Oklahoma Sooners Send Disappointing Number of NFL Draft Prospects to 2025 NFL Scouting Combine
The Oklahoma Sooners, historically known as one of the most prestigious football programs in the country, have had a bit of a rough patch when it comes to the NFL Draft in recent years. As one of the most storied schools in college football, the Sooners have a tradition of producing high-caliber NFL prospects who dominate the professional league. However, when it comes to the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine, the program has seen a noticeable drop in the number of players eligible for the event.
In recent years, the Sooners have sent an impressive number of players to the Combine, but the numbers heading into 2025 tell a different story. The University of Oklahoma’s football team will only have a handful of players representing them at the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine, a stark contrast to the days when multiple Sooners regularly showcased their talent on one of the biggest stages in football. So what went wrong? And how does this affect the program’s future in terms of recruiting, development, and overall national standing?
The State of Oklahoma Football in 2025
First, it’s important to examine the context surrounding the Oklahoma Sooners football program in the lead-up to the 2025 NFL Draft. The team, once known for being a powerhouse in college football, has faced some challenges in recent seasons. After the departure of head coach Lincoln Riley in 2021, the Sooners have been adjusting to a new era under the leadership of Brent Venables. The transition has been rocky at times, with ups and downs that have left fans and analysts alike wondering whether the program can return to its former glory.
Venables, who was hired to bring a new level of toughness and discipline to the defense, has been focused on rebuilding the Sooners into a competitive program. His approach has undoubtedly altered the team’s trajectory, but the results have been mixed. While Oklahoma has remained competitive in the Big 12, it hasn’t been the juggernaut it once was. The lack of consistent success in recruiting top-tier talent—especially at key positions—has been felt in the early years of Venables’ tenure.
NFL Draft Prospects from Oklahoma: A Diminished Pool
One of the most noticeable effects of this shift in program direction is the diminishing number of Oklahoma players entering the NFL Draft. It’s not that Oklahoma hasn’t produced talented players; in fact, the Sooners have seen individual stars rise to national prominence. But looking at the 2025 class, it is clear that fewer players from Oklahoma are being highly touted for the NFL Combine compared to previous years.
Several factors contribute to this issue. The biggest one, perhaps, is the state of the program under Venables. The Sooners have been somewhat inconsistent in their performance, and although they have put up strong individual performances, they have not been able to field a team that can send an overwhelming number of players to the NFL. Historically, Oklahoma has sent multiple players to the Scouting Combine, with a well-established pipeline to the NFL. However, the lack of a dominant season and the changing dynamics of college football, including the shift to the SEC, have thrown a wrench into that pipeline.
Key Draft Prospects from Oklahoma in 2025
While the 2025 NFL Draft class is certainly not devoid of talent from Oklahoma, the numbers are low compared to past years. The Sooners have only a handful of players expected to be at the Combine, with a few standouts likely to make noise. Here’s a closer look at some of the players who will represent Oklahoma in Indianapolis this year.
1. Eric Gray – Running Back
Eric Gray, the Sooners’ standout running back, is one of the top prospects heading into the 2025 NFL Draft. A transfer from Tennessee, Gray quickly became one of the most reliable and explosive players in the Sooners’ offense. Known for his speed, vision, and ability to break tackles, Gray’s performance during the 2024 season put him on the NFL radar. Despite the limited number of Sooners headed to the Combine, Gray stands out as one of the top backs in his class, and his versatility could make him a valuable asset in the NFL.
2. Anton Harrison – Offensive Tackle
Anton Harrison, an offensive lineman for the Sooners, has the tools to be one of the most coveted players in the 2025 draft class. A strong, athletic tackle with great size and blocking ability, Harrison has drawn attention from NFL scouts. Though his career at Oklahoma has been solid, he is one of the few players representing the school at the Scouting Combine, making his performance all the more crucial. Harrison’s draft prospects will depend largely on his ability to prove himself as an elite tackle at the Combine, especially given the competition in a deep offensive line class.
3. Jalen Redmond – Defensive Tackle
Jalen Redmond’s defensive prowess has been a bright spot for Oklahoma, and he is another player making the jump to the NFL. A formidable force on the defensive line, Redmond’s motor and ability to disrupt plays have earned him attention from NFL scouts. As a player whose stock has risen steadily in recent seasons, he has the chance to impress at the Combine. His performance in drills will go a long way toward solidifying his position in the 2025 draft class.
4. Marvin Mims – Wide Receiver
Marvin Mims may not be a consensus first-round pick, but the wide receiver’s playmaking ability and skill set have made him a player to watch in 2025. Mims has shown flashes of brilliance at Oklahoma, catching passes from multiple quarterbacks and becoming a primary target in the Sooners’ passing game. His speed and ability to make plays after the catch will be key talking points for scouts as he heads into the Combine. He will need to show his consistency and improve his route-running in order to secure his spot in the draft’s early rounds.
The Fallout of a Lackluster Combine Performance
The fact that fewer Oklahoma players are projected to be present at the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine raises questions about the future of the program. Historically, the Combine has been a stage where Oklahoma players have made their mark, using their skills to elevate their stock for the NFL Draft. A strong showing at the Combine can be the difference between being a first-round pick or falling to later rounds. But with only a few players expected to make the trip this year, the Sooners’ ability to develop players into NFL-ready talent will be under scrutiny.
It’s important to note that the NFL Combine isn’t just about talent; it’s about showcasing that talent on a national stage. And with a diminished presence at the Combine, Oklahoma may find it more difficult to attract top-tier recruits in the coming years. High school players are naturally drawn to programs that regularly send players to the NFL, and while Oklahoma has an established legacy, the lack of recent success at the Combine could hurt recruiting efforts.
What This Means for Recruiting and Program Development
In a world where the landscape of college football is constantly changing, particularly with the Sooners’ upcoming move to the Southeastern Conference (SEC), the ability to recruit and develop talent is more important than ever. Oklahoma’s diminished presence at the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine could serve as a wake-up call for the program’s coaching staff and athletic department. If the Sooners are to remain competitive on the national stage, they need to address the disconnect between their recruiting efforts, player development, and overall team performance.
The shift to the SEC, with its stronger competition and recruiting advantages, will test Oklahoma’s ability to continue producing elite NFL talent. While a move to a new conference can reinvigorate a program, it can also place additional pressure on the coaching staff to perform at a high level. Recruiting elite athletes who can eventually make it to the NFL will be one of the most significant challenges for Oklahoma in the coming years.
Venables’ Task: Restoring the Pipeline to the NFL
Head coach Brent Venables is keenly aware of the challenges ahead. While he has made strides in reshaping the defense and changing the culture at Oklahoma, he will need to ensure that the Sooners’ recruiting efforts are sustained and improved in the coming years. This will require a clear focus on identifying, developing, and retaining top-tier talent, particularly at positions that have been the hallmark of Oklahoma’s success over the years.
As the program transitions into a new era, Venables and his staff must address the disconnect between on-field success and the program’s ability to send players to the NFL. Without a strong presence at the 2025 Combine, Oklahoma risks losing its status as a go-to destination for elite high school prospects, especially with other powerhouses like Alabama, Georgia, and Ohio State continuing to dominate the recruiting landscape.
Looking Ahead: Will the Sooners Regain Their Status?
The question remains: Can Oklahoma reclaim its place among the elite programs producing top-tier NFL prospects? The 2025 NFL Scouting Combine is just one part of a larger puzzle that will