Paul Finebaum, one of college football’s most influential analysts, is never one to hold back when it comes to discussing the future of high-profile programs and their head coaches. In recent months, Finebaum has been vocal about the future of Brent Venables, the head coach of the Oklahoma Sooners. Venables, who took over the program in 2022, inherited a team with lofty expectations and a storied football legacy, but his tenure has been marked by inconsistency and disappointing seasons. Finebaum, known for his candid analysis, recently gave a brutally honest assessment of Venables’ future with the Sooners, warning that the 2025 season will be a make-or-break year for the coach.
### Venables’ Arrival and Early Expectations
Brent Venables was hired as the head coach of Oklahoma football following the departure of Lincoln Riley, who left for USC in 2021. Venables, a former defensive coordinator at Clemson, was widely regarded as one of the top defensive minds in college football. His hiring was seen as a major move for Oklahoma, as the program sought to regain its footing after Riley’s departure.
Venables had been instrumental in building one of the most dominant defenses in college football during his time at Clemson, helping the Tigers to win two national championships. His pedigree as a defensive coordinator made him an attractive candidate to take the reins of the Sooners, a team known for its offensive prowess but criticized in recent years for its defensive struggles.
When Venables took over, the expectations were high. Oklahoma is a program with a rich football history and a passionate fan base. The Sooners were expected to remain a top-tier team in college football, and there was hope that Venables would restore the defense to its former glory while maintaining the offensive firepower the program had become known for under Riley. However, the reality of Venables’ first seasons at Oklahoma has been far from what was anticipated.
### Early Struggles: The 2022 Season
Venables’ first season at the helm in 2022 was a disappointment. The Sooners finished with a 6-7 record, marking a significant drop from the previous years under Riley. Oklahoma’s defense, which had been expected to improve under Venables’ leadership, struggled to make an impact, and the team suffered several high-profile losses. The Sooners were unable to get past major rivals in the Big 12, including Texas, and the program’s overall performance left much to be desired.
While Venables took responsibility for the team’s shortcomings, it was clear that the transition from Riley’s offensive-minded program to Venables’ defensive-oriented philosophy was not going to be smooth. Oklahoma fans were patient, understanding that the program was undergoing a transition. However, the 2022 season raised questions about how quickly Venables could restore the Sooners to championship contention.
### 2023: A Rebound, But Still Flawed
The 2023 season saw some improvement for Oklahoma, with the Sooners finishing 10-3 and securing a victory in the Cheez-It Bowl. The team showed flashes of the potential that had made them a perennial powerhouse in college football. The defense, under Venables’ guidance, was noticeably better, and the team secured a huge win over Texas in the Red River Rivalry.
However, despite the winning record, there were still glaring issues that continued to plague the team. Oklahoma struggled against some of the better teams in the Big 12, and while the defense improved, the offense remained inconsistent at times. The Sooners’ struggles in big games, particularly in the conference, were a reminder that there was still much work to be done.
### The 2024 Setback: Falling Short in the SEC Transition
The 2024 season, however, saw the Sooners take a step back once again. Finishing with a 6-7 record, Oklahoma’s struggles became more evident. They finished just 2-6 in their inaugural season in the SEC, a conference known for its brutal competition and elite programs. While the SEC move was always going to be a tough challenge for Oklahoma, the team’s lack of success in its first year in the conference raised even more concerns about the future of the program under Venables.
The struggles were particularly pronounced in conference play, where Oklahoma failed to compete consistently against SEC rivals like Alabama, Georgia, and LSU. The Sooners’ inability to adapt to the physicality and depth of the SEC was a major cause for concern. The defense, which had improved in 2023, took a step back, and the offense once again struggled with consistency, particularly at quarterback.
### Finebaum’s Brutally Honest Assessment
With these struggles in mind, Paul Finebaum has been outspoken about Venables’ future. In his typical no-nonsense style, Finebaum delivered a brutally honest assessment of the Oklahoma head coach, stressing that the 2025 season would be crucial for Venables’ career at Oklahoma.
Finebaum’s message was clear: Venables needs to show significant improvement in 2025, or his job could be in jeopardy. In an appearance on ESPN, Finebaum explained, “You can’t continue to have subpar seasons at a school like Oklahoma, especially while your biggest rival is in the playoff two years in a row.”
Finebaum’s remark about Oklahoma’s biggest rival, Texas, highlights one of the key pressures on Venables’ job security. Texas, which had been seen as a program in turmoil in recent years, has experienced a resurgence under head coach Steve Sarkisian. The Longhorns made the College Football Playoff in 2024, and their rise has made the pressure on Venables even greater. Finebaum pointed out that while Oklahoma has been floundering, Texas has been thriving, making the Sooners’ struggles even more pronounced.
Finebaum emphasized that in college football, especially at a program like Oklahoma, success is expected. “It’s a cutthroat business,” he said, adding that “this is the make-or-break year for Venables.” Finebaum’s harsh words are a stark reminder of the high expectations at Oklahoma and the pressure that comes with leading such a prominent program.
### Key Factors for Venables in 2025
For Venables to keep his job, several things must improve in 2025. First and foremost, the Sooners need to show they can compete in the SEC. Oklahoma has been a dominant force in the Big 12 for years, but the SEC represents a different level of competition. Venables’ defense must become a consistent force, and the offense must find more stability, especially at the quarterback position. The Sooners need to recruit at a high level to build depth and talent that can compete with the likes of Alabama, Georgia, and LSU.
Additionally, Venables needs to win key games, particularly against rivals like Texas, and he must show that his program can handle the pressure of big-time SEC games. If Oklahoma continues to falter in these critical matchups, Venables’ future at the helm of the program could be in serious jeopardy.
### Conclusion: Venables’ Future Hangs in the Balance
Brent Venables’ future at Oklahoma depends on the success of the 2025 season. While the early struggles and setbacks have been discouraging, there is still time for Venables to turn things around. However, as Paul Finebaum rightly pointed out, the pressure is mounting, and the 2025 season is crucial for the long-term success of both Venables and the Oklahoma football program. If the Sooners cannot rise to the occasion, Venables may find himself on the hot seat. In college football, especially at a program with the expectations of Oklahoma, there is little room for prolonged mediocrity. The 2025 season will likely determine whether Venables remains at the helm or if Oklahoma decides to go in a different direction.
Leave a Reply