USA TODAY Sports has placed Oklahoma head coach Brent Venables on its official hot seat list heading into the 2025 college football season. After a rocky start to his tenure and rising expectations in the Big 12 and beyond, Venables faces increased scrutiny as fans and analysts alike question his long-term future with the Sooners.
In this exclusive breakdown, we explore the top five reasons why USA TODAY Sports believes Venables may be coaching for his job this season and what it could mean for Oklahoma’s football program moving forward.
1. Inconsistent Win-Loss Record Since Taking Over
When Brent Venables took over the Sooners in 2022, many expected a quick return to dominance. However, the results have been far from consistent. Oklahoma finished with an underwhelming 6–7 record in 2022, followed by a slightly improved but still disappointing 8–5 record in 2023. The 2024 season ended at 9-4, which was not enough to satisfy a fan base accustomed to national title contention.
USA TODAY Sports analysts have pointed to this inconsistency as a red flag. Despite improvements on defense Venables’ specialty the team has failed to make a serious impact in postseason games or crack the College Football Playoff conversation.
2. Quarterback Development Has Stalled
Another key criticism in the USA TODAY Sports report focuses on quarterback development. While Oklahoma has historically been known for producing elite quarterbacks think Baker Mayfield, Kyler Murray, and Jalen Hurts Venables’ staff has struggled to find or develop the next star signal-caller.
Recent recruits have shown flashes of talent, but none have broken out as game-changers. The offensive schemes have often looked uncreative or out of sync, raising questions about whether Venables has assembled the right offensive staff to complement his defensive background.
3. Big 12 Competition Is Heating Up
The Big 12 is no longer a cakewalk. Programs like Kansas State, Texas Tech, and UCF have improved significantly, and the arrival of powerhouse schools like Houston and Cincinnati has added even more depth. The Sooners, once a dominant force in the conference, now find themselves fighting for position instead of leading the pack.
USA TODAY Sports notes that failing to consistently beat top conference opponents puts Venables at a strategic disadvantage. With Texas also showing renewed strength, Oklahoma’s path to a championship game is tougher than ever.
4. Recruiting Has Plateaued
Despite Oklahoma’s national reputation, recruiting under Venables has hit a plateau. The Sooners have landed a few four- and five-star recruits in each cycle, but they’ve lost key battles to SEC powerhouses like Alabama, Georgia, and LSU. Even regional rivals like Texas and Texas A&M have outperformed the Sooners on the recruiting trail in some key positions.
USA TODAY Sports suggests that if Oklahoma wants to return to being a perennial national title contender, it must dominate in recruiting. Right now, the trajectory shows stagnation, not elevation.
5. Pressure from Administration and Fan Base
Perhaps the biggest reason Venables is on the hot seat is growing pressure from both the Oklahoma athletic department and a highly passionate fan base. In Norman, football success is expected not hoped for. While Venables remains a respected figure due to his long history with the program and defensive expertise, patience is wearing thin.
USA TODAY Sports insiders report that while no immediate decision is expected, a poor 2025 season could prompt serious discussions about leadership changes. If Oklahoma fails to reach at least 10 wins or compete in a major bowl game, Venables’ future will be in serious doubt.
What Brent Venables Needs to Do in 2025
For Venables to change the narrative, he must deliver results and quickly. That includes:
- Winning rivalry games (especially the Red River Showdown against Texas)
- Securing a spot in the Big 12 Championship Game
- Showing growth in offensive efficiency
- Landing key recruits in the 2026 class
- Improving the team’s national ranking
If these benchmarks are met, Venables can still write a redemption story and reestablish Oklahoma’s place among the elite programs.
Looking Ahead: A Make-or-Break Season
The 2025 season is shaping up to be the most important year in Brent Venables’ head coaching career. With increased expectations, rising competition, and national media scrutiny led by USA TODAY Sports, the spotlight is firmly on Norman.
Oklahoma’s schedule includes tough matchups against Texas, Kansas State, and an early non-conference game against Michigan any of which could set the tone for Venables’ future.
Final Thoughts
USA TODAY Sports placing Brent Venables on the hot seat isn’t just a headline it’s a warning. In today’s high-pressure world of college football, even legacy programs like Oklahoma expect more than “good enough.” With the tools, talent, and tradition at his disposal, 2025 will test Venables like never before.
Only time will tell if he rises to the occasion or becomes another name in the long list of talented coaches who couldn’t meet expectations.
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