After a rocky 6-7 campaign in 2024, Oklahoma football came storming back in 2025 with a 10-3 season that reminded everyone what Sooner football is supposed to look like. This wasn’t just a return to form-it was a statement. OU clawed its way into the College Football Playoff for the first time since 2019, winning four straight in what fans now call “Red November,” a stretch that turned a season on the brink into one for the books.
And they did it with new voices calling the shots on both sides of the ball.
Head coach Brent Venables took the reins of the defense, stepping in as the de facto defensive coordinator. On offense, it was Ben Arbuckle-freshly installed as OC and quarterbacks coach-who dialed up the plays.
That kind of staff shake-up can often lead to growing pains, but instead, it sparked growth. Now, for the first time since 2023, the Sooners head into a new season without needing to replace a single coordinator.
Venables, Arbuckle, and special teams coordinator Doug Deakin are all back, and that kind of continuity matters-especially in the SEC, where every edge counts.
The front office is settling in as well. Jim Nagy, who took over as general manager last year, is entering his second season. That stability up top is another reason for optimism heading into 2026.
The only notable staff changes so far? Oklahoma parted ways with tight ends coach Joe Jon Finley and brought in none other than Jason Witten to take over the position group.
Yes, that Jason Witten. It’s a bold move that could pay off big, especially in terms of player development and recruiting.
Meanwhile, longtime strength coach Jerry Schmidt is shifting into a new role as Elite Performance Liaison, with James Dobson stepping up as the new head of strength and conditioning. And with Roger Denny taking over as Athletics Director following Joe Castiglione’s retirement, there’s a sense of new energy flowing through the entire program.
So how did Oklahoma’s 2025 season stack up nationally? According to USA TODAY Sports’ Paul Myerberg, the Sooners earned an A-minus grade-right in line with Georgia, but trailing SEC peers like Ole Miss, Vanderbilt, and Texas A&M. Still, considering the schedule Oklahoma faced-arguably the toughest in the country-it’s a grade that reflects just how gritty and resilient this team was.
The Sooners earned the nickname “Hard to Kill” for a reason. Their defense was punishing, special teams were rock-solid, and the offense delivered when it had to.
Sure, there were flaws-this wasn’t a perfect team, and they weren’t quite on the level of a true national title juggernaut-but jumping from six wins to ten in just one year? That’s a leap few expected.
Now, let’s not sugarcoat it: the standard in Norman isn’t just making the playoff. It’s winning it all.
And while OU didn’t capture that elusive national title in 2025, those inside the program believe they’re building something sustainable-something championship-caliber. If that’s true, this past season was a critical step toward that goal.
Of course, the Sooners will have to reload. They’re losing several key veterans-players who were not just productive, but leaders in the locker room.
The transfer portal has taken its toll, too. But here’s the upside: no underclassmen declared early for the 2026 NFL Draft.
That’s a win in itself. Add in a strong high school recruiting class and some savvy transfer portal additions, and the roster is shaping up nicely.
Some major contributors are coming back, and that gives OU a real shot to build on last year’s momentum. The SEC is never forgiving, but the Sooners aren’t just surviving-they’re starting to thrive. And if the early signs of this offseason are any indication, Oklahoma might be ready to take another big step in 2026.