Paul Finebaum Names Major SEC Program That's 'In a Very Tight Spot'

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jaron Spor | Last updated Jul 2, 2025 8:00 PM ET

College football is a results-driven business. Without success on the field, coaches are at risk of being let go.

This reality is faced by several coaches as they head into the 2025 season. One of them is Brent Venables, the head coach of the Oklahoma Sooners, who is entering his fourth season. The first three seasons have not been promising, as Venables has recorded two losing seasons, including last year’s disappointing 6-7 record during Oklahoma's inaugural year in the SEC.

On “The Paul Finebaum Show,” SEC Network analyst Paul Finebaum discussed some of the toughest schedules in the SEC and ranked Oklahoma as No. 3 in that assessment. This prompted him to comment that the Sooners find themselves in a difficult situation.

"Oklahoma ... is also in a very tight spot with Brent Venables after two subpar seasons," Finebaum said.

Finebaum has been consistent in his statements about Venables, suggesting that this could be a make-or-break season for him as the head coach of the Sooners. If he endures another disappointing season, it may be his last in that role.

However, it won't be an easy decision for Oklahoma to part ways with Venables. For one, he shares a close relationship with athletic director Joe Castiglione. Additionally, Venables' buyout currently stands at $34.9 million after this season, just one year after he signed a lucrative contract extension.

Venables signed a six-year deal after the 2023 season, which the Oklahoma Board of Regents approved in June 2024. This contract guarantees him an annual salary of over $8.5 million for its duration. Initially, he had signed a six-year, $43.5 million contract with the Sooners in December 2021. His contract is fully guaranteed, and after this season, his buyout will decrease by nearly $10 million each year until the contract expires.

One positive development for Oklahoma and Venables is the team's activity in the transfer portal. The Sooners added two prominent transfers: former Washington State Cougars quarterback John Mateer and former California Golden Bears running back Jaydn Ott.

Last season, Mateer threw for 3,139 yards, 29 touchdowns and just seven interceptions, while rushing for 826 yards and scoring 15 touchdowns. Although Ott struggled with injuries during the 2024 season, he had a strong performance in 2023, rushing for 1,315 yards and scoring 12 touchdowns.

The hope is that these additions will lead to a successful turnaround for Venables' team. Oklahoma is set to open its season at 6 p.m. ET on Aug. 30 against the Illinois State Redbirds.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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