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Rece Davis Names SEC Head Coach Whose Job Security Hinges On 2025 Season

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By J.C. Shelton | Last updated May 10, 2025 6:30 PM ET

The 2025 college football season is pivotal for one SEC head coach coming off a disappointing year, according to ESPN's Rece Davis.

Davis, the longtime "College GameDay" host, explained his expectations surrounding the top storylines around the conference as programs prepare for the upcoming season.

When speaking on the major changes for the Oklahoma Sooners, Davis spoke highly of the upgraded offense before mentioning how head coach Brent Venables could be on the hot seat without some notable improvements from last season.

“They had quarterback issues last year. They had offensive issues," Davis said on the "College GameDay Podcast." "It’s not just because of that. It’s because it’s highly likely that Brent Venables job security depends on it. They need to be better."

Oklahoma was coming off a 10-3 season, Venables' second year at the helm, when entering the SEC for the 2024 season. The inaugural year in the conference was ultimately forgettable, as the program dropped to 6-7 with a 2-6 SEC record.

The offense was a major issue. Oklahoma finished 97th nationally in scoring offense and 119th in passing offense after finishing in the top 10 in both of those categories the previous season in the Big 12.

Venables and Co. shook things up in the offseason by adding offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle and star quarterback John Mateer out of Washington State.

"I’m not saying they have to win the SEC or have to go to the Playoff," Davis said. "The Alabama win, late for them, sort of salvaged a bit of the narrative around them, that maybe there’s some capabilities here, because they were really good on defense, they were just abysmal on offense."

Defensively, the Sooners finished 19th in total defense and 29th in scoring despite an offense that repeatedly put the unit in losing situations.

"So, I’m pretty fascinated by Oklahoma. Are they going to be able to take a jump, and at least solidify things?" Davis said. "Because I think another finish at the bottom of the SEC standings – I would hate to see that. But it’s going to get turbulent there if this doesn’t work. If they’re not good, if they lose a lot of games that they should win, if they don’t at least find the fringes of contention this year – it’s going to be turbulent."

All things considered, Davis is bullish on Venables' Sooners given the promising offseason moves.

"So, because of that, and I actually think they are poised to take a jump in that this is going to work, but I do think they’re fascinating, because of the ramifications," Davis said. "There are big stakes involved in my judgment there for Oklahoma, and having this offensive change and quarterback change work."

New-look Oklahoma will open the 2025 season at home against Illinois State on Aug. 30.

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

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