An Oklahoma rebound in 2025 one of 'college football's most interesting storylines' for the upcoming season

There are plenty of eyes on the Oklahoma Sooners heading into the 2025 season. Oklahoma faceplanted on the field in their first season in the SEC, thanks to an utterly hapless offense that let down an elite defense in almost every game the team played. 

However, there is reason for optimism in Norman, Oklahoma, as the team hired one of the most exciting young offensive minds in college football in Ben Arbuckle to run their offense. The Sooners also brought his quarterback, John Mateer, with Arbuckle, potentially giving the Sooners a future under center. 

This optimism offensively, coupled with Oklahoma's defensive performance last season and returning talent, has plenty of eyes turning to the program. 

On3 labeled Oklahoma's potential bounce-back season as one of the 10 most interesting storylines to track for the 2025 College Football Season. 

For good reason, as it feels like the future of the program is swinging on a pendulum and could go either way, depending on how 2025 goes. 

"The story of the week was Oklahoma hiring former NFL personnel staffer and Senior Bowl director Jim Nagy as its general manager. While that’s certainly a significant hire, his impact on the program won’t be felt the following season. Oklahoma’s roster for 2025 is basically set. And, of course, this is a huge year for Brent Venables, especially after the Sooners brought in quarterback John Mateer, offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle and a host of other players to try to get things back on track. Oklahoma is one of the most successful programs in college football, but it hasn’t been living up to its standard. Will the Sooners bounce back in year two in the SEC or will Venables find himself in a tough spot?"

It's safe to say that 2025 will be a make-or-break season for Brent Venables. Another disappointing season like 2022 or 2024 and it seems likely that Venables could be on his way out of Norman. 

However, I don't think Oklahoma is far away from competing next season. If Arbuckle and Mateer deliver like I think they can, the Sooners are quickly vaulting themselves back into contention as a blue-blood program.