Oklahoma Sooners Football: Phil Steele 2025 Forecast

Oklahoma enters year four of the Brent Venables era in 2025. After enjoying success with a 10-win season in 2024, the Sooners regressed during their first season in the Southeastern Conferece.

OU finished with a 6-7 record, including a 2-6 mark against SEC competition. Their upcoming schedule doesn’t do them any favors, either as they’ll take on Michigan in non-conference as well as Texas, Ole Miss, Tennessee, Alabama and LSU down the stretch in SEC play, among others.

Before the 2025 season begins, Phil Steele attempted to forecast Oklahoma’s season. Good news Sooners fans, all signs point toward massive improvements this fall.

Offense

After the Sooners faced struggles offensively down the stretch in 2024. Opposing teams shouldn’t expect to see the same thing this fall as Steele made a bold statement regarding OU’s offensive capabilities in 2025.

Phil Steele: “In 2023, OU improved to 507 ypg and 42 ppg. Last year the offensive line had 0 returning starters, the WR corps was decimated by injury and versus a much tougher schedule the offense put up just 331 ypg and 24 ppg, their lowest numbers since John Blake’s 3rd year in 1998. This year they bring in Wash ST’s OC and QB (37 ppg) have a vastly upgraded OLine, WR’s and add Jaydn Ott to a strong RB corps. This should be the most improved offense in the country.”

Defense

Head coach Brent Venables’ bread and butter, Oklahoma improved defensively in year three compared to year two. Steele predicts that trend to continue this fall.

Phil Steele: “In Venables second year my computer called for them to cut it to 372 ypg and 25.7 ppg and they were close allowing 390 ypg and 23.5 ppg. Venables knows defense and this is OU’s 3rd year in his schemes and last year my computer had them allowing just 318 ypg and they allowed 318 ypg!!! This year they lose some top notch players but could be just as strong and have a top 10 defense.”

2025 forecast

With the predicted most improved offense in college football alongside a top 10 defensive unit, it’s clear that Steele is high on the Sooners in 2025. After last season’s less than stellar finish, OU’s potential appears limitless this fall.

Phil Steele: “This year they face the SEC’s toughest schedule again plus face Michigan in non conf action but will have a much improved offense to go along with that rugged Dand they have just 3 true SEC road games. The Sooners are my #3 Most Improved team and should have similar improvement to the last time they were in that spot.

“After going over the team with Coach Venables, I believe this is a playoff caliber roster so despite the rugged schedule they are also my #1 surprise team this year and have a great shot at going from a losing season all the way to a playoff berth!”