Performance of the Oklahoma Sooners in 2025 The NFL Scouting Combine demonstrates the growth potential of Oklahoma’s coaching staff and Brent Venables.

As college football teams around the nation gear up for another season, the Oklahoma Sooners are in the spotlight for both their on-field performance and the growing influence of their coaching staff. The 2025 season marks a pivotal year for the program, as it showcases the progress made under the leadership of Brent Venables, the team’s head coach. While the team has struggled to reach its previous heights in recent years, the 2025 season offers a glimmer of hope, particularly with the development of players who have been propelled into the spotlight at events like the NFL Scouting Combine.

The NFL Scouting Combine, which took place in Indianapolis in early 2025, provided a platform for Sooners players to showcase their athleticism, skill set, and potential to NFL teams. This annual event has become a key milestone in the draft process, allowing prospects to prove their worth in front of scouts, coaches, and general managers from every NFL team. The performance of Oklahoma Sooners players at the Combine underscored both the individual growth of the players and the broader evolution of the program under Venables.

In this article, we will explore how the performance of Oklahoma Sooners prospects at the NFL Scouting Combine in 2025 reflects the development of the program, particularly in light of Brent Venables’ approach to coaching and player development. We will examine the specific players who impressed at the Combine, the broader impact of Venables’ coaching philosophy, and the growing potential of the Sooners program as it adapts and evolves.

Brent Venables’ Vision for the Oklahoma Sooners

Brent Venables arrived at the University of Oklahoma in 2022, bringing with him a wealth of experience as both a defensive coordinator and a coach at the highest level of college football. Venables had previously enjoyed immense success at Clemson, where he was instrumental in building one of the most formidable defenses in the nation, helping the Tigers win two national championships during his tenure.

When Venables took over the reins of the Sooners, he inherited a program in transition. While Oklahoma had been a perennial power in college football under previous head coaches such as Bob Stoops and Lincoln Riley, the team was in need of a cultural shift—particularly on defense. Under Riley, the Sooners’ offense had been explosive, but their defense was often seen as the team’s Achilles’ heel. Venables’ challenge was to bring balance back to Oklahoma’s football program, focusing on both sides of the ball, especially in developing the defense.

Venables’ approach is grounded in a disciplined, physical, and aggressive style of football. He places a heavy emphasis on player development, leadership, and fostering a competitive environment where every player is pushed to be their best. Under his leadership, Oklahoma has become a more well-rounded team, showing noticeable improvements on the defensive side of the ball while continuing to maintain offensive firepower.

As the Sooners enter the 2025 season, it’s clear that Venables’ impact is being felt throughout the program. The culture of accountability, discipline, and hard work that Venables has instilled is paying off, and the growth is evident in the performances of Oklahoma players—especially those who have made their mark at the NFL Scouting Combine.

The NFL Scouting Combine: A Showcase of Talent

The NFL Scouting Combine serves as a proving ground for top college football talent. The event includes a series of workouts, drills, interviews, and psychological evaluations that allow NFL teams to assess players as they prepare for the upcoming draft. For many players, the Combine represents a chance to significantly boost their draft stock, and for the Oklahoma Sooners in 2025, this event proved to be a testament to the program’s ongoing development under Brent Venables.

The performance of Sooners players at the Combine provided a clear reflection of the growth potential of both the players and the Oklahoma coaching staff. While Oklahoma has always been known for producing talented athletes, the Combine results in 2025 stood as a showcase for how Venables’ approach to player development is unlocking the full potential of his athletes.

Several key players stood out at the Combine, performing at a high level across a variety of drills and tests. Let’s break down some of the notable performances.

Key Oklahoma Sooners Performers at the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine

1. Jalen Redmond – Defensive Tackle One of the most significant performers for Oklahoma at the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine was Jalen Redmond, a powerful defensive tackle who impressed scouts with his size, speed, and athleticism. Redmond’s performance in the 40-yard dash, bench press, and agility drills showcased the raw talent and potential that Venables had worked to develop during his time at Oklahoma. Redmond was considered one of the most disruptive defensive players in the Big 12, and his Combine performance reaffirmed his status as a top draft prospect.

Redmond’s success can be attributed to Venables’ focus on refining the fundamentals of defensive play. Under Venables’ coaching, Redmond improved his technique, becoming a more effective pass rusher and run defender. His performance at the Combine was the culmination of that hard work, positioning him as one of the top defensive line prospects in the draft.

2. Marvin Mims – Wide Receiver Another standout at the Combine was Marvin Mims, the Sooners’ explosive wide receiver. Mims has long been a dynamic playmaker for Oklahoma, and his Combine showing proved he is ready for the NFL. Mims displayed his incredible speed and agility with a blistering 40-yard dash time and solidified his status as one of the most electrifying wide receiver prospects in the 2025 draft class.

Mims’ success is a direct result of the coaching and development he received under Venables and the rest of Oklahoma’s staff. Venables’ focus on player versatility and making the most of each athlete’s skill set is evident in Mims’ well-rounded game. While Venables is known for his work with the defense, his influence on the offense can be seen in Mims’ growth as a complete receiver who can stretch the field, make contested catches, and run sharp routes.

3. David Agbo – Linebacker David Agbo, an athletic linebacker who has been a key contributor to Oklahoma’s defense in recent seasons, also made a name for himself at the Combine. Agbo’s strong showing in the linebacker drills demonstrated his ability to cover ground quickly, his sharp instincts, and his potential as a future starter at the next level.

Agbo’s progress under Venables’ coaching system was evident. Venables is known for working closely with his linebackers to develop their football IQ, and Agbo’s performance at the Combine reflected the lessons learned in Venables’ system. With the coaching staff’s emphasis on discipline, Agbo was able to showcase his ability to perform under pressure, a key attribute for NFL scouts.

The Impact of Brent Venables’ Coaching on NFL Prospects

The performances of these athletes at the NFL Scouting Combine speak volumes about the progress that Oklahoma has made under Brent Venables. Venables’ expertise in coaching, particularly on the defensive side of the ball, is helping to produce players capable of excelling at the highest level. His program’s emphasis on hard work, discipline, and development is evident in the improvement of the Sooners’ players, both individually and as a team.

Venables’ influence goes beyond just the defensive side of the ball. As a head coach, he oversees all aspects of player development and has a holistic approach to improving his athletes. His attention to detail and emphasis on mental toughness have helped Oklahoma players like Mims, Redmond, and Agbo reach their full potential, making them some of the most attractive prospects for the NFL draft.

Additionally, Venables’ commitment to creating a competitive environment at Oklahoma, where every player has to fight for their spot on the field, has undoubtedly contributed to the Sooners’ rise as a breeding ground for NFL talent. The program’s emphasis on toughness, accountability, and high expectations has made the Sooners a desirable destination for elite-level athletes who want to be developed to their fullest potential.

The Future of the Oklahoma Sooners Under Brent Venables

As the 2025 season continues to unfold, the trajectory of the Oklahoma Sooners under Brent Venables remains incredibly promising. The success of players at the NFL Scouting Combine is just the beginning, as the coaching staff continues to refine its system and develop new talent.

Oklahoma’s growth as a program is evident, and the performances at the Combine demonstrate that the Sooners are on the cusp of reclaiming their place among the elite programs in college football. With players like Jalen Redmond, Marvin Mims, and David Agbo heading to the next level, the future of the Sooners is brighter than ever.

Venables has successfully instilled a culture of excellence at Oklahoma, and his approach is beginning to bear fruit. The 2025 season is just one of many milestones in the Sooners’ resurgence under his leadership, and the program is well-positioned for sustained success moving forward.