Oklahoma Sooners 2025 Season Preview: A Return to Relevancy
The Oklahoma Sooners enter the 2025 season as a top-20 team — and for good reason. Last year’s offensive numbers were dismal, but they came with major caveats. A season plagued by injuries, particularly at quarterback and within the receiving corps, derailed the offensive rhythm from the start. The Sooners finished a shocking 113th in total offense and 119th in passing yards, numbers unrecognizable for a program with such a rich offensive history. But as the new season dawns, things are looking drastically different in Norman.
The Sooners’ defense was solid in 2024, often carrying the team while the offense sputtered. If that unit returns to form and receives proper support from the offensive side of the ball, Oklahoma could quickly reestablish itself as a contender in the SEC.
Offensively, the upgrades are significant. Quarterback John Mateer transfers in from Washington State, where he led a potent Cougar attack. Mateer completed 64.6% of his passes for 3,139 yards, 29 touchdowns, and just seven interceptions. He also showcased his dual-threat ability, rushing for 826 yards and 15 touchdowns. Now surrounded by even more talent in Norman, Mateer has the tools to lead one of the SEC’s most explosive offenses.
Another critical addition is running back Jaydn Ott, who transfers from Cal. Despite playing on a struggling team last year and being limited to 607 total yards, Ott has racked up an impressive 3,460 all-purpose yards over his three-year college career. With better blocking and more weapons around him, he could be one of the most productive backs in the conference.
The offensive line was a glaring weakness in 2024, surrendering 50 sacks — the most in the nation. Injuries and lack of continuity across the line played a major role in that. However, with another year in the system, improved health, and added depth, this unit should take a big step forward. One under-the-radar addition is tackle Derek Simmons from Western Carolina, who brings toughness and versatility.
Oklahoma also gets key weapons back in the passing game. Jayden Gibson, who averaged an eye-popping 27 yards per catch in 2023, is fully healthy. So is Deion Burks, another dynamic playmaker who missed last season due to injury. The Sooners also added Javonnie Gibson from Arkansas-Pine Bluff, a speedy deep threat currently recovering from an offseason injury but expected to contribute by midseason.
On the defensive side, head coach Brent Venables has methodically built a unit that can compete in the trenches. Edge rusher R. Mason Thomas returns after a breakout year with 9.5 sacks, and he’ll be joined by the immensely talented Adepoju Adebawore. The defensive line got valuable reps from young players last year, including Jayden Jackson and David Stone, while 320-pound nose tackle Damonic Williams will continue to clog the middle. The defensive backfield will benefit from improved pressure up front, making this defense stronger across all levels.
With a bolstered offense and an experienced, physical defense, the Sooners could be one of the more dangerous teams in the SEC. They’ll face an early test in Week 2 when Michigan comes to Norman. After that, the schedule is manageable leading into their annual rivalry clash with Texas on October 11. Crucially, Oklahoma avoids Georgia and LSU in the regular season but will face back-to-back road games at Alabama and Tennessee in November — a stretch that could define their season.
If Oklahoma can stay healthy and play to its potential, this could be the year the Sooners return to national relevance. Loaded with talent, depth, and motivation, they’re ready to make serious noise in the SEC and beyond.