Paul Finebaum shares what Oklahoma has to do to secure Brent Venables' future
Even though the Sooners are an improved team, Oklahoma will face one of the more difficult schedules in the SEC. How Oklahoma manages the schedule in 2025 could determine a lot about the future of the OU Football program.
On 'The Paul Finebaum Show,' SEC Network analyst Paul Finebaum discussed what it would take for Brent Venables to feel comfortable coming out of the 2025 season. Finebaum believes Oklahoma has to start the season 5-0, going into the Red River Showdown with the Texas Longhorns. The SEC Network/ESPN college football analyst believes OU loses to Texas and will need to go 4-2 down the stretch for Venables to stick around Norman for 2026.
'If they can win all but maybe two of those games, I think that Brent Venables may have a great record and will likely be around for a while,' Finebaum said. 'Otherwise, I think you know the answer to the question.'
A 9-3 season would put Oklahoma in the College Football Playoff discussion. But it would depend on who the three losses were to. If Oklahoma lost to Texas, Alabama, and LSU, they'd have a pretty strong case for inclusion in the College Football Playoff, even with three losses. If one of those losses were to Missouri, Ole Miss, Tennessee, or South Carolina, though difficult matchups, the playoff committee may not be as forgiving.
Venables' buy-out is $34.9 million following the 2025 season. Which likely means an 8-4 record or better in the 2025 season keeps him around for another year. If the Sooners go 7-5 or worse, the administration may be having some tough conversations.
Contact/Follow us @SoonersWire on X, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oklahoma news, notes, and opinions. You can also follow John on X @john9williams.
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