The Changing Landscape of Oklahoma Sooners Athletics
The Oklahoma Sooners are experiencing a transformative era across football, basketball, and baseball as they settle into the SEC and strive for success in a competitive collegiate sports environment. From major coaching and roster changes to conference realignment, the Sooners are adapting to a fast-evolving landscape.
Football: Adapting to SEC Competition
Oklahoma’s football team officially entered the SEC in July 2024, marking a historic shift that significantly impacts recruiting, competition level, and overall program expectations. The Sooners had a mixed first season in the conference, securing a memorable 24-3 upset over Alabama and notching their first SEC victory against Auburn with a late pick-six. These wins demonstrated Oklahoma’s potential in the league but also highlighted areas needing improvement.
Recruiting remains a key focus, with head coach Brent Venables securing commitments from highly rated prospects, including top quarterbacks and edge rushers. The Sooners are in a battle with Alabama for several elite defensive players, and their 2026 class is beginning to take shape. However, the offense struggled last season, ranking among the worst in the country, prompting the coaching staff to make significant adjustments in play-calling and personnel.
Basketball: Struggles and Uncertainty
The Sooners’ basketball program is in a challenging position, particularly on the men’s side. Head coach Porter Moser is under pressure as Oklahoma’s struggles in SEC play have put their NCAA Tournament hopes in jeopardy. The team has lost seven of its last ten games, and a recent blowout loss to Missouri highlighted its weaknesses.
Oklahoma started the 2024-25 season strong, going 13-0 and breaking into the top 10 of the USA Today Coaches Poll. However, SEC play has proven much tougher, and the team now finds itself on the bubble for an NCAA Tournament spot. Meanwhile, the Sooners have been active in recruiting, landing a 6-foot-11 four-star center for the 2025 class and adding multiple transfers to bolster their roster.
On the women’s side, Oklahoma has remained competitive, though recent losses have dropped them to their lowest ranking of the season. Injuries to key players, including Raegan Beers, have contributed to their struggles, but the team still holds a solid position in the NCAA Tournament bracket.
Baseball: Aiming for Continued Success
Baseball has been a bright spot for Oklahoma, with the team winning its first-ever Big 12 regular-season title in 2024 before transitioning to the SEC. Head coach Skip Johnson has built a strong program, and the Sooners are expected to remain competitive despite the challenges of playing in a league that features powerhouses like LSU and Vanderbilt.
Softball: A Dynasty in the Making
Oklahoma’s softball team, led by legendary coach Patty Gasso, continues to dominate. The Sooners won their fourth consecutive national championship in 2024, becoming the first program in history to achieve such a feat. The team also celebrated the opening of Love’s Field, a new 4,200-seat stadium that enhances the program’s facilities and recruiting appeal.
Gasso’s influence extends beyond Norman, as she was recently named the head coach of Team USA Softball. Her leadership has positioned Oklahoma as the standard-bearer in collegiate softball, and the team enters 2025 as the overwhelming favorite to extend its championship streak.
Looking Ahead
As Oklahoma continues to adjust to the SEC, the pressure to succeed across all sports will only intensify. The football team must build on its key wins and improve offensively, the basketball program faces questions about its coaching and roster stability, and the baseball and softball teams will look to cement their dominance in new conference surroundings.
With strong recruiting efforts, dedicated coaching, and a fan base eager for continued success, the Sooners are poised for an exciting future in the ever-changing
landscape of college athletics.
