The **Oklahoma Sooners** have landed in the **middle of the pack** in the latest **SEC Power Rankings** released by **Saturday Down South**, reflecting both optimism and lingering concerns about their performance heading into the **2025 season** [A](https://sports.yahoo.com/article/oklahoma-sooners-middle-pack-saturday-152139772.html?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJ3VkN2SFhyaGc5UzQ2Um9nUlR3bjQiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoibUJVc3VIczRDeXBpOWd2S3l6emJMIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvc3BvcnRzLnlhaG9vLmNvbVwvYXJ0aWNsZVwvb2tsYWhvbWEtc29vbmVycy1taWRkbGUtcGFjay1zYXR1cmRheS0xNTIxMzk3NzIuaHRtbCJ9&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1). With significant offseason changes, including a revamped **offensive coaching staff** and key **transfer portal additions**, Oklahoma is looking to bounce back from a **disappointing 6-7 season in 2024** [A](https://sports.yahoo.com/article/oklahoma-sooners-middle-pack-saturday-152139772.html?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJ3VkN2SFhyaGc5UzQ2Um9nUlR3bjQiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoibUJVc3VIczRDeXBpOWd2S3l6emJMIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvc3BvcnRzLnlhaG9vLmNvbVwvYXJ0aWNsZVwvb2tsYWhvbWEtc29vbmVycy1taWRkbGUtcGFjay1zYXR1cmRheS0xNTIxMzk3NzIuaHRtbCJ9&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1). However, questions remain about how well these adjustments will translate on the field.
### **Offensive Overhaul: A New Direction**
One of the biggest storylines surrounding Oklahoma’s offseason has been the **revamp of its offensive unit**. The Sooners brought in **offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle**, a move that has been widely praised for its potential to inject creativity and efficiency into the offense [A](https://sports.yahoo.com/article/oklahoma-sooners-middle-pack-saturday-152139772.html?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJ3VkN2SFhyaGc5UzQ2Um9nUlR3bjQiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoibUJVc3VIczRDeXBpOWd2S3l6emJMIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvc3BvcnRzLnlhaG9vLmNvbVwvYXJ0aWNsZVwvb2tsYWhvbWEtc29vbmVycy1taWRkbGUtcGFjay1zYXR1cmRheS0xNTIxMzk3NzIuaHRtbCJ9&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1). Additionally, the arrival of **quarterback John Mateer** and several **transfer portal acquisitions** at key positions signal a clear intent to **rebuild and improve** [A](https://sports.yahoo.com/article/oklahoma-sooners-middle-pack-saturday-152139772.html?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJ3VkN2SFhyaGc5UzQ2Um9nUlR3bjQiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoibUJVc3VIczRDeXBpOWd2S3l6emJMIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvc3BvcnRzLnlhaG9vLmNvbVwvYXJ0aWNsZVwvb2tsYWhvbWEtc29vbmVycy1taWRkbGUtcGFjay1zYXR1cmRheS0xNTIxMzk3NzIuaHRtbCJ9&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1).
Oklahoma’s offense struggled in **2024**, averaging just **24 points per game** overall and a mere **13 points per game in SEC play** (excluding defensive scores) [A](https://sports.yahoo.com/article/oklahoma-sooners-middle-pack-saturday-152139772.html?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJ3VkN2SFhyaGc5UzQ2Um9nUlR3bjQiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoibUJVc3VIczRDeXBpOWd2S3l6emJMIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvc3BvcnRzLnlhaG9vLmNvbVwvYXJ0aWNsZVwvb2tsYWhvbWEtc29vbmVycy1taWRkbGUtcGFjay1zYXR1cmRheS0xNTIxMzk3NzIuaHRtbCJ9&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1). The lack of offensive firepower was a major factor in their **underwhelming season**, and the coaching staff has made it clear that such inefficiency **cannot be repeated**.
### **Defensive Concerns: Replacing Key Players**
While Oklahoma’s offensive changes have generated excitement, **defensive losses** have raised concerns. The departures of **Danny Stutsman and Billy Bowman Jr.**, two of the Sooners’ most impactful defenders, leave **significant gaps** in the lineup [A](https://sports.yahoo.com/article/oklahoma-sooners-middle-pack-saturday-152139772.html?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJ3VkN2SFhyaGc5UzQ2Um9nUlR3bjQiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoibUJVc3VIczRDeXBpOWd2S3l6emJMIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvc3BvcnRzLnlhaG9vLmNvbVwvYXJ0aWNsZVwvb2tsYWhvbWEtc29vbmVycy1taWRkbGUtcGFjay1zYXR1cmRheS0xNTIxMzk3NzIuaHRtbCJ9&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1). **Adam Spencer of Saturday Down South** noted that while Oklahoma has made strong moves in the transfer portal, the defensive losses could **prove costly** [A](https://sports.yahoo.com/article/oklahoma-sooners-middle-pack-saturday-152139772.html?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJ3VkN2SFhyaGc5UzQ2Um9nUlR3bjQiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoibUJVc3VIczRDeXBpOWd2S3l6emJMIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvc3BvcnRzLnlhaG9vLmNvbVwvYXJ0aWNsZVwvb2tsYWhvbWEtc29vbmVycy1taWRkbGUtcGFjay1zYXR1cmRheS0xNTIxMzk3NzIuaHRtbCJ9&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1).
Despite these concerns, Oklahoma has **depth at linebacker and safety**, which could help mitigate the impact of losing Stutsman and Bowman [A](https://sports.yahoo.com/article/oklahoma-sooners-middle-pack-saturday-152139772.html?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJ3VkN2SFhyaGc5UzQ2Um9nUlR3bjQiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoibUJVc3VIczRDeXBpOWd2S3l6emJMIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvc3BvcnRzLnlhaG9vLmNvbVwvYXJ0aWNsZVwvb2tsYWhvbWEtc29vbmVycy1taWRkbGUtcGFjay1zYXR1cmRheS0xNTIxMzk3NzIuaHRtbCJ9&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1). **Kobie McKinzie** is expected to take over at **middle linebacker**, while **Kip Lewis and Samuel Omosigho** are projected to step up in key defensive roles [A](https://sports.yahoo.com/article/oklahoma-sooners-middle-pack-saturday-152139772.html?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJ3VkN2SFhyaGc5UzQ2Um9nUlR3bjQiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoibUJVc3VIczRDeXBpOWd2S3l6emJMIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvc3BvcnRzLnlhaG9vLmNvbVwvYXJ0aWNsZVwvb2tsYWhvbWEtc29vbmVycy1taWRkbGUtcGFjay1zYXR1cmRheS0xNTIxMzk3NzIuaHRtbCJ9&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1). Additionally, the Sooners added **Kendall Daniels from Oklahoma State**, a versatile defensive talent who could play multiple positions [A](https://sports.yahoo.com/article/oklahoma-sooners-middle-pack-saturday-152139772.html?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJ3VkN2SFhyaGc5UzQ2Um9nUlR3bjQiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoibUJVc3VIczRDeXBpOWd2S3l6emJMIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvc3BvcnRzLnlhaG9vLmNvbVwvYXJ0aWNsZVwvb2tsYWhvbWEtc29vbmVycy1taWRkbGUtcGFjay1zYXR1cmRheS0xNTIxMzk3NzIuaHRtbCJ9&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1).
### **SEC Competition: Where Oklahoma Stands**
Oklahoma’s **eighth-place ranking** in the latest **SEC Power Rankings** reflects both **potential and uncertainty** [A](https://sports.yahoo.com/article/oklahoma-sooners-middle-pack-saturday-152139772.html?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJ3VkN2SFhyaGc5UzQ2Um9nUlR3bjQiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoibUJVc3VIczRDeXBpOWd2S3l6emJMIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvc3BvcnRzLnlhaG9vLmNvbVwvYXJ0aWNsZVwvb2tsYWhvbWEtc29vbmVycy1taWRkbGUtcGFjay1zYXR1cmRheS0xNTIxMzk3NzIuaHRtbCJ9&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1) [A](https://sports.yahoo.com/article/oklahoma-sooners-middle-pack-saturday-152139772.html?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJ3VkN2SFhyaGc5UzQ2Um9nUlR3bjQiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoibUJVc3VIczRDeXBpOWd2S3l6emJMIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvc3BvcnRzLnlhaG9vLmNvbVwvYXJ0aWNsZVwvb2tsYWhvbWEtc29vbmVycy1taWRkbGUtcGFjay1zYXR1cmRheS0xNTIxMzk3NzIuaHRtbCJ9&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1). The **Texas Longhorns**, ranked at the top, are dealing with their own **roster turnover**, including a new starting quarterback in **Arch Manning**. The Sooners are positioned behind **powerhouses like Texas, Alabama, and Georgia**, but they remain ahead of several **SEC teams still searching for stability** [A](https://sports.yahoo.com/article/oklahoma-sooners-middle-pack-saturday-152139772.html?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJ3VkN2SFhyaGc5UzQ2Um9nUlR3bjQiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoibUJVc3VIczRDeXBpOWd2S3l6emJMIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvc3BvcnRzLnlhaG9vLmNvbVwvYXJ0aWNsZVwvb2tsYWhvbWEtc29vbmVycy1taWRkbGUtcGFjay1zYXR1cmRheS0xNTIxMzk3NzIuaHRtbCJ9&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1).
For Oklahoma, the key to **climbing the rankings** will be **offensive consistency and defensive resilience**. If the Sooners can successfully integrate their **new offensive system** while maintaining **defensive stability**, they could emerge as a **dark horse contender** in the SEC.
### **Looking Ahead: Can Oklahoma Rise?**
The **2025 season** will be a defining moment for **Brent Venables and his coaching staff**. With a **new offensive identity** and a **defense in transition**, Oklahoma has the opportunity to **prove its worth in the SEC** [A](https://sports.yahoo.com/article/oklahoma-sooners-middle-pack-saturday-152139772.html?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJ3VkN2SFhyaGc5UzQ2Um9nUlR3bjQiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoibUJVc3VIczRDeXBpOWd2S3l6emJMIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvc3BvcnRzLnlhaG9vLmNvbVwvYXJ0aWNsZVwvb2tsYWhvbWEtc29vbmVycy1taWRkbGUtcGFjay1zYXR1cmRheS0xNTIxMzk3NzIuaHRtbCJ9&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1). The Sooners have the talent, but execution will be the deciding factor.
As the season unfolds, Oklahoma fans will be watching closely to see if their team can **break into the upper tier of the SEC** or if they will remain **stuck in the middle of the pack**. One thing is certain—**the Sooners have the pieces to compete, but they must put them together effectively**.
Would you like me to refine this further or add more details?
