Signing Day Rewind: Brent Venables’ Full Explanation for a Lighter 2025 Recruiting Class

NORMAN, Okla. – Brent Venables and the Oklahoma Sooners took a different approach to the 2025 recruiting cycle, opting for quality over quantity. On National Signing Day, Venables addressed the noticeably smaller class, explaining the program’s strategy heading into its first season in the SEC.

A Calculated Approach

With just 14 signees in the 2025 class, Oklahoma’s recruiting haul was one of the smallest in recent memory. However, Venables emphasized that this was by design, not by misfortune.

“It’s about getting the right guys, not just filling numbers,” Venables stated. “Roster management is critical, and we wanted to be intentional about the pieces we added.”

This shift in philosophy comes as Oklahoma prepares for a tougher road ahead in the SEC, where depth and talent at every position are paramount. Rather than overloading on high school prospects, Venables and his staff prioritized key impact players and targeted the transfer portal to bolster depth and experience.

Key Additions Despite the Small Class

Despite the smaller class size, Oklahoma landed several high-profile recruits who could make an immediate impact. Among them:

• David Stone (DL, IMG Academy, FL) – A five-star defensive lineman, Stone was the crown jewel of this class. The Oklahoma native returned home to lead the Sooners’ defensive front.
• Eli Bowen (CB, Guyer, TX) – The younger brother of current Sooner safety Peyton Bowen, Eli brings elite coverage skills to Oklahoma’s secondary.
• Michael Hawkins (QB, Allen, TX) – The dual-threat quarterback is expected to develop under offensive coordinator Seth Littrell, potentially becoming a key piece of the Sooners’ future.

While these recruits represent the core foundation of the class, Venables was also aggressive in the transfer portal, where Oklahoma landed multiple experienced players to fill key positions.

Why Fewer High School Signees?

Venables explained that the current state of college football, particularly the rise of NIL and the transfer portal, has changed how teams build their rosters.

“The portal allows us to bring in guys who are already proven at the college level,” Venables said. “We’re focused on complementing our roster with the right mix of youth and experience.”

By taking fewer high school prospects, Oklahoma retained flexibility to add experienced players from the transfer portal, ensuring they remain competitive in the loaded SEC.

Looking Ahead to the SEC Challenge

With Oklahoma set to debut in the SEC in 2025, Venables understands the importance of getting it right when it comes to roster construction.

“We know what we’re stepping into,” he said. “It’s the best conference in college football, and we need to be built for it.”

Though the 2025 class might be smaller, it’s strategically crafted to ensure Oklahoma remains competitive at the highest level. With elite recruits, experienced transfers, and a clear vision, Venables and the Sooners are laying the foundation for their SEC future.