The landscape of college football shifted dramatically when Texas and Oklahoma secured their passage into the prestigious and merciless world of the SEC. Their journey from the Big 12 to the powerhouse conference was a strategic and calculated move, one that was supposed to elevate their status and strengthen their competitive edge. But while Texas appears to be adjusting seamlessly, Oklahoma finds itself in treacherous waters, struggling against the sheer brutality of the SEC schedule.
Brent Venables, the Sooners’ head coach, is caught in a perfect storm of adversity. The scheduling gods have not been kind, and with each passing game, it becomes glaringly apparent that Oklahoma’s road is far rockier than that of their Longhorn counterparts. As the 2024 season wrapped up, the disparity between the two teams’ schedules was impossible to ignore.
A Nightmare Schedule: Is the SEC Stacking the Deck Against Oklahoma?
The numbers don’t lie, and they paint a grim picture for Venables and his squad. The Sooners faced SEC teams that posted a combined conference record of 40-24, meaning their opponents had a staggering 62.5% win rate—an absolutely brutal gauntlet for any team trying to find its footing. Meanwhile, Texas played teams with a significantly softer 37.5% win rate.
Mark Rogers, speaking on The Voice of College Football podcast, put it bluntly:
“Oklahoma had to go through a murderers’ row of SEC teams in 2024, and the results were brutal. The Sooners managed just a 2-6 record in conference play. Even removing Oklahoma from the equation, their opponents still won over 60% of their games. Meanwhile, Texas had a much easier ride. It’s not just tough luck—it’s a tangible imbalance.”
And the worst part? It’s only going to get tougher.
Looking ahead to 2025, Oklahoma’s schedule is a gauntlet of destruction. It starts with Kansas State, followed by a brutal stretch featuring Texas, South Carolina, Ole Miss, and Tennessee. By the time they reach the second half of the season, they’ll either be battle-hardened or completely shattered. Meanwhile, Texas faces a relatively smooth ride outside of early tests against Ohio State and Georgia. After that? A manageable slate with far fewer landmines.
Bias or Just Brutal Luck? The SEC’s Scheduling Controversy
While it might seem like a deliberate attempt to kneecap Oklahoma before they can establish themselves in the SEC, Commissioner Greg Sankey insists there’s no foul play at work. According to him, the scheduling process considers a variety of factors, including past performance, historical matchups, and other competitive balances.
But try telling that to Brent Venables. Try explaining to a coach fighting for his job why his team has to wade through a minefield while Texas strolls along a paved road. If there’s no bias at play, then Oklahoma simply pulled the short straw—an unlucky draw that could have devastating consequences for the Sooners’ long-term aspirations.
Venables on the Hot Seat: A $44.8M Gamble on Survival
Brent Venables is no stranger to adversity, but the 2025 season might be the most defining chapter of his coaching career. Coming off a dismal 6-6 record in his first SEC campaign, his seat is scorching hot. The Sooners’ faithful are growing restless, and another losing season could spell doom for the third-year head coach.
Paul Finebaum has already sounded the alarm, warning that Venables cannot afford another disastrous season. Oklahoma fans aren’t just grumbling about the SEC’s treatment—they’re questioning whether Venables is the right man for the job.
But here’s the twist: firing him won’t come cheap. If Oklahoma decides to cut ties with Venables, they’ll have to cough up a staggering $44.8 million in buyout money. That’s not just pocket change; it’s a financial noose that complicates any potential coaching change.
Is There Hope for the Sooners?
Despite the bleak outlook, there are glimmers of hope. Venables has undeniably improved Oklahoma’s defense—a critical component if they want to survive in the SEC jungle. The transfer portal could be a game-changer, and if the Sooners make the right moves to shore up their offensive firepower, they might just have a fighting chance.
But the clock is ticking. The SEC isn’t a league that forgives mediocrity. If Oklahoma can’t rise to the challenge, they risk becoming just another cautionary tale—proof that not everyone survives the gauntlet of the Southeastern Conference.
For Brent Venables, 2025 isn’t just another season. It’s an all-or-nothing battle for survival. If he fails, the Sooners will have to decide whether to endure another year of struggle or pull the trigger on a decision that will cost them nearly $45 million.
Either way, one thing is clear: the SEC is no place for the weak, and Oklahoma’s mettle is about to be tested like never before.
