The Oklahoma Sooners are set to embark on their 131st football season in 2025, marking their second year in the Southeastern Conference (SEC).
Under the leadership of Head Coach Brent Venables, now in his fourth season, the Sooners aim to rebound from a 6–7 finish in 2024 and reestablish themselves as national contenders.
Coaching Staff
• Head Coach: Brent Venables (4th year)
• Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks Coach: Ben Arbuckle (1st year)
• Co-Defensive Coordinator/Run Defense/Defensive Tackles: Todd Bates (4th year)
• Co-Defensive Coordinator/Pass Defense/Cornerbacks & Nickelbacks: Jay Valai (4th year)
• Inside Linebackers Coach: Nate Dreiling (1st year)
• Assistant Linebackers/Outside Linebackers Coach: Wes Goodwin (1st year)
• Running Backs Coach: DeMarco Murray (6th year)
• Wide Receivers Coach/Passing Game Coordinator: Emmett Jones (3rd year)
• Tight Ends Coach: Joe Jon Finley (3rd year)
• Offensive Line Coach: Bill Bedenbaugh (13th year)
• Safeties Coach: Brandon Hall (4th year)
• Defensive Ends Coach: Miguel Chavis (4th year)
The addition of Ben Arbuckle as Offensive Coordinator brings a fresh perspective to the offense. Arbuckle, known for his innovative schemes, aims to revitalize a unit that struggled in 2024. On defense, the hiring of Nate Dreiling and Wes Goodwin adds depth to a staff that already boasts experienced coordinators in Bates and Valai.
Offense
Quarterbacks
With the departure of Jackson Arnold to Auburn, the quarterback position is open for competition. Sophomore Michael Hawkins Jr. (6’1″, 201 lbs) is a leading candidate, bringing athleticism and a strong arm to the role. He’ll be challenged by junior John Mateer and freshman Jett Niu.
Running Backs
The backfield is led by senior Jovantae Barnes (6’0″, 216 lbs), who provides experience and versatility. He is joined by junior Gavin Sawchuk (5’11”, 205 lbs) and sophomore Taylor Tatum (5’10”, 209 lbs), offering depth and explosiveness.
Wide Receivers & Tight Ends
The receiving corps features junior Jayden Gibson (6’5″, 190 lbs) and senior Deion Burks (5’9″, 181 lbs), both expected to play significant roles. At tight end, junior Kaden Helms (6’5″, 238 lbs) and sophomore Kade McIntyre (6’3″, 220 lbs) provide reliable targets.
Offensive Line
The offensive line returns key contributors, including redshirt senior Derek Simmons (6’5”, 321 lbs) and junior Jacob Sexton (6’6”, 333 lbs.) The addition of five-star recruit Michael Fasusi (6’3″, 302 lbs) bolsters the unit’s depth and talent.
Defense
Defensive Line
Sophomore David Stone (6’3″, 313 lbs) anchors the defensive line, bringing strength and agility. He is complemented by senior Damonic Williams (6’1″, 320 lbs) and junior R Mason Thomas (6’2″, 249 lbs), providing a formidable front.
Linebackers
The linebacker corps is led by junior Kip Lewis (6’1″, 226 lbs) and junior Kobie McKinzie (6’2″, 240 lbs). Freshman James Nesta (6’3″, 226 lbs) adds depth and potential to the group.
Secondary
The secondary features junior Gentry Williams (5’11”, 185 lbs) and junior Peyton Bowen (6’0″, 194 lbs), both returning starters. Sophomore Jaydan Hardy (5’10”, 180 lbs) and freshman Omarion Robinson (5’11”, 203 lbs) are expected to contribute significantly.
Special Teams
The kicking game sees the addition of Liam Evans who made one of one PATs in 2024 in limited action. He joins a group that includes senior Austin Welch and redshirt freshman Liam Evans.
2025 Oklahoma Schedule
Oklahoma’s 2025 schedule features a mix of non-conference and SEC matchups:
• Aug 30: vs. Illinois State
• Sep 6: vs. Michigan
• Sep 13: at Temple
• Sep 20: vs. Auburn
• Oct 4: vs. Kent State
• Oct 11: vs. Texas (Dallas)
• Oct 18: at South Carolina
• Oct 25: Ole Miss
• Nov 1: at Tennessee
• Nov 15: at Alabama
• Nov 22: Missouri
• Nov 29: LSU
The schedule includes a challenging stretch of four consecutive SEC games in October, starting with the Red River Rivalry against Texas.
Outlook
The 2025 season presents an opportunity for the Sooners to reestablish themselves in the SEC. With a revamped coaching staff, a mix of experienced players and promising newcomers, and a challenging schedule, Oklahoma aims to improve upon last season’s performance and compete at a high level.
Predicting Oklahoma’s 2025 Season
Aug. 30 Illinois State, 12 Oklahoma 30
Sept. 6 Michigan 28, Oklahoma 18
Sept. 13 Oklahoma 39, Temple 13
Sept. 20 Auburn 27, Oklahoma 34
Oct. 4 Kent State 10, Oklahoma 33
Oct. 11 Oklahoma 40, Texas 31
Oct. 18 Oklahoma 28, South Carolina 38
Oct. 25 Ole Miss 28, Oklahoma 27
Nov. 1 Oklahoma 24, Tennessee 39
Nov. 15 Oklahoma 23, Alabama 38
Nov. 22 Missouri 30, Oklahoma 27
Nov. 29 LSU 38, Oklahoma 27
5-7
Quoting Brent Venables
All right well good afternoon, morning I know it’s close to lunchtime here how was Mater, was Mater good it’s great all right good got them all dialed up. I’m really looking forward for y’all to get an opportunity to visit with the rest of our newcomers and uh it’s a great group of guys, so you guys are going to uh enjoy that I uh it’s good to see everybody. One of my favorite times of the year for all the reason you would expect building a new team and just a lot of different things that are going on all at once and it’s been a while since we’ve been together so just to kind of recap and unwind a just a few things as we get started here uh just wanted to say well how exciting it is to announce that you know Jim Nagy as our new GM.
Couldn’t be more uh thrilled, excited. You know the administration did a wonderful job of getting a really small pool of candidates and through a very thorough interview process there was a great alignment that Jim wasn’t, would be I know it’s been called a home run but that’s how we felt you know inside as well and for all the reasons you know uh that you would expect and you know he’s got this incredible uh football mind and of the depths of experience and just as levels of expertise in building rosters. The connections, the relationships that he has with all people with football at all levels both professionally and collegiately.
Oklahoma head coach Brent Venables introduces new General Manager, Jim Nagy. March 5, 2025
