Brent Venables Confident In Sooners’ Depth, Leadership Ahead of 2025 Season

The 2025 college football season is almost here, and Oklahoma head coach Brent Venables believes his team is built for the challenge. Speaking on the Sooner Football Season Preview Show, Venables emphasized depth, leadership, and a new offensive identity as the Sooners prepare for their Aug. 30 opener against Illinois State.

Missed it live? Catch the Sooner Football Season Preview Show re-airing this Sunday at 11:30 p.m. on KOTV-Tulsa & KWTV-OKC.

Defense Built On Experience And Depth

Venables, entering his fourth year as head coach, said the biggest difference this season is the amount of experience across the roster.

“Most of this roster we’ve developed for two, three, four years,” Venables said. “We’ve recruited these guys specifically with a vision of how they’d fit in our scheme. I love our defensive personnel… they’re hungry, passionate, and play with high standards.”

The Sooners will rely on a committee of leaders rather than one vocal presence like Danny Stutsman from last season. Venables noted that 17 players received captain votes, pointing to a deeper culture of accountability.

New Faces, New Energy On Offense

Offensively, OU turns to new coordinator Ben Arbuckle and quarterback John Mateer, one of the most sought-after players in the transfer portal. Venables praised Mateer’s leadership and competitiveness.

“He’s an alpha when it comes to wanting to win,” Venables said. “He values the smallest details of practice. He’s not going to flinch when adversity hits.”

The offensive line, plagued by injuries a year ago, has become a point of optimism this fall. Venables highlighted the health, depth, and competition across the unit, adding that consistency inside with players like Troy Everett and Jake McCullough will be key.

Offensive Playmakers To Watch

Venables also singled out several skill players who could shape the offense:

1. Jaden Ott (RB) – “Dynamic, explosive, a home-run hitter.”
2. Isaiah Sategna (WR) – “Untapped potential, incredibly fast.”
3. Elijah Thomas (WR) – “Big catch radius, strong hands.”
4. Jaren Kanak (TE) – “Leader, alpha, unselfish.”

Venables Back To Calling Defensive Plays

The head coach confirmed he will handle defensive play-calling duties again.

“I’m good at it,” Venables said plainly. “There’s alignment with this staff. We’re all like brothers who grew up together. That’s not something you always have.”

Season Ahead

OU opens the season Aug. 30 at home against Illinois State with kickoff set for 5 p.m. Venables said his challenge to the team is simple:

“It’s a game of doing, a game of performance. If you want to be known as a defense-led team, you have to be willing to do what that requires, week after week.”

The Sooners head into 2025 with depth, leadership by committee, and a new offensive system designed to return the program to national prominence.