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What Brent Venables Must Do in Year 4 to Bring a National Title Back to Norman

Introduction: A Crucial Year in the Venables Era

Brent Venables enters Year 4 at the helm of Oklahoma football carrying the hopes of a fanbase yearning for a return to the mountaintop. After decades of dominance under coaches like Bud Wilkinson, Barry Switzer, and Bob Stoops, the Sooners have been absent from national title contention for too long by their own lofty standards. The move to the SEC, a maturing roster, and an increasingly focused staff mean the 2025 season must be the one where Oklahoma reclaims its identity as a championship-caliber program.

Year 4 is traditionally seen as the window when a head coach’s vision either crystalizes into reality or begins to fracture. For Venables, it’s now or never to show that he’s not just a brilliant defensive mind—but a national title-winning head coach.

I. Stabilize and Optimize the Quarterback Position

1. Jackson Arnold Must Become a Star

With the departure of Dillon Gabriel, the reins of the offense fully belong to Jackson Arnold. The former five-star recruit has all the tools: a strong arm, mobility, and a sharp football IQ. But potential doesn’t win championships—production does.

Venables must:

• Ensure Arnold has the confidence and freedom to lead the offense.
• Protect him from excessive hits with improved O-line schemes.
• Build a game plan around his strengths—quick reads, RPOs, deep shots.

2. Develop Depth Behind Arnold

Contending teams don’t just rely on one QB. Venables must ensure that QB2 is ready at all times. Whether it’s true freshman Kevin Sperry or another rising backup, the second-stringer needs reps and confidence to step in seamlessly if needed.

II. Defensive Identity: Turn Promise Into Dominance

1. From Improvement to Elite

Venables has already reshaped the defense since Lincoln Riley’s departure, but a national title requires a top-5 unit. Last season, Oklahoma ranked in the top 30 in most defensive categories. That’s not good enough.

Key defensive priorities:

• Elite pass rush: The Sooners must pressure SEC quarterbacks relentlessly. Players like Adepoju Adebawore and R Mason Thomas need double-digit sack seasons.
• Run-stopping consistency: The SEC’s ground game is brutal. Stopping teams like Georgia, LSU, and Alabama requires elite interior line play.
• Takeaways: OU was opportunistic in 2024, but they need to become lethal. Forced fumbles and timely interceptions change championship narratives.

2. Develop NFL-Caliber Defensive Backs

Championship teams shut down opposing passing attacks. OU’s secondary must transform into a no-fly zone. Billy Bowman, Gentry Williams, and true freshman Makari Vickers could lead a unit that forces opposing QBs into costly mistakes.

III. Offensive Evolution: A Killer Mentality

1. Jeff Lebby’s Replacement Must Elevate the Offense

With Lebby gone, new offensive coordinator Seth Littrell has the spotlight. He must:

• Modernize the offense with creative motion and spacing.
• Maintain the explosive tempo OU is known for.
• Avoid predictability in short-yardage situations.

2. Establish a Dominant Run Game

National titles are won in the trenches. OU needs a 1,200+ yard rusher and a rotation of backs that punish tired defenses. Gavin Sawchuk and Kalib Hicks must become household names.

The O-line must return to “Joe Moore Award” standards. Anchored by Jake Taylor and Cayden Green, the line has potential. But technique, health, and consistency will be everything.

IV. Culture, Leadership, and Player Development

1. Leaders Must Emerge

The best teams are player-led. Venables must empower captains on both sides of the ball to keep the locker room focused.

Seniors and veterans must hold younger players accountable. No distractions. No entitlement. Just relentless pursuit of the mission.

2. Player Development Must Peak

In 2024, OU had several breakout stars. In 2025, they need even more.

Venables and his staff must:

• Turn talented recruits into All-Americans.
• Push strength and conditioning to elite levels.
• Prepare players for the NFL while keeping them focused on Norman.

V. Recruiting Pipeline: Immediate Impact from the Freshmen

1. Freshman Talent Must Contribute Now

The 2025 recruiting class is stacked. Five-star EDGE Elijah Thomas and WR Zion Ragins should not redshirt. Venables must accelerate their development and put them in positions to contribute Day 1.

Championship teams have freshmen making game-changing plays in big moments. OU’s roster must reflect that.

2. Use the Transfer Portal with Precision

Venables doesn’t want to rely on transfers—but targeted additions can put a team over the top. Whether it’s a plug-and-play corner, backup linebacker, or kicker, Venables must be ruthless and strategic in portal decisions.

VI. Dominate the Big Games

1. Win the Statement Games

OU’s path to a title includes massive matchups:

• Texas (Red River Showdown): Always a must-win.
• LSU and Auburn (SEC West Crossovers): Statement wins that gain national respect.
• Alabama or Georgia (SEC Championship Game): This is the gateway to the Playoff.

Venables must have the team prepared not just to play—but to win convincingly on the biggest stages.

2. No Letdowns Against Inferior Opponents

A national title season requires consistency. OU must bury lesser opponents and avoid upsets. Games like Vanderbilt, South Carolina, and Missouri should be tune-ups—not traps.

VII. Win the SEC

This is the single most important checkbox on the road to a title. OU must prove it belongs in the SEC’s upper echelon. There’s no more room for excuses or growing pains. Year 4 must be the culmination of the rebuild.

Steps to Win the SEC:

• Stay healthy through conference play.
• Establish a top-5 defense nationally.
• Avoid costly special teams mistakes.
• Dominate time of possession in tough road games.

VIII. Make—and Win—the 12-Team Playoff

2025 introduces the 12-team playoff format. It gives Venables a little breathing room, but the ultimate goal remains: win three or four straight games against elite opponents to capture the crown.

OU must:

• Earn a top-4 seed for a first-round bye.
• Peak at the right time—November and December.
• Use depth and mental toughness to outlast elite competition.

Conclusion: The Time Is Now

Brent Venables has had three years to build, evaluate, and refine his program. He’s instilled toughness, improved recruiting, and developed young stars. But none of that matters unless Year 4 delivers the ultimate prize.

The Sooners have the talent. The schedule. The momentum. Now they need the execution.

For Venables, 2025 must be the year Oklahoma fans stop saying “We’re almost back” and start shouting “We’re champions again.”