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Oklahoma Sooners Aim for Redemption in Loaded SEC
20 Aug
Summary
- Oklahoma Sooners ranked No. 11 in preseason poll
- Brent Venables builds strong defense, new OC boosts offense
- SEC stacked with playoff contenders, Georgia Bulldogs favored

As the 2025 college football season approaches, the Oklahoma Sooners are generating significant buzz after a disappointing 2024 season. Despite their struggles last year, the Sooners have been one of the most talked-about teams this offseason, with high expectations for a bounce-back year under head coach Brent Venables.
The Sooners have been ranked No. 11 in the USA TODAY Sports preseason 1-136 rankings, a significant improvement from their standing in the US LBM Coaches Poll and AP Top 25. Venables has built a defense that is trending toward being one of the 10 best in the country, and the addition of offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle and quarterback John Mateer has reignited confidence in the Sooners' offense.
However, the Sooners will face a daunting challenge in the SEC, a conference stacked with teams that could make a run at the College Football Playoff. The Georgia Bulldogs, led by quarterback Gunnar Stockton, are the favorites to win the SEC and contend for a national championship. Kirby Smart's squad has won back-to-back SEC titles and is expected to continue its dominance, despite some pundits predicting a slight dip in their win total.
The SEC is loaded with other potential playoff contenders, including the Texas Longhorns, Alabama Crimson Tide, and LSU Tigers. The Sooners will have their work cut out for them as they look to navigate the treacherous conference schedule and prove they are ready to compete at the highest level.