As the 2024 college football season wraps up, ESPN’s Paul Finebaum has delivered a stark message to Oklahoma head coach Brent Venables. While Venables entered his tenure at Oklahoma with high expectations, Finebaum is urging the coach to elevate the program immediately, warning that continued mediocrity will not be tolerated moving into 2025 and beyond.
Finebaum, known for his candid commentary and no-nonsense approach to college football analysis, didn’t mince words when discussing Venables’ current standing at Oklahoma. Following a season that didn’t meet the lofty standards set by the program’s storied history, Finebaum emphasized that the time for excuses had passed.
“You can’t continue to have subpar seasons,” Finebaum said on a recent segment. “Oklahoma is one of the most prestigious programs in college football. The expectations are sky-high, and right now, Venables has not delivered in a way that justifies the kind of time he’s been given. It’s time for this program to get back to where it belongs — at the top of the Big 12 and competing for national titles.”
A Tough Start for Venables
Brent Venables, hired in 2022 to replace Lincoln Riley, was tasked with restoring Oklahoma to its championship-winning ways after Riley’s departure to USC. However, the transition has been far from smooth. In his first two seasons at the helm, Venables has faced inconsistent performances from his team, leading to frustration among fans and pundits alike.
Despite being known for his defensive prowess, Venables has yet to fully revamp Oklahoma’s defense in the way many had hoped. Additionally, while the offense has shown flashes of brilliance, the team has struggled with consistency, leading to a few disappointing losses in both the regular season and bowl games.
High Expectations at Oklahoma
The Oklahoma Sooners have long been a powerhouse in college football. With multiple national championships and a consistent presence in the College Football Playoff (CFP) in the past decade, the program’s expectations are always sky-high. The transition from Riley to Venables was expected to usher in a new era of defensive strength while maintaining the offensive firepower that made the Sooners so formidable under Riley.
However, after two seasons under Venables, Oklahoma has failed to live up to that standard, especially as they prepare for a move to the SEC in 2025. The stakes are only getting higher for Venables as he looks to build a championship-contending team in one of the most competitive conferences in college football.
Venables’ Response and the Road Ahead
While Paul Finebaum’s blunt assessment has created headlines, Venables has remained focused on improving his team. The coach has acknowledged the need for progress and has promised a renewed effort in the offseason to address the team’s weaknesses. “We know where we need to improve, and we are committed to getting better,” Venables said in a press conference after a tough loss earlier this season.
Despite his positive outlook, the pressure on Venables will only intensify as the 2025 season approaches. With Oklahoma’s move to the SEC looming, the competition will be fiercer than ever, and fans are hoping Venables can rise to the occasion and deliver results that match the program’s elite status.
A Critical Year for Venables
As Oklahoma heads into 2025, the heat will be on Brent Venables to deliver. Finebaum’s words are a reminder of the urgency that comes with coaching at a program like Oklahoma. There’s little room for mediocrity, and with a tough SEC schedule on the horizon, the Sooners will need to make significant strides to remain competitive.
For Venables, this is a critical juncture. The Sooners need to show improvement in every aspect of the game — from defense to offense to special teams — to avoid slipping further from the national spotlight. If he’s unable to turn things around in 2025, questions about his future in Norman may become unavoidable.
In a program where expectations are always high, the upcoming season could determine whether Brent Venables can lead Oklahoma back to prominence or if the Sooners will need to search for a new direction. Either way, Finebaum’s reality check underscores just how critical the next few seasons are for the coach and his team. The clock is ticking.
