Did the Oklahoma Sooners Make USA TODAY Sports’ Way-Too-Early Top 25 for 2025?
As college football teams begin to look toward the future following the conclusion of the 2024 season, a familiar tradition continues: the release of way-too-early rankings for the upcoming year. USA TODAY Sports, known for its in-depth analysis and extensive coverage of college football, has already released its “Way-Too-Early” Top 25 for the 2025 season, sparking a wave of discussion among fans and analysts.
For the Oklahoma Sooners, one of the most storied programs in college football, these rankings carry significant weight as they mark the program’s expectations for the future. The Sooners, under head coach Brent Venables, are continuing to build their identity and bolster their roster in preparation for a challenging new chapter in the Southeastern Conference (SEC).
Did the Oklahoma Sooners make USA TODAY Sports’ 2025 Way-Too-Early Top 25 rankings? The answer, while not entirely surprising, holds important implications for the Sooners’ future success. Let’s dive deeper into what this ranking means, why Oklahoma made the list, and what factors will determine their chances of a successful 2025 season.
The Way-Too-Early Top 25 Rankings: A Snapshot
Before we delve into the specifics of Oklahoma’s placement, it’s essential to understand the purpose of these rankings. “Way-too-early” rankings are often speculative, based on a combination of returning talent, recruiting classes, previous performance, and anticipated improvements or departures. Coaches, analysts, and media outlets like USA TODAY Sports use these rankings as a snapshot of the current state of college football, projecting which teams will likely be contenders for the upcoming season.
For Oklahoma, the significance of being included in these rankings shows the optimism surrounding the program’s trajectory. Despite a less-than-ideal 2024 season, marked by inconsistency on both sides of the ball, the Sooners have continued to recruit at a high level and show signs of improvement under Venables.
Oklahoma’s Placement in USA TODAY Sports’ Top 25
In the 2025 rankings, USA TODAY Sports has placed Oklahoma at No. 18 in its “Way-Too-Early” Top 25. This ranking is somewhat of a reflection of Oklahoma’s resilience and potential despite their challenges in 2024. Venables’ squad displayed flashes of brilliance, particularly on defense, but also struggled with offensive consistency, particularly in big games. However, being in the Top 20 for 2025 signals that analysts believe the Sooners will be competitive and that their upward trajectory is expected to continue.
While 18th may not be a top-tier ranking for a program like Oklahoma, it speaks to several key factors that are crucial for success in college football. This placement indicates confidence in their recruiting efforts, the development of young players, and the belief that the team will make significant strides in 2025.
Why the Sooners Made the List: Key Factors
- Brent Venables’ Coaching Progress
A significant reason for Oklahoma’s inclusion in the Top 25 rankings is the continued development under head coach Brent Venables. Venables, a defensive mastermind known for his time as the defensive coordinator at Clemson, was hired to bring a new level of discipline and toughness to the Sooners program. His impact on the defense has already been noticeable, as Oklahoma has steadily improved in that area. However, the next challenge is continuing to build on that foundation, especially with a new level of competition awaiting in the SEC.Venables’ coaching style places an emphasis on toughness, discipline, and smart football, which is important for a team preparing to face an SEC schedule. While his offense still has some work to do, especially at the quarterback position, many analysts believe Venables is laying the groundwork for future success.
- Top Recruiting Classes
Another reason Oklahoma has earned a place in the early rankings is their consistent success in recruiting. The Sooners have consistently landed top recruiting classes under Venables, with a focus on building depth and talent on both sides of the ball. The 2025 recruiting class is shaping up to be one of Oklahoma’s best in recent years, with several blue-chip prospects committing to the Sooners.Venables and his coaching staff have focused on bringing in players who fit his vision for the program, particularly on the defensive side of the ball. The Sooners’ recruiting efforts have brought in elite talent across various positions, including defensive linemen, linebackers, and defensive backs. In the SEC, where recruiting is king, these incoming players could be the difference between a strong season and an underwhelming one.
- Strong Quarterback Play on the Horizon
Quarterback play has been a key area of focus for Oklahoma heading into the 2025 season. While the team’s quarterback play was inconsistent during the 2024 season, a promising quarterback room has been assembled. The Sooners are expected to enter 2025 with a talented signal-caller at the helm, whether it’s an incumbent player or a highly-touted recruit or transfer.A stable and productive quarterback will be crucial for the Sooners to maintain offensive balance and compete with some of the best defenses in college football, especially in the SEC. The Sooners have historically been known for producing Heisman-caliber quarterbacks, and the development of a quarterback who can execute at a high level could significantly improve their chances in 2025.
- Defensive Improvements
One area where Oklahoma made significant strides under Venables in 2024 was on defense. The Sooners’ defense showed flashes of brilliance, particularly in games where they were able to control the line of scrimmage. The Sooners were able to build a much-improved defensive unit in 2024, and this group will be vital for the 2025 season.With several key defensive players returning, including a stout defensive line and a talented linebacker group, Oklahoma’s defense is primed for even greater success in 2025. As the team prepares to face tougher offenses in the SEC, the defense will need to be a key component of their overall success. If the Sooners’ defense continues to improve under Venables, they will be a tough matchup for any opponent in 2025.
- Competition in the SEC
The Sooners’ future in the SEC is both an exciting and daunting prospect. The SEC is widely regarded as the most competitive conference in college football, with teams like Alabama, Georgia, and LSU consistently competing for national championships. The challenge of competing at this level will require Oklahoma to be at its best, but it also presents an opportunity for the Sooners to prove themselves.Despite the high level of competition, many analysts believe that Oklahoma’s transition to the SEC will ultimately benefit the program in the long run. The increased competition will push Oklahoma to improve and grow, and if the team can rise to the occasion in 2025, they could be a legitimate contender for a conference championship.
What Needs to Improve for Oklahoma to Live Up to Their Ranking
While Oklahoma’s ranking at No. 18 in the 2025 Way-Too-Early Top 25 is promising, several areas must improve for the Sooners to contend for a top-tier spot by the start of the 2025 season.
- Offensive Consistency
The Sooners must find more offensive consistency in 2025. While they have explosive playmakers, particularly at running back and wide receiver, the offense needs to find a reliable quarterback who can lead the team and execute efficiently. In 2024, Oklahoma struggled with offensive balance at times, and this must improve to take the next step. - Developing Depth Across the Line of Scrimmage
The success of any football program begins up front, and Oklahoma’s offensive and defensive lines must continue to develop depth and strength. The Sooners’ defensive line showed promise in 2024, but it must continue to develop and create pressure against tougher SEC competition. On offense, the line must improve to protect the quarterback and open holes for the running game. - Adaptation to the SEC
The transition to the SEC is a monumental one, and while Oklahoma has the talent to compete, they must adapt to the heightened level of play. The SEC is known for its physicality, and the Sooners will need to adjust to the grueling nature of their new conference schedule. Success in the SEC will require Oklahoma to match up physically and mentally against some of the toughest teams in the country.
Conclusion: The Oklahoma Sooners’ Future in 2025
In the 2025 “Way-Too-Early” Top 25 rankings, Oklahoma’s placement at No. 18 speaks to the program’s potential under Brent Venables. With a strong recruiting class, improvements on defense, and the right leadership in place, the Sooners have the opportunity to make a statement in their first year in the SEC. However, their success will depend on their ability to develop offensive consistency, adjust to the challenges of the SEC, and continue building depth across all positions.
The 2025 season holds great promise for Oklahoma, but the team will need to continue to evolve in order to meet the high expectations that come with being ranked among the nation’s top programs. If the Sooners can put it all together, they could be a contender for the College Football Playoff by the end of the season. For now, though, the Sooners’ inclusion in the “Way-Too-Early” Top 25 is an optimistic sign of what’s to come.
