Oklahoma vs. Arkansas State
Oklahoma Sooners
2024 Results: 6-7, 2-6(SEC)
2025 Projection: 4-9, 1-7(SEC
Overview:
Boomer or Buster Sooners? The Brent Venables era is on the hot seat as Oklahoma starts its second season in the SEC. Can John Mateer be the savior? The Washington State transfer quarterback will be the key to a revival in Norman and that comes with a ton of pressure. The defense, which is Venables calling card, kept things manageable last season, but they will have to score points to get back on track in 2025.
Offense:
Mateer was a beast at WSU, and he has help arriving at running back in the form of Cal transfer Jaydn Ott, who is an explosive playmaker. The O-line needs some big time help after allowing 50 sacks last season and they tried to shore that up in the transfer portal, but it’s going to be an uphill battle. If they can block for Ott and Mateer can find some playmakers at receiver, maybe bowling could be a possibility for the Sooners, but its going to be tough sledding.
Defense:
Venables is going to call the shots this season after laying those duties down in 2024. It’s what got him the job, so I certainly understand the move and he has some weapons at his disposal. DE R Mason Thomas a problem off the edge and the secondary is experienced so if they offense can stay on the field perhaps the Sooners will get back to their winning ways.
Special Teams:
A pair of transfers take over the kicking duties in Norman with Tate Sandell at placekicker and Jacob Ulrich handling punts. Isaiah Sategna will return kickoffs and punts.
Final Thoughts:
While the Lincoln Riley project hasn’t worked out in Southern California just yet, Venables is in a hot pot in Norman. Sooner fans expect wins and on paper it’s hard to see Oklahoma besting last year’s record. The matchup in Tennessee with Josh Heupel on the other sideline looms large. If you ask me, there will be a new head coach for the Sooners next year and Heupel will probably be the first one called.
