The Oklahoma Sooners are entering the 2025 college football season with renewed confidence and a roster that’s making waves across the nation. After seasons of underwhelming results and struggling to find consistent form, the program appears to be on the rise—powered by a rich mix of elite recruits, seasoned transfers, and promising returnees. Their eyes are fixed on nothing less than a return to national glory.
At the core of this optimism is a reshaped, reenergized lineup built specifically to thrive in the highly competitive Southeastern Conference (SEC), where the Sooners now reside. Head Coach Brent Venables, entering his fourth season at the helm, is leading this transformation with a blend of experience, strategic recruiting, and a recommitment to dominant defense.
Reinforcements in the Trenches
Defense has always been a point of pride for Venables, and in 2025, the Sooners’ defensive line looks like it might finally reflect that vision. Leading the charge is David Stone, a defensive tackle from Del City, Oklahoma. After earning MVP honors in the Polynesian Bowl and being ranked among the nation’s top defensive prospects, Stone enters his sophomore year as the anchor of Oklahoma’s defensive front. His athleticism and disruptive play style make him a nightmare for offensive linemen and a leader for his unit.
Alongside him, Gracen Halton, a seasoned senior, brings depth and experience. Coming off a 2024 campaign that saw him post 30 tackles, 5 sacks, and 2 forced fumbles, Halton’s leadership will be essential to mentoring young linemen and maintaining defensive consistency.
The linebacking corps is equally fierce. Kip Lewis emerged as a star in 2024, making highlight-reel plays against major SEC opponents like Alabama and Auburn. His ability to read offenses, drop into coverage, and shoot gaps makes him a key figure in Oklahoma’s defense.
Offensive Firepower Reimagined
While the defense looks strong, the offense is undergoing its own exciting evolution. Oklahoma’s recruiting and transfer portal activity during the offseason was laser-focused on filling gaps and maximizing potential in key areas. One of the biggest additions is Jaydn Ott, a standout running back who transferred from the University of California. Ott brings over 2,200 rushing yards and 25 touchdowns across the 2022 and 2023 seasons. His vision, acceleration, and breakaway speed promise to reinvigorate the Sooners’ ground game.
Complementing Ott in the backfield is an offensive line bolstered by the arrival of Michael Fasusi, a highly-touted five-star tackle originally from Nigeria. Fasusi is known for his size, technique, and agility—traits that make him one of the most anticipated lineman prospects in the nation. His early enrollment has already paid off as he impressed coaches throughout spring camp.
At quarterback, the Sooners have options—and competition. John Mateer, a transfer from Washington State, is expected to compete for the starting job. His leadership, decision-making, and game experience could be a stabilizing force for an offense that struggled with inconsistency last year. However, Michael Hawkins Jr., a young and athletic quarterback already within the program, is pushing hard to take the reins. No matter who wins the battle, Oklahoma is positioned to have quality depth at the most critical position.
Leadership and Culture Under Venables
Much of Oklahoma’s resurgence is being credited to Brent Venables, who not only continues to serve as head coach but has also reclaimed duties as defensive coordinator. The dual role underscores his commitment to establishing a defensive identity and fixing what has long been considered a weakness for the Sooners.
Venables signed a new six-year contract extension earlier this year, which provides the program with a sense of continuity and confidence. Players and staff have spoken openly about the cultural shift inside the locker room, noting a renewed sense of accountability, unity, and hunger.
The coaching staff’s alignment on recruiting strategy, scheme, and player development is evident. The Sooners didn’t just target big names—they went after players who fit their system. And the early returns suggest those efforts may finally be bearing fruit.
Built for the SEC
Now competing in the SEC, Oklahoma faces an entirely different level of weekly competition compared to their days in the Big 12. Fortunately, their recruiting, training, and schematics appear to have caught up with the physical, fast, and deep rosters typically found in the conference.
Their schedule includes matchups with blue-blood programs like Georgia, Alabama, and LSU. The physicality and intensity of these games are expected to test Oklahoma’s new roster, but the coaching staff insists they’ve built a team ready for exactly this kind of gauntlet.
National analysts are beginning to take notice. While some oddsmakers still consider the Sooners long shots—placing them with +6600 odds to win the national championship—others are more bullish. A handful of respected voices in the sport have labeled Oklahoma a “dark horse contender,” citing their deepened roster, improved physicality, and experienced leadership.
In fact, one particularly bold prediction from a national media outlet recently picked Oklahoma to win the SEC in 2025, stunning fans and skeptics alike. That prediction hinges on breakout seasons from players like Mateer, Ott, and Stone—who could each become household names by season’s end.
X-Factors to Watch
What sets this Oklahoma team apart from past iterations? A few key X-factors:
- Roster Balance – The Sooners now feature a mix of proven veterans, high-upside underclassmen, and immediate-impact transfers. It’s the deepest team Venables has had.
- Defensive Identity – With Venables back as coordinator, the defense has a clear, aggressive approach that fits his coaching DNA.
- Offensive Line Upgrade – Anchored by young phenoms like Fasusi, this unit is better suited to handle SEC defensive lines.
- Backfield Firepower – Jaydn Ott could be the most dynamic back in the SEC if he adapts quickly to the new scheme and competition.
- QB Stability – Whether it’s Mateer or Hawkins, Oklahoma is set to have its most consistent quarterback play in years.
The Road Ahead
The 2025 season will reveal whether Oklahoma’s rebuilt roster and revamped identity can translate into wins against the toughest schedule they’ve faced in years. The team is no longer focused on mere bowl eligibility or rebuilding years—it’s national title or bust.
There’s excitement. There’s hype. But more importantly, for the first time in a while, there’s substance behind the Sooners’ swagger.
With a loaded depth chart, motivated coaching staff, and an opportunity to make a statement in the SEC, Oklahoma might just be ready to reclaim their place atop college football.
And if all the pieces fall into place? Don’t be surprised if the crimson and cream are standing tall come playoff time.
