GET READY, SOONER NATION: 2025 OKLAHOMA FOOTBALL KICKOFF TIMES REVEALED AS BRENT VENABLES’ SQUAD PREPARES FOR CRUCIAL SEC CONTESTS, NATIONAL TV SPOTLIGHTS, AND A HIGH‑STAKES RED RIVER RIVALRY…

The University of Oklahoma has officially unveiled kickoff times for the first batch of its 2025 football schedule. Brent Venables, entering his fourth season as head coach, faces a pivotal campaign: integrating into SEC competition, securing prime-time television exposure, and defending the storied legacy of the Red River Rivalry.

🔔 Early Non‑Conference Kickoff Times

In a May 29 announcement, the SEC and ESPN revealed the kickoff times and broadcast platforms for four key Sooners matchups (si.com, soonersports.com):

1. Aug. 30 vs. Illinois State – 5 p.m. CT on ESPN+ and SEC Network+
2. Sept. 6 vs. Michigan – 6:30 p.m. CT on ABC (prime‑time spotlight)
3. Sept. 13 at Temple – 11 a.m. CT on ESPN2, live from Philadelphia’s Lincoln Financial Field
4. Oct. 11 vs. Texas (Red River Rivalry, in Dallas) – 2:30 p.m. CT on ABC or ESPN

This marks Oklahoma’s first appearance under the lights against Michigan since their iconic 1976 Orange Bowl clash (soonersports.com). The Illini State opener allows acclimation to SEC-style play, while Michigan promises “Big Noon Kickoff” hype (en.wikipedia.org). Temple wraps up the non‑conference slate, giving OU a concise, impactful start.

🔄 Full Schedule: SEC Start Times, Windows & Flex Slots

On June 11, the SEC, in coordination with ESPN and ABC, released kickoff windows for Weeks 4–14 (news9.com). These windows—Early (11 a.m.–12 p.m.), Afternoon (2:30–3:30 p.m.), Night (5–7 p.m.), or Flex (between Afternoon and Night)—offer scheduling agility.

✅ SEC Home Games (Five Scheduled)

• Sept. 20 vs. Auburn – Flex: Afternoon or Night
• Oct. 4 vs. Kent State – 3 p.m. CT on SEC Network
• Oct. 25 vs. Ole Miss – Flex: Early window (11–12 p.m.)
• Nov. 22 vs. Missouri – 11 a.m. CT on ABC or ESPN
• Nov. 29 vs. LSU – Flex: Afternoon or Night

🚗 SEC Road Games (Three Noted)

• Oct. 18 at South Carolina – Early window (11 a.m.–12 p.m.)
• Nov. 1 at Tennessee – Flex: Afternoon or Night
• Nov. 15 at Alabama – Flex: Afternoon or Night

⭐ Special Matchups

• Oct. 11 at Texas – 2:30 p.m. CT (same as non‑conference listing; national focus continued)
• SEC Championship (Dec. 6) – 3 p.m. CT on ABC (si.com, news9.com)

Eight of the 12 regular-season games will fall in marquee Afternoon or Night windows, with five of seven home shows slated for prime-time exposure (news9.com).

🎯 The Venables Factor

Transitioning into the SEC under Venables has been both thrilling and crucial. In 2024, the Sooners posted a 6–7 overall and 2–6 conference record (en.wikipedia.org). With strengthened recruiting fueled by nationally televised kickoff slots, including Michigan, Missouri, and key SEC matches, OU is poised to accelerate its rebuild.

Venables, now in his fourth year, will lean on new offensive flair under OC Ben Arbuckle—Mark Mateer debuting in the opener—as they match wits with SEC talent in prime-time windows.

📺 National TV Exposure

Oklahoma has secured high-profile television slots, leveraging its history and SEC membership to gain prime-time machines:

• Illinois State vs. opener – ESPN+/SEC Network+
• Michigan night – ABC, Big Noon-style national showcase
• Temple morning – ESPN2
• Red River Rivalry – ABC/ESPN, 2:30 p.m. CT
• Kent State – SEC Network mid-afternoon
• Missouri morning – ABC/ESPN
• Flex games – likely ESPN/ABC pick-ups during late afternoons or prime time

These platforms amplify OU’s profile, aid recruiting, and signal confidence from ESPN/ABC in Sooners football.

🔥 The Red River Rivalry: Back at 2:30

The iconic Red River Rivalry returns to its newer time slot—2:30 p.m. CT (Oct. 11)—for a second straight year, a move that replaced the traditional 11 a.m. CT noon kickoff (news9.com, si.com, soonersports.com, statesman.com). Both schools understand the implications: later starts boost television ratings, revenue, and recruiting impact. It aligns with the SEC-ABC/ESPN media deal and positions the game in an internationally recognized viewing window.

Held at the famed Cotton Bowl during the State Fair of Texas, the game broadcasts from a neutral yet storied venue, maintaining its cultural and athletic weight (en.wikipedia.org).

🏈 Key Games & Matchups

Non‑Conference

• Illinois State: Season opener; quarterbacks, including John Mateer, get first live reps.
• Michigan: Between two historical champions (Michigan 2023 champs, OU’s Switzer-era success).
• Temple: Consistent start; potential trap game with early what-ifs.

SEC Standouts

• Auburn (9/20): First SEC home test; flexible scheduling heightens spotlight.
• Kent State (10/4): Comfort mid-season staple; mid-afternoon SEC Network pick.
• Ole Miss (10/25): Early morning flex; a key conference bell-ringer.
• Missouri (11/22): Traditional rivalry with Peace Pipe history, morning exposure.
• LSU (11/29): Season finale with big-window potential; high-stakes atmosphere.

Road Trips

• South Carolina (10/18): Early window; revenge narrative after 2024 blowout.
• Tennessee (11/1): Flex; playing in Neyland is always prime.
• Alabama (11/15): Flex; first Alabama visit in over two decades—a major litmus test.

🎙️ Momentum & Match-Up Narratives

• Prime-time dynamics: OU’s ABC/ESPN collision course mirrors SEC’s media ambitions.
• Recruiting ripple: National visibility = strong haul.
• Game prep: Early primetime slots compress recovery windows and spotlight player readiness.
• Milestones to watch: First SEC win at Alabama since 2003.
• Tradition meets transition: Red River’s 2:30 start cements modern era.

✅ What You Need to Know: Quick Recap

🔭 Looking Ahead: Flex Watch & Final Thoughts

The remaining games—marked “Flex”—will have their exact kickoff times locked in no later than six days prior to game day (si.com, news9.com, en.wikipedia.org, si.com, waff.com). Keep an eye though:

• Performance dictates priority: Victories in key TU, Auburn, Tenn, or roll through Missouri/LSU could trigger prime-time spotlight.
• Injury and health: Afternoon slots ease travel; night slots strain routines—be ready.
• Recruiting & momentum: High-profile wins = high-profile visits.
• Calendar nuance: Avoiding heavy games back-to-back matters; the schedule staggers stress.

🧭 Final Take

With its first four games locked in, OU promises both comfort and challenge—Illinois State’s soft opener is followed by a major primetime battle versus Michigan, the traditional Temple game, and the marquee Red River Rivalry. The SEC schedule, with half the home games set in prime or flexible windows, gives Venables the spotlight needed to fast-track his SEC vision.

Now’s the time for Sooner Nation to mark calendars, tune into ABC/ESPN showdowns, and support this team transition. Every kickoff window matters—set your DVRs, clear your Fall Saturdays, and get ready for a sensational 2025.

Oklahoma’s football future is carved in time slots—let the countdown begin.