Phil Steele identifies Oklahoma as his top 'surprise team' in college football

The first three seasons of the Brent Venables era at Oklahoma have been a bit lackluster, as the Sooners have totaled just six wins in two of the three campaigns. Although it has reached a bowl game in all three seasons, it has lost all three of them.

Things look on the up and up for the Oklahoma program this season, however, as the Sooners made some splashes in the Transfer Portal and return a strong nucleus from last season’s roster that nearly knocked off Tennessee and rocked Alabama at home. College football writer Phil Steele joined the “Paul Finebaum Show” on Thursday, where he revealed just how high he is on the Sooners.

“They’re my No. 1 surprise team this year or a non-top ten team that I think can make the Playoff, “Steele said. “There’s no doubting the defense. Last year they played a grueling schedule. They held opponents to 87 yards per game below their season average (which ranked No. 6 in the country). [Brent] Venables has this same defense back. R Mason Thomas (a defensive end), Kendal Daniels (a linebacker) and a loaded secondary. There’s no doubting the defense and last year they had zero returning starters on the offensive line. They lost all their starting receivers to injuries, so they had poor quarterback play.”

“This year, the receiving core goes from a weakness to a strength as they get players like Deion Burks back from injury. He’s an NFL prospect, plus they have a dynamic receiving core. Offensive line built by one of the best offensive line coaches out there and now he’s got a veteran offensive line to work with. They added Jaydn Ott at running back and he was the best running back in the PAC-12 two years ago. He was injured last year but he’s 100% this year.”

“And then how about bringing in John Mateer at quarterback? A dangerous runner and passer from Washington State, plus his offensive coordinator, Ben Arbuckle, so he knows the offense extremely well. Last year, Oklahoma only had three SEC home games and this year they only have three SEC true road games with Texas being a neutral site. While the schedule is difficult, it’s more manageable and I give Oklahoma a real good shot to make the Playoff this year.”

The Sooners open their 2025 season on Aug. 30 against Illinois State. Kick-off is scheduled for 6:00 PM on SEC Network+/ESPN+.