In a moment that stirred both pride and controversy within the Oklahoma football community, former Sooners legends Adrian Peterson, Tommie Harris, and Samaje Perine were each honored as members of CBS Sports’ list of the top 25 true freshmen of the century. The recognition cements their legacies as three of the most dominant and influential players to ever step foot on the gridiron as underclassmen. Yet, while the trio relished in the acknowledgment of their collegiate brilliance, the week also brought with it a more unexpected development—one that has quickly become a talking point not only in Norman, Oklahoma, but across the national college football landscape. These revered icons sent a candid, eye-opening message to current head coach Brent Venables, expressing their concerns about the state and trajectory of the program they once carried to greatness. And that message was anything but sugar-coated.

Adrian Peterson, often regarded as one of the most physically gifted and game-changing running backs in college football history, exploded onto the scene in 2004. As a true freshman, he rushed for 1,925 yards, breaking records and turning heads from coast to coast. His combination of speed, strength, and relentless competitiveness made him a generational talent. Tommie Harris, meanwhile, was a disruptive force on the defensive line, becoming the first-ever sophomore finalist for the Lombardi Award and earning All-American status in 2002. Samaje Perine added to the tradition of dominant Oklahoma backs, rushing for over 1,700 yards as a freshman and famously setting the NCAA single-game rushing record with 427 yards against Kansas. Their inclusion in CBS Sports’ list comes as no surprise to anyone familiar with college football in the 21st century. These three didn’t just meet expectations as freshmen—they redefined them.

But beyond the celebration and nostalgia, their public comments this week revealed an undercurrent of concern. The trio made it clear that, in their eyes, Oklahoma football has lost some of the cultural edge and competitive sharpness that once made it a perennial powerhouse. Peterson, always known for his intensity and leadership, expressed frustration with what he described as a “softening” of the program’s identity. “This isn’t the Oklahoma we bled for,” he stated in a joint video released by the former players. “Back then, toughness wasn’t optional—it was required. We practiced like it was war, and we took pride in dominating.”

Perine echoed those sentiments, saying that while talent remains abundant in Norman, the execution and drive have not lived up to the program’s historic standards. “There’s no doubt that the players today are gifted. But talent doesn’t mean much without the mindset to grind and sacrifice,” he said. “Oklahoma used to be feared. Now it feels like we’re trying to catch up to teams we used to dominate.”

Perhaps most striking were the words from Tommie Harris, who rarely speaks out in this manner. He delivered what amounted to a public challenge to Brent Venables and the current coaching staff. “We’re not here to tear anyone down,” he began. “But we also can’t sit quietly and watch the tradition we helped build be diluted. Brent’s a defensive guy. He knows what it takes. But being a great coach means more than just calling plays. It means instilling culture, commanding respect, and building warriors. The next generation of Sooners deserve nothing less.”

The timing of their message is impossible to ignore. With Oklahoma preparing for its highly anticipated debut season in the SEC, the pressure has never been greater on Venables and his staff to prove they can compete at the highest level. After a rocky first year followed by a modest rebound in Year 2, Venables now enters a make-or-break stretch. The Sooners will no longer face the likes of Kansas or Iowa State every other week—they’ll be squaring off against Alabama, Georgia, LSU, and Texas A\&M. The former players’ comments seem to reflect not only frustration but urgency.

There’s also a deeper emotional layer to their message. All three men spoke of their deep love for the university and their unshakable bond with Sooner Nation. Peterson described the “spiritual connection” he feels every time he walks back onto Owen Field. Perine talked about the weight of the jersey. “When you put on that crimson and cream, you’re not just representing yourself—you’re carrying the legacy of all those who came before you,” he said. “That used to mean something sacred.”

Their words resonated not just with fans, but with other former players as well. In the days following their statements, social media lit up with support from Sooner greats such as Roy Williams, Gerald McCoy, and Ryan Broyles, who all echoed the call for a return to Oklahoma’s hard-nosed, no-nonsense brand of football. Even longtime strength coach Jerry Schmidt weighed in, saying that “the fire in those voices is exactly what this program needs to hear.”

To his credit, Brent Venables responded with grace and receptiveness. In a press conference following the video’s release, he acknowledged the remarks from the trio and welcomed their perspective. “Adrian, Tommie, and Samaje are legends for a reason. They set the standard, and I absolutely respect their words,” Venables said. “They care about this place, and so do I. We all want the same thing—to return Oklahoma to the mountaintop.”

But Venables didn’t stop there. He invited all three players to speak to the team during fall camp. “Sometimes it’s important for our current players to hear from those who’ve walked the walk. Their voices matter. Their experience is real. If they’re willing, I’d love to have them come in and share what it really means to wear the ‘OU’ on your chest.”

Whether the conversation ignites a new fire within the program remains to be seen. But one thing is clear—this was no ordinary week in Norman. The honoring of past greatness collided with the realities of present expectations, creating a moment of reflection and reckoning. For longtime Sooner fans, it served as both a nostalgic reminder and a motivational push. Greatness is possible. Excellence is expected. But it must be earned, not assumed.

The players’ critique also touched on recruiting philosophy and player development. Peterson emphasized that it’s not enough to chase stars on paper. “Five-star ratings are cool, but if they don’t translate into results on Saturdays, what’s the point?” he asked. Perine added that development used to be a badge of honor at Oklahoma. “We weren’t just handed roles—we had to prove ourselves, and when we did, we dominated.”

There’s no question that Peterson, Harris, and Perine represent the gold standard. Their performances as true freshmen were not anomalies—they were statements. They each brought a brand of leadership, grit, and competitive fire that elevated those around them. That spirit, according to them, needs to be rekindled in the current generation of Sooners.

Perhaps the most poignant part of their message was a shared call to accountability. “This isn’t about blaming the players or coaches,” Harris said. “It’s about everyone connected to Oklahoma football stepping up—former players, current players, coaches, fans. We all have a role in protecting and pushing the legacy forward.”

The broader college football world took notice as well. National pundits like Paul Finebaum and Joel Klatt discussed the story on their shows, praising the passion of the former stars while questioning whether such direct messages are a sign of internal cracks or a potential unifying moment. Some critics suggested that going public with their concerns might add pressure to a coaching staff already navigating the SEC transition. Others argued that such honesty is exactly what championship programs need—a refusal to settle, a demand for excellence.

Whatever one’s take, there’s no denying the power of their words. For a program with a history as rich and proud as Oklahoma’s, the stakes are always high. The move to the SEC only amplifies those stakes. And with names like Peterson, Harris, and Perine reminding everyone what it used to look like when Oklahoma football was at its peak, the message is as clear as ever: the standard is the standard. Either you meet it—or you get out of the way.

As the 2025 season approaches, all eyes will be on Norman. Will Venables and the current Sooners rise to the challenge laid out by their predecessors? Will the echoes of past greatness serve as fuel or distraction? One thing is certain: the legacy of Oklahoma football is alive and vocal. And thanks to a trio of legends unafraid to speak truth to power, the fire has been relit. Whether it becomes a blaze or burns out is now up to those inside the locker room.