It’s a Historically Bad Year for Oklahoma Division Football and Basketball
For the first time in recent memory, the Oklahoma Sooners’ football and basketball programs are both experiencing what can only be described as a historically bad year. Both teams, traditionally known for their success and storied histories, are facing struggles that have caught many fans and analysts by surprise. From disappointing losses on the gridiron to underwhelming performances on the hardwood, it’s clear that Oklahoma’s athletic programs are undergoing a challenging period.
In this article, we’ll dive into what has gone wrong for both the Oklahoma football and basketball teams, examine the broader impact on the state’s athletic culture, and discuss what’s next for the Sooners in both sports.
Oklahoma Football: A Rollercoaster Season
When you think of Oklahoma football, you think of high expectations, consistent success, and championship contention. Under former head coach Bob Stoops, the Sooners were perennial College Football Playoff contenders, and even after Lincoln Riley’s departure, the program’s rich tradition of excellence remained strong. However, this season has been a stark departure from that reputation.
Early Struggles and Coaching Concerns
The 2025 Oklahoma football season started with high hopes under new head coach Brent Venables, who was expected to usher in a new era of Oklahoma football after taking over for Riley. Venables, a former defensive coordinator at Oklahoma, was widely praised for his defensive acumen, but as the season progressed, his squad has struggled to live up to expectations.
The Sooners have faced a series of tough losses, especially in Big 12 play. They’ve found themselves on the wrong side of several blowouts, and even in games where they’ve kept it close, Oklahoma’s defense has looked uninspired, with major breakdowns in coverage and tackling. Offensively, the Sooners have been inconsistent, with quarterback play failing to reach the level of precision that Oklahoma’s offenses were once known for. Despite flashes of promise, the team’s inability to capitalize on key moments has resulted in several heartbreaking losses.
There have also been questions about Venables’ ability to recruit top-tier talent and develop players, especially on the defensive side of the ball, which was expected to be a strength. The combination of poor game management, lack of execution, and a failure to adjust mid-game has created an environment of frustration among players, coaches, and fans alike.
A Broader Impact on Recruiting and Culture
Oklahoma’s performance this season has undoubtedly impacted recruiting. High school prospects, once eager to join the Sooners’ powerhouse program, may now be questioning whether Oklahoma can return to the elite ranks of college football. If the Sooners can’t turn the season around and demonstrate that they’re still a contender, there’s a risk of losing momentum in recruiting efforts.
Furthermore, the program’s culture is beginning to feel the weight of these setbacks. Oklahoma fans, accustomed to competing for Big 12 titles and making regular College Football Playoff appearances, are starting to express their displeasure. Some are growing concerned about the long-term trajectory of the program under Venables, given the poor performance this season. The team’s lack of cohesion and the absence of a clear identity have many wondering if Venables can truly build the program into a championship contender once again.
Oklahoma Basketball: A Season of Frustration
While the football team’s struggles have been disappointing, the Oklahoma women’s and men’s basketball programs have also found themselves at a crossroads. Both teams have had their fair share of struggles, but the men’s basketball team, in particular, is experiencing a historically bad year.
Men’s Basketball: A Tumultuous Campaign
Oklahoma men’s basketball, once a solid contender in the Big 12, has found itself near the bottom of the conference standings. Under head coach Porter Moser, the program has not taken the expected strides forward, and instead, the team has faced a series of painful defeats. Once a team known for its strong defense, Oklahoma’s inability to execute on either side of the ball has contributed to their poor showing this season.
The Sooners have been unable to string together consistent performances. They’ve struggled with turnovers, poor shooting percentages, and defensive lapses that have allowed opponents to control the game. Despite having some talented players on the roster, such as guards like Grant Sherfield and Jalen Hill, the team has failed to gel as a unit and has consistently lost to lower-tier teams in the conference. The lack of leadership, both on the court and in the locker room, has left fans wondering when the program will return to its winning ways.
Women’s Basketball: Struggles in an Evolving Program
The Oklahoma women’s basketball team has been one of the most successful programs in the NCAA, especially in recent years, with consistent tournament appearances and conference titles. However, the 2025 season has been a disappointing one for the team, which has faced struggles in both their conference and non-conference matchups.
The Sooners have been unable to establish any offensive consistency, and their defense has left much to be desired. With standout players like Taylor Robertson and Madi Williams in the lineup, many expected the team to contend for a Big 12 title and make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament. Unfortunately, injuries, inconsistent performances, and a lack of depth have plagued the team, leaving them struggling to keep pace with other top-ranked programs.
The lack of a clear identity for this year’s team has also been a source of concern. While the Sooners have managed to pull out a few key victories, their losses have been more frequent, and many of them have been to teams they would traditionally be expected to defeat. This season has tested the coaching staff’s ability to adjust and find solutions, and the hope is that the team can turn things around in the latter part of the season.
The Broader Implications for Oklahoma Athletics
The combined struggles of Oklahoma’s football and basketball programs are indicative of a broader issue facing the state’s athletic department. For years, Oklahoma has been synonymous with excellence in college sports. However, this year, the Sooners are being forced to confront a harsh reality: both programs are in need of serious retooling and recovery.
The long-term effects of this season’s struggles could reverberate throughout the university. Oklahoma fans, known for their passionate support of the Sooners, are beginning to question their program’s direction. If the Sooners’ programs cannot bounce back quickly, they risk losing their place as one of the most respected and feared teams in college sports.
Moreover, the shifting landscape of college athletics—particularly with the expansion of the College Football Playoff and the increased competition in recruiting—puts even more pressure on the Sooners to return to form. With rival programs in the Big 12 and across the country continuing to improve, Oklahoma must recalibrate and find a way to get back to their winning ways in both football and basketball.
What’s Next for Oklahoma?
Despite the difficulties faced this season, there is hope for Oklahoma’s future. Both the football and basketball programs have talented recruits coming in, and with the right adjustments from coaching staffs, the Sooners could quickly bounce back. However, a successful turnaround will require a clear vision, strong leadership, and a commitment to player development.
For Brent Venables and Porter Moser, the coming months will be crucial. Venables must show that he can rebuild the football program into a perennial contender, while Moser needs to find a way to get his basketball team back on track. The challenges are significant, but Oklahoma has a history of overcoming adversity, and their passionate fan base is hopeful that the Sooners will soon return to their championship-contending form.