NFL Legend & Oklahoma Alum Blasts Latest Sooners’ Decision as Brent Venables’ Team Named Biggest Sleeper of 2025
As the Oklahoma Sooners face scrutiny and growing concerns over their performance in recent years, a new wave of criticism has emerged, coming from an unlikely source — a former NFL legend and Oklahoma alum. This figure, who once donned the crimson and cream of the Sooners, has openly blasted the latest decision made by the Oklahoma football program, specifically the direction the team is taking under head coach Brent Venables.
Simultaneously, the Sooners’ program has earned an unexpected distinction: Venables’ squad has been named one of the biggest sleeper teams heading into the 2025 season, despite the backlash and doubts surrounding the program. The irony of this situation — with Oklahoma being both criticized and lauded in the same breath — has sparked a wave of discussion in the college football community, particularly regarding the future of Oklahoma football as they gear up for their move to the SEC.
The Criticism from an NFL Legend & Oklahoma Alum
The criticism from the former NFL great, whose name carries weight in both Oklahoma and national football circles, centers around the decision-making process under head coach Brent Venables. The alum, speaking candidly in recent interviews, expressed frustration with the direction the team has taken over the last few seasons, highlighting issues such as inconsistent performance, questionable coaching decisions, and concerns over the team’s overall talent development.
A key point of contention for the alum is Oklahoma’s defensive struggles, an area Venables was expected to improve after his appointment as head coach. Known for his exceptional work as a defensive coordinator, particularly during his time at Clemson, Venables’ defense was expected to be a major strength for the Sooners. However, inconsistent defensive play and a lack of significant progress have drawn sharp criticism from fans and former players alike.
The Oklahoma alum also voiced his concern over what he perceives as a lack of leadership and accountability in the locker room, particularly following the departure of former head coach Lincoln Riley. While Riley’s offensive prowess had made the Sooners a regular fixture in the College Football Playoff conversation, the defense remained an Achilles’ heel. Venables’ arrival was seen as the answer to fixing that, but the defense has struggled to find an identity in his first two seasons.
Brent Venables’ Sooners Named Biggest Sleeper of 2025
Despite the criticism, Oklahoma is still viewed by many as one of the biggest sleeper teams heading into the 2025 season. The Sooners have been named by several analysts as a program that could surprise the college football world next year, especially as they prepare for the competitive challenges of the SEC.
What makes this designation particularly interesting is the juxtaposition of expectations: the Sooners are being doubted for their ability to make a splash under Venables, yet at the same time, there is optimism about their potential. This “sleeper” label comes with a sense of intrigue — Oklahoma has the talent, the resources, and the tradition to make a resurgence, but the program’s recent issues have caused uncertainty.
Many analysts cite the transfer portal and the recruiting class as reasons to believe that Oklahoma could still make a dramatic leap forward. Venables has had success in landing talent, and while the program’s recruiting efforts have faltered slightly compared to its past dominance, there’s still a core of players with the potential to turn things around.
The Sooners will also have an opportunity to recalibrate with their new conference, the SEC, which many believe will level the playing field for all teams. Despite the struggles of the past few seasons, Oklahoma’s traditional brand of football — with a high-powered offense and revamped defense — could emerge as a competitive force in their new environment.
The Road Ahead for Brent Venables and Oklahoma
Looking toward 2025, the Sooners face a pivotal moment in their program’s history. The dual narrative of being criticized for their recent struggles and praised as a sleeper team for 2025 creates a sense of tension within the fanbase. While some believe Oklahoma is headed in the wrong direction, others maintain hope that the team can rebound and return to national relevance.
Venables, now heading into his third season as head coach, faces perhaps the most important year of his tenure. With a year of experience under his belt, and having had a chance to recruit players more fitting for his defensive system, he will need to show marked improvement. If he can stabilize the defense, maintain the offensive prowess that Oklahoma is known for, and manage a smooth transition into the SEC, the Sooners could surprise many.
However, with growing pressure from fans and former players, Venables also knows that the road ahead is fraught with challenges. The weight of historical expectations will be difficult to shake, especially with the program’s recent struggles on the field.
A Crucial Year for the Sooners
As Oklahoma heads toward 2025, the pressure is mounting for Brent Venables and his staff to prove that they can restore the Sooners’ former glory. The NFL legend and Oklahoma alum’s criticism reflects the growing impatience among former players, fans, and analysts who want to see the program return to its elite status.
However, despite the backlash, the Sooners remain one of the most intriguing teams heading into 2025. If they can solve their defensive woes and harness their talent effectively, Oklahoma could very well fulfill its sleeper status and re-enter the national conversation.
For Oklahoma, the path forward is clear: address their deficiencies, improve their consistency, and prepare for the challenge of SEC competition. Whether they can turn the tide and prove their doubters wrong will be one of the biggest storylines of the 2025 season. With Brent Venables at the helm, all eyes will be on the Sooners to see if they can live up to the sleeper hype and return to national prominence.
