Brent Venables enters his fourth fall camp at Oklahoma facing more pressure—and more opportunity—than at any point in his head coaching career. After three seasons of turbulence, quarterback turnover, and growing pains adjusting to the SEC, 2025 could finally be the year the Sooners make the leap back into national relevance. But if that leap is going to happen, it starts now.
With fall camp opening Thursday, this isn’t just another preseason for Oklahoma. It’s the preseason.
The Sooners need to answer three massive questions—at wide receiver, offensive tackle, and cheetah linebacker—that could determine whether Venables finally turns the corner or continues to tread water in a brutal SEC. And unlike past years, simply naming starters won’t be enough. Oklahoma needs stars to emerge. They need All-SEC-caliber production in these battles. If that happens, there’s a playoff push in the making. If not, we could be looking at another eight- or nine-win season that leaves more questions than answers.
Let’s dive into the three biggest storylines that will define this camp—and perhaps the entire season.
1. Wide Receiver: Can Anyone Rise with Burks?
If the Sooners are going to make noise in the SEC, they must get more than just a healthy Deion Burks. They need explosive, dependable weapons at wide receiver who can stretch defenses, separate on third down, and create big plays after the catch. In 2024, they had none of that. The passing game was lifeless—low on confidence, low on depth, and low on production.
Burks is WR1, no question. But durability is still a concern. OU can’t build a system on a hope that one player stays upright for 12 games. The good news? Wideouts coach Emmett Jones hit the transfer portal hard, bringing in an eclectic group of potential contributors: Isaiah Sategna from Arkansas, Josiah Martin from Cal, Javonnie Gibson from Arkansas-Pine Bluff, Keontez Lewis from Southern Illinois, and Jer’Michael Carter from McNeese State.
It’s a quantity-over-quality gamble—one that may just work.
If one or two of those guys can establish timing with new quarterback John Mateer, Oklahoma’s offense becomes infinitely more dangerous. And yes, Mateer is the X-factor. With 44 total touchdowns last year at Washington State and a natural leadership aura that’s already drawn comparisons to Baker Mayfield, he might be the best thing to happen to this position group. Whoever earns his trust in August could be in line for 60+ catches.
Still, it’s hard to ignore how murky this competition is. Sophomores Zion Kearney, Ivan Carreon, and Zion Ragins didn’t flash much last year. Freshmen Elijah Thomas and Manny Choice created some spring buzz, but betting on true freshmen in the SEC is a risky proposition.
And then there’s Jayden Gibson—the towering former blue-chip recruit who continues to battle injuries and setbacks. Venables all but ruled him out for August. It’s hard to believe he’ll be a factor at all.
In short, Oklahoma has a deep group of maybes—and no proven No. 2. The sooner that changes, the better for Mateer and the entire offense.
2. Offensive Tackle: From Disaster to Respectability?
It’s no secret that Oklahoma’s offensive line was historically bad in 2024. They gave up 50 sacks—the most in school history and the worst mark in all of FBS. They were 133rd in tackles for loss allowed. For a team trying to break in new quarterbacks and find an identity post-Dillon Gabriel, that’s simply unacceptable.
But Venables and OL coach Bill Bedenbaugh didn’t panic. They retooled the tackle spots with intent—and fall camp will be the proving ground for what’s expected to be a drastically improved group.
At right tackle, the battle between senior Jake Taylor and FCS transfer Derek Simmons looms large. Taylor started last year but struggled with injuries. Simmons brings over 1,500 career snaps from Western Carolina and Abilene Christian, but he’s never seen a Georgia or Alabama defensive front.
Could a young star like Isaiah Dent or five-star freshman Michael Fasusi break through? Possibly. But relying on true freshmen to protect your Heisman-hopeful quarterback is a last resort.
On the left side, things are more stable—but not settled. Jacob Sexton is the presumed starter after logging over 500 snaps last year, but he too has battled injuries. Logan Howland, a third-year sophomore, stepped in late last year and was arguably the best tackle on the team down the stretch. He allowed just one sack in 270 pass-blocking snaps and showed real poise.
So now the question becomes: Is Sexton fully healthy? Can he hold off Howland? Or will Howland earn the job outright and force Sexton to compete elsewhere on the line?
Whatever happens, Mateer must be protected. This is no longer about building depth or managing expectations. Oklahoma must keep its quarterback upright—or it risks wasting what could be one of the best QB seasons in school history.
3. Cheetah Linebacker: Daniels, Omosigho, or Dolby?
Venables’ defense runs through the cheetah position—a hybrid linebacker/safety role that demands speed, strength, and intelligence. And in 2025, it’s once again the most complicated and competitive spot on the depth chart.
The Sooners have three fascinating options:
- Kendal Daniels, the Oklahoma State transfer, is a 6-5, 240-pound physical marvel with over 2,300 career snaps across linebacker, edge, and safety. If he picks up Venables’ system quickly, he could be an All-SEC disruptor.
- Sammy Omosigho, who played the most at cheetah last year, is the “safe” choice. He’s smart, physical, and well-versed in the defense. But is his ceiling high enough to win the job in camp?
- Kendel Dolby, the former JUCO All-American corner, started last season at cheetah before suffering a season-ending ankle injury. He’ll now see snaps at both cheetah and cornerback, according to Venables, due to a depth concern at corner. But can he be fully healthy and reliable enough to claim the cheetah job again?
Don’t sleep on Reggie Powers and Michael Boganowski, either. Both are young and raw, but Venables sees long-term upside. Still, for Week 2 against Michigan, experience is paramount. Expect Daniels and Omosigho to lead early—perhaps with Dolby carving out a situational role by midseason.
Why This Camp Matters More Than Most
There’s optimism in Norman, and for good reason. Mateer might be the most talented and poised quarterback Oklahoma has had since Kyler Murray. The defense is deeper. The offensive line is improved. And the program no longer feels like it’s playing catch-up in the SEC.
But the foundation has to be laid over the next four weeks. If Oklahoma can find answers at wide receiver, solidify its tackles, and pick a playmaker at cheetah, this could be the year they take the leap. If not, it’ll be another year of “almost.”
Venables has built depth. Now, it’s time to build greatness.
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