In the face of considerable challenges during the 2024 season, the Oklahoma Sooners still managed to secure six wins and qualify for a bowl game — a feat largely credited to their defense. While their offensive struggles were glaring and often frustrating, the defense consistently stepped up, saving the team from complete collapse. Now, heading into the 2025 season, Sooners safety Robert Spears-Jennings is speaking out about the overlooked efforts of the defensive unit and expressing strong confidence in what’s to come.
2024 Season in Review: Defense Saved the Day
The Sooners’ offense in 2024 was often stagnant, lacking rhythm, playmaking, and reliability. With offensive coordinator Seth Littrell at the helm, the unit faltered in numerous games, resulting in poor execution and missed opportunities. This dysfunction eventually led to Littrell’s dismissal and a midseason quarterback carousel between Jackson Arnold and Michael Hawkins, both of whom struggled to establish themselves as the clear starter.
However, despite these offensive woes, the defense shined. While the offense floundered and failed to put points on the board, the defensive unit held opponents at bay and gave the team a fighting chance week after week. The defensive players often found themselves in difficult field positions and high-pressure situations due to turnovers or three-and-outs from the offense. Still, they persevered — delivering when it mattered most.
Their resilience was remarkable given the adversity they faced, especially injuries. The defense dealt with some of the worst injury luck in college football last year, yet still managed to perform at a high level. It’s for that reason that many are now turning their attention to the Sooners’ defense as the strength of the team heading into the 2025 season.
Robert Spears-Jennings Speaks Out at SEC Media Days
During SEC Media Days, Robert Spears-Jennings, a key leader on the Oklahoma defense, shed light on what has changed within the team dynamic and how those changes are positioning them for a breakout year. He emphasized communication as a major area of improvement, something the team lacked at times last year.
“I feel like we’ve communicated way better this year because we were taught a quiet defense is a dead defense,” Spears-Jennings said. “So this year we’re emphasizing communication on defense a lot.”
This shift in mindset and culture has been instilled during offseason practices and meetings. Better communication on the field means players are more aware of their assignments, quicker to make adjustments, and more effective in responding to offensive threats.
Spears-Jennings also believes that this defensive group is only scratching the surface of what it can achieve. With more experience, leadership continuity, and improved chemistry, the Sooners could be one of the nation’s best defenses in 2025.
“We can be a top 10 defense in the country, for sure,” he said.
Defensive Retention and New Additions
One of the major positives for the Sooners heading into the new season is their retention of talent on the defensive side. Approximately 64% of the defense is returning, giving them one of the highest retention rates in college football. This includes core players who not only understand the system but have already proven they can execute under pressure.
On top of that, the Sooners have added elite-level talent through recruiting and the transfer portal. These newcomers are expected to contribute immediately, further strengthening an already impressive unit.
This mix of returning starters and fresh playmakers should give defensive coordinator Ted Roof more flexibility in his schemes, allowing the team to be more aggressive, unpredictable, and dominant across all phases — from run-stopping to pass coverage and quarterback pressure.
A Balanced Team? Offense Aims to Catch Up
While the defense looks ready to dominate again, the offense is undergoing a major overhaul. Recognizing that last season’s performance was unacceptable, the Sooners brought in Ben Arbuckle as their new offensive coordinator. Known for his innovative approach and quarterback-friendly system, Arbuckle is tasked with reviving the attack and turning it into a viable, competitive unit.
The quarterback position also received a major boost with the arrival of John Mateer, a standout transfer expected to take the reins and provide leadership, consistency, and big-play potential. Mateer brings experience and a dual-threat skill set that should mesh well with Arbuckle’s system.
Additionally, the Sooners have made several strategic roster upgrades at key positions on the offensive line, wide receiver corps, and running back group. These changes are aimed at not only improving performance but also balancing the workload across both sides of the ball.
Why a Better Offense Makes a Better Defense
Spears-Jennings pointed out an important connection that often goes unnoticed: when the offense is productive, the defense benefits immensely. A struggling offense — like the one Oklahoma had last season — forces the defense to spend more time on the field, tires them out, and leads to mental and physical fatigue over the course of games and the season.
In contrast, a competent offense that can sustain drives and score points allows the defense to rest, make adjustments, and play with more energy. It also puts pressure on opposing offenses to match scores, which can lead to mistakes and turnovers — opportunities that a great defense can exploit.
If the Sooners’ offense can hold its own in 2025, Spears-Jennings believes the defense will thrive even more, as it won’t be forced to shoulder the entire load.
A Team on the Rise
The Sooners’ defense was the foundation that kept them competitive last year, and it now stands as the reason many fans and analysts believe the team can contend in the SEC. The maturity of leaders like Spears-Jennings, the influx of new talent, and a renewed sense of unity have elevated expectations heading into the fall.
With the offense under new direction and improved personnel across the board, there’s a real opportunity for Oklahoma to field a complete team in 2025. If both sides of the ball can play at a high level, the Sooners could make a serious run in one of the toughest conferences in college football.
In summary, while the 2024 season was filled with obstacles and frustrations, it may have laid the groundwork for a much stronger campaign in 2025. The defense has reloaded and retooled, communication and leadership have improved, and the offense has been revamped with promising talent and coaches. Now, the Sooners are hoping that all the pieces come together — and if they do, don’t be surprised to see them back in national conversations sooner rather than later.
