From Struggle to Strength: Greg McElroy Backs OU’s Defensive Surge Under Brent Venables as Sooners Eye Redemption in 2025
Norman, Oklahoma — After a season of disappointment in 2024, the Oklahoma Sooners are gearing up for redemption — and according to former Alabama quarterback and ESPN analyst Greg McElroy, they may have the right ingredients to pull it off, starting with a defense he believes ranks among the top 10 in college football.
On his podcast Always College Football, McElroy ranked Oklahoma’s defense No. 7 in the nation heading into the 2025 season. The prediction is a resounding endorsement of the work head coach Brent Venables has done to reestablish the Sooners as a force on the defensive side of the ball — a mission he set out to accomplish since returning to Norman in 2022.
“This group has a chance to be the most improved in the country from where they were a year ago,” McElroy said. “Part of why I’m so optimistic about Oklahoma, not just on offense but on defense, is because of Coach Brent Venables. He got the job because of how good he is as a defensive play-caller — and now he’s taking over full-time.”
A Shift in Identity
For nearly two decades, Oklahoma was known for high-powered offense and shaky defensive play. But in 2024, that script flipped. The Sooners, despite struggling offensively and finishing with a 6-7 record, showed glimpses of defensive dominance, finishing 19th nationally in total defense.
With 60% of that defensive production returning and Venables now taking over the play-calling duties following the departure of coordinator Zac Alley to West Virginia, there’s cautious optimism that this fall could mark the start of a new era — one defined by discipline, aggression, and defensive identity.
The Core Remains Strong
Although OU lost NFL-bound stars like Danny Stutsman, Billy Bowman Jr., Ethan Downs, and Da’Jon Terry, the defense retains a solid nucleus. At defensive tackle, coach Todd Bates leads a unit many believe could be the team’s greatest strength, with Jayden Jackson, Damonic Williams, Gracen Halton, and five-star freshman David Stone ready to anchor the line.
On the edge, R Mason Thomas returns after posting nine sacks in 2024, including six in SEC play. His decision to stay in Norman rather than test the NFL Draft or transfer portal gives the Sooners an elite pass rusher to build around. He’ll be supported by highly touted talents like Marvin Jones Jr., Adepoju Adebawore, Danny Okoye, and Taylor Wein.
Versatility at Linebacker and Secondary Depth
Inside linebacker looks promising with Kip Lewis and Kobie McKinzie expected to start. Newcomer Nate Dreiling, formerly a defensive coordinator at New Mexico State, takes over coaching duties alongside Wes Goodwin, adding tactical depth to Venables’ coaching staff.
In the versatile “cheetah” role, Kendel Dolby returns, bringing speed and coverage skills, while Kendal Daniels and Sammy Omosigho provide added flexibility to the linebacker corps.
At cornerback, health is the key. Eli Bowen, who shined as a true freshman, is working back from injury, while Gentry Williams, if healthy, could be one of the SEC’s top shutdown corners. Depth at this position will be tested, but players like Jacobe Johnson and Devon Jordan offer promising reinforcements.
