-tier programs for elite prospects. This can be particularly problematic in the trenches (offensive and defensive lines), as building depth in those areas requires both a long-term commitment and the ability to land high-level recruits.

If Oklahoma is unable to keep up with the recruiting efforts of their competitors, the lack of depth could become a significant issue in 2025. Injuries, suspensions, or developmental setbacks could expose gaps in the roster, especially if younger players are not ready to contribute at a high level. The Sooners will need to ensure they are recruiting well, especially in the trenches and in the secondary, to maintain competitiveness.

In addition to recruiting, player development will also be a concern. The Sooners’ ability to develop their younger players into contributors will be key in avoiding a significant decline. If they are unable to effectively develop talent at key positions, they could struggle to replace the players lost to graduation or the NFL draft.