The Sooners' inaugural season in the SEC might not have gone according to plan, wrapping up with a 6-7 record and only a pair of conference victories. But if there's one person who never wavered in his belief in Oklahoma's potential, it's Baker Mayfield. Despite the rocky start, Mayfield, the legendary OU quarterback, remained steadfast in his support for head coach Brent Venables.
Back in July 2025, at his youth camp in Norman, Mayfield expressed his unwavering confidence in Venables' leadership. Fast forward to today, and with the Sooners posting a 10-3 record and making their first College Football Playoff appearance since 2019, Mayfield's faith seems well-placed.
It's been nearly a decade since Mayfield last suited up for Oklahoma, yet Norman remains close to his heart. After transferring from Texas Tech in 2014, Mayfield quickly became a cornerstone for the Sooners.
His tenure as the starting quarterback was nothing short of spectacular, boasting a 33-6 record. The 2017 season was particularly memorable, as Mayfield led the team to the College Football Playoff, clinching the Heisman Trophy with an impressive 4,627 yards, 43 touchdowns, and just six interceptions, all while completing 70.5% of his passes.
While the Sooners of 2025 didn't quite reach the semifinals like Mayfield's 2017 squad, their performance against the tough SEC lineup is a promising sign. "SEC ball is a different beast," Mayfield noted, emphasizing the need for consistent excellence every week. His confidence in the team's direction is palpable.
Mayfield, renowned for his offensive prowess, didn't shy away from praising the Sooners' defense. Last season, Oklahoma's defense was a standout in the SEC, topping the charts in scoring defense, total defense, and sacks. Despite losing key players like R Mason Thomas and Gracen Halton, Mayfield trusts Venables' defensive acumen to keep the unit formidable in 2026.
The 2025 season wasn't without its challenges. Quarterback John Mateer faced a thumb injury that required surgery, affecting his performance.
The Sooners also dealt with injuries to crucial players like running backs Xavier Robinson and Tory Blaylock, wide receiver Javonnie Gibson, and offensive lineman Jake Maikkula. Yet, the team persevered, making it to the CFP and delivering their best season since the pandemic.
As an NFL veteran, Mayfield knows a thing or two about overcoming adversity. He's confident that the trials faced by the 2025 Sooners will only strengthen them moving forward. "I've been through those tough times," he reflected, "and I believe it will make them better in the long run."
With Mayfield's optimism and Venables' strategic mind, the Sooners are poised to continue their upward trajectory in the SEC.
In Other News...
Gerald McCoy Just Reignited Oklahomas Most Polarizing QB Debate
Gerald McCoy just put a fresh jolt into one of Oklahoma footballs favorite barroom arguments, and he did it by naming Caleb Williams as the quarterback he would take for a program today. The former All-Americans choice puts Williams in the same conversation with Baker Mayfield, Kyler Murray and Jalen Hurts, a group that gives the Sooners no shortage of star power to compare across eras.
McCoys view was rooted in Williams athleticism and versatility, traits that helped make his lone season in Norman impossible to ignore. Even in a brief stay, Williams left a lasting impression on Oklahoma fans, and the debate around where he fits in the programs quarterback hierarchy is only going to get louder whenever one of these names comes back into the conversation. [Read more 🡒]
Brent Venables Just Landed A Massive Defensive Commitment For 2027
A major early piece is in place for Oklahomas 2027 recruiting class, with another highly regarded defender giving Brent Venables staff a marquee addition to build around. The Sooners have landed a prospect who sits among the nations top 100 in multiple recruiting services, a profile that says as much about his ceiling as it does about the level of programs chasing him.
For Oklahoma, the appeal goes beyond rankings. The staff sees a defensive piece who can fit multiple spots in Venables scheme, with safety and cheetah both on the table as he develops. It also gives the Sooners another strong marker in a class that is starting to stack blue-chip talent, and one more reason for the rest of the country to keep watching how this group comes together. [Read more 🡒]
David Stone Is Suddenly Facing Oklahomas Biggest Defensive Question
David Stones progress from his first season to his second gave Oklahoma something to feel good about along the defensive line. The former five-star recruit was far more active in Year 2, finishing with 42 tackles, eight tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks after a quieter debut, and that kind of jump is exactly why the Sooners still view him as a cornerstone piece up front.
Gerald McCoy sees the same upward trend and thinks Stone is close to a different level altogether. The former Sooner has pointed to Stones ability to move from simply being a good player to becoming a dominant defensive lineman, and that is where Oklahomas biggest question now starts to form - whether Stone is ready to own a much bigger piece of the defense when the pressure rises next season. [Read more 🡒]