Oklahoma Has Elite Talent Across the Roster But Depth Issues Could Derail Sooners’ Playoff Hopes in a Loaded SEC Conference
As the Oklahoma Sooners prepare for their inaugural season in the SEC, anticipation and excitement are sky-high in Norman. The move to college football’s toughest conference has brought with it elevated expectations, high-level recruiting success, and a roster that boasts elite playmakers on both sides of the ball. Brent Venables and his staff have done an exceptional job stacking top-tier talent, particularly in the 2023 and 2024 recruiting cycles, while also leveraging the transfer portal to patch immediate needs. But for all the flash and firepower the Sooners possess at the top of the depth chart, a closer inspection reveals an uncomfortable truth—this roster is still not bulletproof. The depth, particularly at key positions, remains a potential Achilles’ heel that could threaten Oklahoma’s playoff aspirations in its first year in the SEC.
No one questions the talent of the starters. At quarterback, Jackson Arnold is the unquestioned leader and one of the most talented signal-callers in the country. The former five-star has all the tools—arm strength, mobility, leadership, and confidence—and he is poised to take the next step after a year of development behind Dillon Gabriel. Arnold is surrounded by a strong offensive cast that includes star wideouts like Nic Anderson and Deion Burks, a Michigan State transfer who flashed explosiveness in spring ball. The tight end room, led by veteran Austin Stogner and highly touted freshman Davon Mitchell, gives Arnold multiple options in the middle of the field.
The offensive line has long been a strength of Oklahoma football, and under Bill Bedenbaugh’s guidance, it should be solid again. However, this is where some of the depth concerns begin to show. The starting five is impressive, especially with additions like transfer tackle Spencer Brown and center Troy Everett. But beyond the starting group, the talent drop-off is noticeable. Injuries happen in the SEC trenches. If Oklahoma loses more than one starter for an extended stretch, the lack of proven backups could seriously compromise their offensive production.
Running back is another position where the Sooners are talented but thin. Gavin Sawchuk returns after showing flashes of brilliance, and he’ll be joined by Kalib Hicks and true freshman Taylor Tatum, who has elite upside. The problem is experience. Outside of Sawchuk, no other back has proven he can carry the load against top-tier defenses. The physical toll of SEC football means Oklahoma must find dependable depth in the backfield quickly.
On defense, Brent Venables has finally begun to mold this unit in his image. The defensive line, long a weakness in Norman, now has potential difference-makers like five-star freshman David Stone, Michigan State transfer Derrick Harmon, and returning standout R Mason Thomas. But again, the depth behind those names is largely untested. If injuries pile up—or if any of the freshmen need more development time—Venables could find himself relying on players who aren’t yet ready to handle SEC-caliber offensive lines.
Linebacker might be the most stable and deep unit on defense, at least among the starters. Danny Stutsman is back for what feels like his tenth year, and he’s joined by Kip Lewis, Kobe McKenzie, and true freshman phenom Michael Patterson-McDonald. The first three names are experienced and productive, but the question is how far the quality extends into the third and fourth spots on the chart. It’s not just about talent but how ready that talent is to play meaningful snaps against teams like Georgia, Alabama, and LSU.
The secondary is a mix of proven veterans and exciting young prospects. Gentry Williams and Peyton Bowen form a potentially elite safety duo, and cornerbacks like Kani Walker and Josiah Wagner bring confidence and physicality. But even here, the overall depth is unproven. The SEC boasts some of the best passing attacks in the nation. Oklahoma’s defensive backs will be tested weekly, and if starters go down, the lack of experience in the second-string could be exploited by savvy SEC quarterbacks.
Special teams also need improvement. While Oklahoma has decent returning production in the kicking game, punting and return coverage have been inconsistent. In a league where field position often decides tight contests, special teams depth becomes even more crucial. There’s little margin for error when playing a schedule that includes Tennessee, Texas, Alabama, Missouri, and Ole Miss. A blocked punt or a missed tackle in kick coverage could flip a game and potentially the season.
Recruiting has clearly been a priority for Oklahoma as they’ve prepared for the move to the SEC. The 2024 class was one of the best in the country and featured several immediate-impact players. The problem is that relying on true freshmen—even highly rated ones—comes with risk. The learning curve from high school to SEC football is steep. A few of these freshmen will no doubt become stars, but expecting multiple 18-year-olds to carry depth responsibilities is a gamble.
To their credit, the Sooners attacked the transfer portal with urgency this offseason. They landed players like Andrel Anthony (Michigan), Terry Bussey (Texas A&M), and Damonic Williams (TCU) to fortify their lineup. These additions give Oklahoma short-term answers and fill holes, but they don’t entirely solve the problem. Portal players, while talented, often need time to adapt to a new scheme and culture. Chemistry can’t be forced overnight, and the SEC isn’t going to wait for Oklahoma to gel.
Perhaps the biggest wildcard in Oklahoma’s depth equation is coaching. Brent Venables is a defensive mastermind, and his ability to develop and scheme around weaknesses is a huge asset. Offensive coordinator Jeff Lebby is gone, replaced by former Kentucky OC Liam Coen, who brings a more pro-style approach that should help Arnold develop as a complete quarterback. Coaching can cover some roster issues, but it can’t mask them all. At some point, players have to make plays.
Oklahoma fans are understandably optimistic heading into the 2025 season. The team has star power, a manageable (but tough) schedule, and plenty of motivation to prove it belongs in the SEC elite. But the gap between being competitive in the SEC and contending for a national championship is often measured not by the starting 22, but by the next 22 behind them. That’s where Georgia and Alabama have historically separated themselves—when injuries strike or when backups are needed, they don’t miss a beat. Oklahoma isn’t quite there yet.
There’s reason to believe they’re getting close. The back-to-back strong recruiting classes signal that the staff is building something sustainable. The presence of leaders like Stutsman, Arnold, and Williams gives the team a strong culture. But the SEC doesn’t allow you time to develop that depth gradually. The Sooners will be tested early and often, and their ability to survive those tests may depend on how quickly the second- and third-string players can become SEC-caliber contributors.
Injuries are inevitable in a season as physical and intense as one in the SEC. The teams that make it to Atlanta in December and into the College Football Playoff are often not the most talented on paper, but the deepest and most resilient. Oklahoma’s top-line roster might be good enough to beat anyone on its schedule. But if they’re forced to dig into the reserves in critical moments, it could spell trouble. This year will be the ultimate proving ground—not just for Brent Venables’ starters, but for everyone wearing crimson and cream.
So while Oklahoma’s potential is sky-high, and the arrow is undoubtedly pointing up, the 2025 season will serve as a litmus test for how SEC-ready this program truly is. If the Sooners want to not just compete but contend in the new era of college football, building elite depth is not optional—it’s essential.
