College football analyst predicts the Oklahoma Sooners will show significant improvement in 2025, citing strong recruiting and…. Read More…
The Oklahoma Sooners are poised for a major resurgence in the 2025 college football season, according to several respected analysts — with one insider boldly predicting the team will be “unrecognizable in all the right ways.” Fueled by an elite recruiting class and major strides on the defensive side of the ball, expectations in Norman are once again reaching championship levels.
Speaking on ESPN’s College Football Now veteran analyst Joel Parker stated, “If you’re looking for a team that could make a massive leap in 2025, it’s the Oklahoma Sooners. Brent Venables finally has his type of roster — physical, fast, and fully bought in. Watch out.
Much of the optimism surrounding Oklahoma’s outlook stems from a stellar 2025 recruiting class, which ranks in the top five nationally. Led by five-star tight end Tyler Ruxer, who committed in a major recruiting win over SEC powerhouses like Alabama and Georgia, the class is being touted as one of the most balanced and dynamic the program has landed in years.
Ruxer isn’t alone — the Sooners also secured blue-chip quarterback Donovan Crews, explosive wide receiver Jahlil Benton, and edge rusher Kaiden Thomas, who was labeled a “future All-American” by 247Sports. The combination of offensive firepower and defensive reinforcements marks a turning point for Oklahoma’s roster depth.
These guys aren’t just talented — they’re hungry,” said Parker. “Venables and his staff are bringing in high-character, high-ceiling players who want to restore OU to national title contention.
Since Brent Venables took over in 2022, fans have been waiting for his trademark aggressive defense to take hold. While there have been flashes over the last two seasons, inconsistency and youth often held the unit back. That’s expected to change in 2025.
With rising stars like linebacker Kip Lewis, defensive tackle David Stone, and cornerback Makari Vickers entering their prime, the Sooners’ defense is finally taking on the identity of its fiery head coach — fast, violent, and fundamentally sound.
They’ve built depth at every level of the defense,” said former Oklahoma linebacker and current analyst Rufus Alexander. “Venables finally has the personnel to run his system the way it’s supposed to be run — multiple fronts, disguised blitzes, and relentless pursuit of the ball.
While the defense is the focus of the rebuild, the offense remains as dangerous as ever. With offensive coordinator Seth Littrell continuing to implement tempo and misdirection, the Sooners will again lean on dynamic quarterback play. Sophomore signal-caller Jackson Arnold is expected to take a major step forward after a solid freshman campaign, and he’ll be throwing to one of the most underrated receiving corps in the nation.
Expect big years from senior wideout Andrel Anthony, tight end Ruxer, and speedster Brenen Thompson. In the backfield, the Sooners will have a solid 1-2 punch in Jovantae Barnes and true freshman Jayden Mays.
With Oklahoma now entering its second season in the SEC, the growing pains of 2024 are expected to give way to a more confident and competitive squad. The physicality of the conference demanded more depth and toughness — and Venables has clearly responded.
“They learned from the first year in the SEC,” said Parker. “2025 will be about asserting themselves, not just surviving. And I truly believe this group has the tools to do that.
After years of transition and tough questions, Oklahoma fans finally have reason to believe again. With elite recruits, a matured quarterback, and a coach who’s finally building the program in his image, 2025 could be the season the Sooners make a loud return to national prominence.
As Parker put it best: “Don’t be surprised if Oklahoma isn’t just better in 2025 — they might be a legitimate College Football Playoff threat.