College Football

CFB Top 50, #22: 2025 Oklahoma Sooners

by
Bracket Yard
August 1, 2025

Moving up to number 22, the 2025 Oklahoma Sooners from the SEC are next on the CFB Top 50 countdown.

Last season was not the sort of year Oklahoma thinks it should have. While their frenemies from Austin were busy going deep into the College Football Playoff, the Sooners languished towards the bottom of the SEC, not making the transition as easily. Some are also no doubt thinking that in this, the fourth season for Brent Venables as head coach, Oklahoma needs to make another move. Yes, his 2023 team had a strong year, but that successful 10-win team has been sandwiched by losing seasons.

Especially with Texas succeeding, there is no way Venables is going to get a lot more slack to do his thing. Oklahoma needs to start winning, but there is reason to believe they can.

2025 Oklahoma Sooners Basic Facts

Head Coach: Brent Venables (4th season)

2025 Conference: Southeastern Conference (SEC)

2024 Record: 6-7 (2-6), 13th in SEC

Final Resolution of Last Season: Lost Armed Forces Bowl

2024 Scoring Offensive Rank: 97th (24.0)

2024 Scoring Defensive Rank: 29th (21.5)

Oklahoma Key Additions and Subtractions

IN – John Mateer, quarterback. Transferred from Washington State.

IN – Marvin Jones Jr., defensive end. Transferred from Florida State.

OUT – Jackson Arnold, quarterback. Transferred to Auburn.

OUT – Danny Stutsman, linebacker. Drafted by New Orleans in 4th round of 2025 Draft.

OUT – Billy Bowman Jr., safety. Drafted by Atlanta in 4th round of 2025 Draft.

Best Game on the Schedule in 2025

October 11 vs. Texas. The Red River game might feature the top team in the country…but it won’t be the Sooners. However, that makes Texas an even more juicy target for Oklahoma in his historic rivalry game.

2025 Oklahoma Sooners: Outlook

Oklahoma has a new quarterback in town, John Mateer, who put together an excellent 2024 as the starter for Washington State. He replaces Jackson Arnold, who transferred to Auburn and will be leading their team. Arnold was a fine player, but the eye test and the stats suggest that maybe, just maybe, Oklahoma upgraded at the quarterback position this season. From what I can tell, the offense needs all the help it can get, and Mateer should make an instant contribution.

He needs a wide receiver room that can stay healthy. Javonnie Gibson, a transfer from Arkansas-Pine Bluff, is coming off of an injury himself, but we should see him contributing. (Lederman, 2025)

There are not a lot of new faces on the defense, which is good news because they were in the top quarter of FBS defenses in 2024. They are going to miss Danny Stutsman quite a bit I’m sure, but most of the other top tacklers from last season are back. Oklahoma could use more of a pass rush, however; newcomer Marvin Jones Jr. might be able to help there alongside R. Mason Thomas.

Oklahoma plays an almost-light non-conference schedule that should help them bank three wins, with the exception of a tough contest against Michigan. The SEC schedule is going to be tough for everyone. Oklahoma has a new quarterback to show off, and they need to start winning games.