The Oklahoma Sooners are gearing up for what could be one of the most pivotal seasons in recent program history. As they head into the 2025 campaign, head coach Brent Venables and his team face a schedule packed with elite competition. College football analyst J.D. PicKell, in a recent episode of The Hard Count via On3’s YouTube channel, dives deep into expectations, matchups, and challenges, offering a projected record for OU’s upcoming season.
A Crucial Year for Brent Venables
Venables enters a pressure-filled season after Oklahoma posted a disappointing 6–7 record in 2024. That finish raised eyebrows and placed his leadership under scrutiny. With the Sooners now fully entrenched in the SEC, Venables must prove he can build a program that competes consistently on a national stage.
J.D. PicKell underscores that 2025 is about more than just wins—it’s about whether Oklahoma can reassert itself as a powerhouse. The schedule they’re facing will reveal a lot about the team’s grit, depth, and readiness to climb back into playoff contention.
The Brutal 2025 Schedule
Oklahoma’s slate in 2025 is nothing short of a gauntlet. PicKell describes it as one of the toughest in the nation. The Sooners are set to face a lineup that includes:
- Michigan
- Texas (in the Red River Rivalry)
- Alabama
- LSU
Each of these teams represents a high-caliber opponent—programs with national championship aspirations and elite-level talent. For Oklahoma, successfully navigating these games could catapult them back into the national spotlight. But it also presents numerous pitfalls that could derail the season.
The John Mateer Factor
A major storyline heading into the season is the emergence of quarterback John Mateer as the leader of the offense. Mateer takes over the starting role with the hope that his playmaking ability and leadership can elevate a unit that struggled with consistency last year.
PicKell emphasizes that Mateer’s performance will be pivotal. The quarterback position remains the heartbeat of any college football team, and in the SEC, the demands are especially high. Mateer doesn’t have to be perfect, but he must be composed, efficient, and confident in guiding the offense through tough SEC defenses.
Offensive Outlook
Oklahoma’s offense in 2024 often sputtered when it mattered most. They lacked rhythm, couldn’t sustain drives in crunch time, and didn’t capitalize on red-zone opportunities. With a new season comes a revamped approach. The coaching staff has focused on improving execution, timing, and player development.
Mateer is surrounded by promising talent. The offensive line returns several experienced players, and the receiving corps boasts playmakers who can stretch the field. If the running game finds consistency, it could take some pressure off Mateer and open up more play-action opportunities.
Defensive Improvements Needed
One of the biggest questions surrounding the Sooners is whether the defense can finally match the toughness and discipline expected in the SEC. Under Venables—formerly a respected defensive coordinator—expectations have always been high. But the 2024 unit was plagued by lapses in communication, poor tackling, and a lack of physicality at the point of attack.
In 2025, there’s cautious optimism that the defense will take a step forward. A combination of veteran leadership and incoming talent should strengthen the secondary and linebacker corps. The defensive line, however, still needs to prove it can generate consistent pressure and stop the run, especially against teams like Alabama and LSU that thrive in the trenches.
Key Games that Will Define the Season
J.D. PicKell identifies several matchups that will define Oklahoma’s 2025 season:
- Michigan (non-conference showdown)
This early-season clash sets the tone. Michigan is always tough, well-coached, and physical. A win here would not only boost confidence but send a national message. - Texas (Red River Rivalry)
This game always carries weight, but in 2025 it could be a turning point. Texas is loaded with talent, and Oklahoma must avoid the kind of collapse they had in previous meetings. - Alabama
Few teams are as consistent or dangerous as Alabama. This road test will be an indicator of how far Oklahoma has come—or how far they still have to go. - LSU
LSU’s explosive offense and aggressive defense pose another major challenge. Winning this game at home could be critical to staying in the SEC hunt.
Each of these contests presents unique challenges. J.D. notes that Oklahoma doesn’t have the luxury of “easy wins.” Even their mid-tier opponents in the SEC are formidable, making depth and resilience essential.
Projected Record and Expectations
After breaking down each game on the schedule and weighing Oklahoma’s strengths and weaknesses, PicKell offers his projected win-loss total. His prediction: an 8–4 finish.
This record represents progress compared to last year’s 6–7 mark. It also signals that Oklahoma is trending in the right direction, even if they’re not yet playoff-ready. According to PicKell, an 8-win season in this SEC schedule isn’t just acceptable—it’s impressive.
He emphasizes that fans should view 2025 as a “building block year.” The team is developing its identity, building toughness, and establishing continuity at key positions. If the quarterback play is solid and the defense steps up, they can steal a game or two and exceed expectations.
Bigger Picture: Culture, Identity, and Recruiting
Beyond the X’s and O’s, PicKell stresses the importance of culture. Venables is in the process of reshaping the team’s mindset—instilling a blue-collar work ethic and accountability across the roster. These intangibles matter in close games and tough environments.
Recruiting is another positive trend for Oklahoma. The 2025 class includes high-upside athletes who could contribute early. The influx of talent over the next few years should help close the gap between OU and the SEC’s elite.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 season will test Oklahoma in ways they haven’t been tested before. The schedule is relentless, the conference is unforgiving, and the margin for error is slim. But if the Sooners embrace the challenge and play to their potential, they could surprise doubters and lay the foundation for a stronger future.
J.D. PicKell’s analysis offers a balanced view: cautious optimism mixed with realism. While an SEC title may still be out of reach in 2025, an 8–4 season with key wins would validate the program’s trajectory under Brent Venables and build momentum heading into 2026.
The journey won’t be easy—but in the SEC, it never is. For Oklahoma, that’s the point.
