**Joel Klatt on Oklahoma Sooners’ 2025 College Football Playoff Hopes: “I Can’t, in Good Conscience, Pick Them”**
The Oklahoma Sooners have long been one of college football’s most storied programs, boasting a rich history of success, legendary coaches, and elite players. However, as they transition into the gauntlet of the Southeastern Conference (SEC) in 2024, skepticism surrounds their ability to immediately compete for a national championship. Fox Sports analyst Joel Klatt recently weighed in on the Sooners’ 2025 College Football Playoff (CFP) chances, stating, *“I can’t, in good conscience, pick them.”* His comments have sparked debate among fans and analysts alike—does Oklahoma have a legitimate shot at the playoff, or are they destined for a rude awakening in their new conference?
### **The SEC Transition: A Monumental Challenge**
Oklahoma’s move to the SEC marks one of the most significant conference realignments in recent college football history. While the Sooners dominated the Big 12 for years, winning 14 conference titles since 2000, the SEC presents an entirely different beast. The week-to-week grind of facing Alabama, Georgia, LSU, Texas, and other powerhouse programs is a far cry from the Big 12’s more offense-heavy, defensively inconsistent reputation.
Klatt’s hesitation to pick Oklahoma stems from this brutal schedule. Unlike in the Big 12, where the Sooners could often outscore opponents with high-octane offenses, SEC defenses are faster, more physical, and better equipped to neutralize explosive attacks. Additionally, SEC teams typically boast deeper rosters, meaning Oklahoma can no longer rely on overwhelming lesser opponents with sheer talent alone.
### **Quarterback Uncertainty**
One of the biggest question marks for Oklahoma in 2025 will be the quarterback position. Dillon Gabriel, who transferred from UCF and had a solid 2023 season, is no longer with the program. The Sooners’ hopes may rest on Jackson Arnold, a highly touted recruit who showed flashes of brilliance but also inconsistency in limited action.
Klatt has emphasized that quarterback play is the single most important factor in college football success, especially in the SEC. If Arnold (or another QB) fails to rise to the occasion, Oklahoma could struggle against elite defenses. For comparison, Texas’ Quinn Ewers had to go through growing pains before leading the Longhorns to the CFP in 2023—will Arnold have the same trajectory, or will the learning curve be too steep?
### **Defensive Improvements Needed**
While Oklahoma’s offense has historically carried the team, their defense has often been their Achilles’ heel in big games. Under Brent Venables, a renowned defensive mind, the Sooners have shown signs of improvement. However, Klatt’s skepticism likely stems from whether that defense can hold up against the SEC’s best.
In 2023, Oklahoma’s defense was solid but not elite, ranking in the top 30 nationally. To compete for a playoff spot in the SEC, they’ll need a top-15 unit at minimum. Venables has recruited well, but developing those players into SEC-ready defenders is another challenge entirely. If the defense takes a step forward, Oklahoma could surprise people—if not, they may find themselves on the wrong end of multiple blowouts.
### **The Recruiting Factor**
Recruiting is the lifeblood of any elite program, and Oklahoma has been strong in this department. However, the SEC is a different animal. Georgia, Alabama, and LSU consistently pull in top-three recruiting classes, and Texas has re-emerged as a powerhouse under Steve Sarkisian.
Klatt’s concerns may also revolve around whether Oklahoma can consistently land the type of elite defensive linemen and linebackers needed to compete in the SEC. The Sooners have done well in skill positions, but the trenches are where SEC games are won and lost. If they can’t close the gap in recruiting, they may find themselves outmatched physically in key matchups.
### **The Schedule: A Gauntlet of Contenders**
Looking ahead to 2025, Oklahoma’s schedule will likely feature games against Alabama, LSU, Texas, Tennessee, and Missouri, among others. Even if the Sooners are improved, going 11-1 or 12-0 in that stretch is a tall order.
Klatt’s stance likely considers that even a two-loss SEC team might struggle to make the playoff, depending on how other conferences shake out. Oklahoma’s margin for error will be razor-thin, and a single slip-up could derail their CFP hopes.
### **Klatt’s Verdict: Fair or Too Pessimistic?**
While Klatt’s take may seem harsh to Sooners fans, it’s rooted in realism. The SEC is the toughest conference in college football, and Oklahoma is still adjusting. However, there are reasons for optimism:
– **Brent Venables’ Leadership:** A proven defensive coach, Venables knows what it takes to win at the highest level.
– **Jackson Arnold’s Potential:** If he develops into a star, Oklahoma’s offense could be explosive.
– **SEC Newcomer Upset Potential:** Sometimes, new teams play with a chip on their shoulder (see: Texas in 2023).
Still, Klatt’s point stands—until Oklahoma proves it can handle the SEC week in and week out, picking them as a playoff team is a gamble.
### **Final Thoughts**
Joel Klatt’s reluctance to include Oklahoma in his 2025 CFP predictions is understandable. The Sooners face a brutal schedule, quarterback uncertainty, and the need for defensive improvement. However, if everything clicks—Arnold shines, the defense takes a leap, and Venables outcoaches expectations—Oklahoma could defy the odds.
For now, though, Klatt’s stance reflects the broader skepticism surrounding Oklahoma’s immediate playoff viability in the SEC. The Sooners have the talent and coaching to compete, but the road to the CFP in 2025 will be tougher than ever. Until they prove otherwise, Klatt’s hesitation is justified.
*Do you agree with Joel Klatt’s assessment, or do you believe Oklahoma will shock the SEC in 2025?*
