LIVE FROM NORMAN: BRENT VENABLES TAKES CHARGE OF DEFENSIVE PLAY-CALLING AHEAD OF 2025 SEASON
Oklahoma head coach Brent Venables is making a game-changing decision as the Sooners gear up for their 2025 campaign. With Oklahoma aiming to turn things around after a tough 2024, Venables has announced that he will personally take over defensive play-calling duties—a bold move that could reshape the program’s trajectory in the SEC.
The Sooners have had an impressive offseason, fueling speculation that they could emerge as a dark horse contender for a College Football Playoff spot. But after a disappointing second losing season under Venables, there’s no room for error. The head coach himself is making sure of that.
VENABLES: “I WILL TAKE OVER DEFENSIVE PLAY-CALLING RESPONSIBILITIES”
The decision comes straight from Venables, who released a statement addressing the major shift in coaching responsibilities.
“I have reflected on all facets of our program over the past several weeks. Since I was hired as head coach, we have carefully assembled the defensive personnel and scheme that is suited to compete at the highest level, and we’ve built a deep and talented roster ready for the moment. I have high expectations for our program and will do everything in my power to achieve our goals for our players. To that end, I will take over defensive play-calling responsibilities for the 2025 season.”
For Sooners fans, this should be exciting news. Venables is one of the most decorated defensive minds of this century, a key architect behind Clemson’s rise to national dominance. Now, he’s taking full control of a unit that showed flashes of potential but finished ninth in the SEC in scoring defense last season, allowing 21.5 points per game.
OFFENSE GETS A BOOST WITH JOHN MATEER AT QB
While defense has been a focal point, Oklahoma’s biggest issue in 2024 was offense. The Sooners averaged just 24.0 points per game, struggling with inconsistency at quarterback. But that won’t be the case in 2025.
Enter John Mateer, the former Washington State star and a massive upgrade at quarterback. The Little Elm, Texas native was a force for the Cougars last season, throwing for 29 touchdowns and seven interceptions, while adding 826 rushing yards and 15 rushing touchdowns. His dual-threat ability should instantly elevate the Sooners’ attack, making him a legitimate All-SEC candidate in 2025.
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR OKLAHOMA FOOTBALL
Despite Todd Bates and Jay Valai remaining in their co-defensive coordinator roles, Venables taking over play-calling duties signals a major shift. And for good reason—his defensive prowess speaks for itself.
The Sooners are not only adding key transfers like Mateer, but also bringing in a top-20 recruiting class, currently ranked 18th nationally. The schedule? Brutal. But with a reinvented defense, an upgraded offense, and Venables calling the shots, Oklahoma football could be one of the biggest surprises in the SEC.
The stage is set. The pieces are in place. Now, it’s time for Brent Venables and the Sooners to deliver.
