Oklahoma Sooners’ Football Program Was Right To Bring Him; College Football Experts

Oklahoma Sooners’ Football Program Was Right To Bring Him; College Football Experts

Two years into Brent Venables’ tenure as head coach, the Oklahoma Sooners’ football program remains a work in progress. The transition from Lincoln Riley, who led the Sooners to numerous Big 12 championships and College Football Playoff appearances, to Venables, a defensive-minded coach with a storied history at Clemson, has been marked by both optimism and challenges.

When Venables was hired in December 2021, he was widely celebrated for his defensive acumen, something Oklahoma desperately needed. The Sooners’ defense had been a glaring weakness, often overshadowing their prolific offense. Venables, who had built some of the nation’s top defenses at Clemson, seemed like the perfect fit to bring balance to a program known for its high-scoring games but often porous defense.

The first season under Venables, however, was a rollercoaster. The Sooners finished with a 9-3 record, a step back from the consistent 11- and 12-win seasons under Riley. The defense showed signs of improvement but remained inconsistent, giving up big plays at critical moments. The offense, while still potent, struggled at times to find the same rhythm it had under Riley.

Recruiting, a key measure of a program’s health and future prospects, has been a mixed bag for Venables. He has managed to secure commitments from several highly touted defensive players, which bodes well for the future. However, the Sooners have faced stiff competition from traditional powerhouses like Alabama, Georgia, and Ohio State, making it difficult to consistently land top-tier talent.

Offensively, the departure of Riley, who was also the team’s offensive coordinator, left a void that has yet to be fully filled. Venables brought in Jeff Lebby from Ole Miss to run the offense, and while there have been flashes of brilliance, the unit has struggled with consistency. The quarterback position, a hallmark of Oklahoma’s recent success with Heisman winners like Baker Mayfield, Kyler Murray, and candidates like Jalen Hurts, has been less stable. Caleb Williams’ transfer to USC to follow Riley left a significant gap, and the Sooners have been searching for the next star quarterback to lead them back to the top.

Despite these challenges, there are reasons for optimism. Venables’ emphasis on building a tougher, more disciplined team is beginning to take hold. The defense, while not yet elite, is showing marked improvement in areas like tackling and coverage. The offensive line, a critical component for any successful team, is also developing under new coaching, providing hope that the Sooners can reestablish their dominance in the trenches.

Moreover, the move to the SEC, slated for 2025, is both a challenge and an opportunity. Competing in the nation’s toughest conference will require Oklahoma to elevate its game in all facets, but it also offers the chance to prove themselves against the best. Venables’ experience in the ACC, another Power Five conference, could be invaluable as the Sooners navigate this transition.

In conclusion, while the Brent Venables era at Oklahoma is still a work in progress, there are promising signs that the program is on the right track. Patience and continued investment in recruiting and development will be key as the Sooners strive to return to the pinnacle of college football. Venables’ vision of a balanced, tough, and disciplined team is beginning to take shape, and the coming years will be crucial in determining whether Oklahoma can reclaim its status as a national powerhouse.

JMG