On Wednesday, the Oklahoma Sooners took their turn under the spotlight at SEC Media Days, sending head coach Brent Venables, quarterback John Mateer, defensive lineman R Mason Thomas, and defensive back Robert Spears-Jennings to represent a program in search of redemption and resurgence.
Following a disappointing 6–7 campaign in 2024 — Oklahoma’s first year as an SEC member — Venables enters his fourth season in Norman with both pressure and opportunity mounting. The Sooners’ 2024 season marked the second time in three years they’ve finished under .500 under his leadership. Still, Venables believes the Sooners are poised to claw their way back into national relevance in 2025.
“I believe they have what it takes to claw our way back to where I believe Oklahoma belongs,” Venables said during his opening remarks. “The expectations here and in the locker room are to win at the very highest level and to compete for a championship. That’s always been the way it is here at the University of Oklahoma, and we embrace those standards and expectations of excellence.”
A Program Rebuilding from the Ground Up
Venables made clear that the rebuild in Norman hasn’t been easy. From overhauling the roster to redefining culture and toughness, the Sooners have faced a steep learning curve since leaving the Big 12. The defensive-minded coach emphasized that progress hasn’t just come from personnel upgrades, but from foundational shifts in mindset and preparation.
“We had a lot of guys that were scarred up, that didn’t know how to play and prepare the right way,” Venables admitted. “That’s not a knock — it’s just a fact. Confidence had to be rebuilt. You nurture that, develop that, and you have to recruit that. You chase excellence every single day. It’s a grind. But I love that. I love building things to last.”
For the first time since taking over in late 2021, Venables now has a core of defensive players who have been with him for the full ride — four years in the system. Six defensive players fit that description this fall, and he expects that familiarity to begin translating to consistency on Saturdays.
John Mateer Brings Hope, Firepower to the Offense
While the defense continues its slow but steady ascent, the biggest reason for optimism in Norman may be redshirt junior quarterback John Mateer.
Mateer arrives at Oklahoma via Washington State, where he burst onto the national scene in 2024 after replacing Cam Ward, who transferred to Miami. Mateer tied for the national lead with 44 total touchdowns last season, throwing for 3,139 yards and 29 touchdowns while rushing for another 826 yards and 15 scores.
His combination of production, mobility, and poise has already drawn comparisons to former Sooner legend Baker Mayfield.
“It’s an honor to be compared to him,” Mateer said when asked about the Mayfield buzz. “Everybody here loves Baker, and rightfully so. But I’m not trying to be exactly like him. I’m just focused on being the best version of myself and helping this team win.”
One of the major reasons Mateer landed in Norman was familiarity. Oklahoma’s new offensive coordinator, Ben Arbuckle, coached Mateer at Washington State. That continuity has paid dividends, particularly during spring camp.
“I didn’t have to learn a whole new offense,” Mateer explained. “That gave me time to focus on building relationships in the locker room. Leadership is about trust, and you can’t lead people who don’t know you. That was my focus — to earn their respect through my actions.”
Venables praised Mateer as a “connector” and a “gamer,” someone who brings a presence that uplifts the entire team.
“He plays like he’s in fast forward,” Venables said. “He’s incredibly competitive, very self-aware, and knows how to make others better. We’re lucky to have him.”
New Faces and New Energy
While Mateer garners headlines, the Sooners are also excited about rising talent on both sides of the ball. One player who drew specific praise from Venables was redshirt freshman defensive end Danny Okoye.
Okoye didn’t record a tackle in his two appearances last season, but Venables said the 6-foot-3, 251-pound former four-star recruit might be the best pound-for-pound athlete on the team. He expects Okoye to play a significant role this fall.
On the back end, senior safety Robert Spears-Jennings is stepping into a larger leadership role. After losing key contributors to graduation and the NFL, the veteran defender knows communication and trust will be critical this fall.
“A quiet defense is a dead defense,” Spears-Jennings said. “We’ve really emphasized communication this year. Coach Venables and Coach Hall have challenged me to be more vocal, and I’ve tried to lead by example and voice.”
Senior edge rusher R Mason Thomas, who had a breakout season in 2024, said the defense is motivated by last year’s shortcomings.
“It’s not pressure — it’s a standard,” Thomas said. “We know what Oklahoma football is supposed to look like. It’s on us to live up to that, and I think we’ve taken big steps this offseason.”
He also highlighted personal growth, saying he added weight and improved his run defense in the offseason. The goal is to be a complete player, not just a pass rusher.
The Road Ahead
Oklahoma enters its second season in the SEC with a schedule that features Alabama, LSU, Missouri, and Tennessee. The league is as unforgiving as ever, but there’s belief within the program that this team is better equipped to handle the gauntlet.
For Venables, the challenges of the past three seasons have laid the foundation for something more sustainable. He’s not interested in quick fixes — he’s building for the long haul.
“The culture, the work ethic, the intensity — it’s all starting to click,” he said. “We’re not where we want to be yet, but we’re headed in the right direction. And I’m incredibly proud of the work our players and coaches have put in.”
The Sooners may have stumbled out of the gate in their SEC debut, but with a quarterback who’s already drawn national praise, a defense stocked with developing talent, and a coaching staff unified behind a clear vision, Oklahoma could be primed to reassert itself as one of college football’s powerhouses.
And as Venables made clear in Atlanta — the expectations haven’t changed. Only now, the Sooners plan to meet them head-on.
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