Source: Fox Sports
Summary
Oklahoma head coach Brent Venables signed a two-year contract extension, keeping him with the program through 2032. Venables took over after Lincoln Riley left for USC and has a 32-20 record with one College Football Playoff appearance. The Sooners finished the 2024 SEC season 6-7 and 2-6 in conference play but had a 10-3 record last season. Athletic director Roger Denny praised Venables for building culture and connecting with players. Venables brought in transfer quarterback John Mateer and defensive players like Prince Ijioma and Patrick Payton. The Sooners will open the 2026 season against UTEP on Sept. 4.
Our Reading
This one felt recognizable early.
Venables stays, the Sooners keep moving.
32-20, one CFP, a new conference.
Mateer’s numbers, Payton’s sacks, Ijioma’s name.
Another year, another chance to prove it’s not a fluke.
The game followed a familiar script.
Author: Evan Null
Oklahoma’s Contract Extension
Brent Venables has signed a two-year extension, keeping him as Oklahoma’s head coach until 2032. The decision came after Venables took over from Lincoln Riley, who left for USC. Venables has a 32-20 record with the Sooners and one College Football Playoff appearance.
SEC Transition
Oklahoma moved to the SEC in 2024, and Venables had to adjust to the new conference. The Sooners finished 6-7 overall and 2-6 in SEC play that season but improved to 10-3 last year. The transition was tough, but the program showed signs of progress.
Culture and Leadership
Oklahoma athletic director Roger Denny praised Venables for building a strong culture. Denny said Venables connects with players and brings out the best in them. The Sooners’ players trust him, and that has helped the program move forward.
Recruiting and Roster Changes
Venables has focused on recruiting, bringing in transfer quarterback John Mateer and defensive players like Prince Ijioma and Patrick Payton. Mateer had 2,885 passing yards and 22 touchdowns in his first season. Payton, a former LSU player, had 10.5 sacks in 2024.
Looking Ahead
Oklahoma is preparing for the 2026 season, which will start with a game against UTEP on Sept. 4. With Venables in place, the Sooners hope to continue their progress in the SEC and build toward a strong postseason. The program has two 10-win seasons under Venables and a College Football Playoff appearance.
