2025 Oklahoma Sooners Football Season Preview: Can The Sooners Rebound?

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The Oklahoma Sooners enter the 2025 season with a mix of optimism and uncertainty as they aim to rebound from a disappointing 6-7 debut in the SEC. Head Coach Brent Venables, now in his fourth year, faces mounting pressure to restore Oklahoma’s status as a college football powerhouse. After a season plagued by injuries and offensive struggles, the Sooners have made significant moves in the transfer portal to bolster their roster, particularly on offense. With a challenging SEC schedule ahead, 2025 will be a defining year for Venables and the program.

Storylines Entering the Season

1. Can John Mateer Ignite the Offense? The addition of Washington State transfer quarterback John Mateer is the biggest storyline for Oklahoma. Mateer, who led the FBS with 44 total touchdowns in 2024, brings dual-threat ability and dynamic playmaking to an offense that ranked 113th in total offense last season. His ability to adapt to new offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle’s system will be critical to the Sooners’ success.
2. Offensive Line Rebuild: Oklahoma’s offensive line was a weak point in 2024, allowing 50 sacks, tied for the most in FBS. The unit struggled with injuries and inconsistency, prompting additions like Western Carolina tackle Derek Simmons and Stanford transfer Luke Baklenko. With promising freshmen Michael Fasusi and Ryan Fodje joining the mix, the line’s improvement will determine whether the offense can find rhythm.
3. Defensive Strength as the Foundation: Despite offensive woes, Oklahoma’s defense was a bright spot in 2024, ranking 12th nationally with a 91.4 PFF grade. The return of a strong defensive tackle rotation and emerging talent at linebacker and in the secondary gives the Sooners a foundation to compete in the SEC. Replacing the leadership of Danny Stutsman at linebacker will be a key challenge.
4. Brent Venables on the Hot Seat? With a 22-17 record over three seasons and a 2-6 SEC debut, Venables faces scrutiny. The Sooners’ fanbase expects a return to contending for championships, and a strong 2025 is crucial for Venables to solidify his position. Key games against Texas, Alabama, and LSU will test his ability to deliver.

Key Players

• John Mateer (QB, Jr.): The Washington State transfer is the catalyst for Oklahoma’s offense. His 261.6 passing yards per game and 44 total touchdowns in 2024 make him a potential game-changer. His dual-threat ability should open up the playbook.
• Jaydn Ott (RB, Sr.): A first-team All-Pac 12 selection in 2023, Ott ran for 1,300 yards as a sophomore at Cal but was hampered by an ankle injury in 2024. A healthy Ott could be one of the SEC’s top running backs, providing balance to the offense.
• Gracen Halton (DT, Jr.): A breakout star in 2024, Halton recorded five sacks and was a force at three-technique. His athleticism and quickness will anchor Oklahoma’s defensive line.
• Deion Burks (WR, Sr.): Despite injuries in 2024, Burks led the team with 629 receiving yards. A healthy season could see him emerge as Mateer’s primary target and a big-play threat.
• Kip Lewis (LB, Jr.): Stepping into the void left by Danny Stutsman, Lewis made big plays in 2024, including memorable moments against Auburn and Alabama. His development as a leader will be crucial.

Projected Depth Chart

Offense

Defense

Special Teams

Note: Depth chart based on projections from Sooners Wire and other sources, subject to change during fall camp.

Lee Bushkell

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