The 2024 college football season is now behind us, and teams are gearing up for what 2025 has in store. Teams across the country have completed their spring practices and are finalizing their transfer portal classes to enhance their rosters.
The transfer portal has become a crucial tool for programs seeking to change their trajectory. It provides the opportunity to address weaknesses in their rosters by bringing in experienced players rather than relying solely on high school recruits.
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One team aiming to bounce back from a disappointing 6-7 season is the Oklahoma Sooners. Last year marked their second 6-7 record in three seasons under head coach Brent Venables, a season that hadn’t occurred at Oklahoma since the 1998 season.
Oklahoma Sooners head coach Brent Venables.© Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images
Despite a challenging season, Oklahoma is optimistic about improving its situation through the transfer portal. The Sooners have secured the No. 12-ranked transfer class and brought in some standout players. Notably, they added former Washington State quarterback John Mateer, ranked as the second-best player in the portal, and former California running back Jaydn Ott, recognized as the third-best running back.
These players, along with transfer receivers JaVonnie Gibson, who recorded 1,215 yards and nine touchdowns at Arkansas Pine Bluff (though he suffered an offseason injury), and Jer’Michael Carter, who had 537 yards and three touchdowns at McNeese, are expected to revitalize an offense that struggled significantly last season.
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On “The Paul Finebaum Show,” an SEC Network analyst expressed high hopes for Oklahoma’s prospects in 2025.
“I think the people in Norman are in for a great season,” Finebaum said. “I’m very high on what Coach Venables has done.”
The Sooners finished the previous season ranked No. 113 in total offense, No. 119 in passing offense, No. 76 in rushing offense and No. 97 in scoring offense. As a result of this poor performance, offensive coordinator Seth Littrell was fired midseason and subsequently replaced by Ben Arbuckle, the former offensive coordinator from Washington State.
Jackson Arnold led the team in passing, throwing for 1,421 yards, 12 touchdowns and three interceptions. Jovantae Barnes was the leading rusher, finishing with 577 yards and five touchdowns. The players replacing them had impressive previous seasons. Mateer threw for 3,139 yards, 29 touchdowns and seven interceptions while also rushing for 826 yards and 15 touchdowns last season. Although Ott faced an injury-plagued 2024 season, he had a strong 2023, rushing for 1,315 yards and 12 touchdowns.
With these new additions to the roster and coaching staff, Finebaum is feeling optimistic about the Sooners and Venables as they enter a critical season.
Related: Paul Finebaum Names Major College Football Program Entering ‘Critical Year’
