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Oklahoma

Jeff Lebby remains confident in OU head coach Brent Venables

Bob Przybyloby: Bob Przybylo07/16/25BPrzybylo
Syndication: The Oklahoman
OU head coach Brent Venables. (Bryan Terry - Imagn Images)

Everybody knows how big of a season this is about to be for OU and head coach Brent Venables. It’s almost tough to overstate.

A massive few months coming in Norman and for Venables. But those who know him best? Don’t believe for a second he’s about to flinch. Or that the pressure is going to be too much.

That includes Mississippi State head coach Jeff Lebby. Now in his second season running the show for the Bulldogs, Lebby is not concerned with Venables getting OU back on track in 2025.

“Toughness. Consistency. Conviction,” said Lebby at SEC media days Wednesday. “He is going to be very, very true to his process. He is the same man every single day, not letting result dictate who’s going to show up in the building every day. Those are the things to me that are going to create stability and help them down the road.”

Lebby played at OU when Venables was an assistant coach. And, of course, Venables hired Lebby to be the OU offensive coordinator for the 2022-23 seasons.

Lebby might have been the guy again in Norman for 2024, but it was time for him to make that leap and take charge in Starkville.

Thompson with no hard feelings

There are only two former Sooners at SEC media days. One that everybody knew in former quarterback Jackson Arnold, now at Auburn.

But then there was former wide receiver Brenen Thompson. From Texas to OU to now Mississippi State, Thompson didn’t have anything negative to say about his two seasons in Norman.

“I expect great things from them,” Thompson said. “Nothing but respect for Coach Venables and the entire staff. They treated me with utmost respect. I enjoyed my time there. Definitely think they have a good squad. Wish them nothing but the best this year.”

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