Pressure is mounting in college football as the 2025 season approaches—and a few head coaches are on the hot seat. It’s the same story every year: win now, or pack your bags. However, some bounce back in a big way. Just take a look at Billy Napier and Sam Pittman—both were in danger last season, but they turned things around with impressive performances that secured their 2025 returns. And now, all eyes are on Brent Venables. Because the Oklahoma head coach is in that same pressure cooker. You can say it’s put-up-or-shut-up time in Norman.

Well, Brent Venables is feeling the heat after a rocky 6-7 season. In three years at the helm, he’s posted two losing records—far from Sooner standards. However, the biggest red flag? Offense. Yes, Oklahoma ranked a dismal 113th in total offense last year. So, changes had to be made. Here, Venables didn’t wait—he cut ties with OC Seth Littrell mid-season, and he’s banking on new hire Ben Arbuckle, the sharp mind from Washington State, to spark a turnaround. Honestly, it’s a bold move—and it better pay off. But now, alarm bells are ringing even louder as David Pollack delivers a blunt verdict on Oklahoma’s future—confirming the growing pressure on Venables.

On the April 17th episode of See Ball Get Ball, David Pollack didn’t hold back when talking about Sooners football. With Oklahoma going the second year of SEC, he made it clear—rough waters lie ahead. “I think the problem is the schedule is not going to be fun. I mean, geez, I think this team could be really, really, really, really, really improved, really good, and win eight games,” said the ESPN analyst. Even that, he said, might not feel like progress. But why? Because last season’s SEC play was brutal.

“I mean, I know that sounds bad, but they were two and six in SEC play last year. And I think the most discouraging part, probably for Oklahoma fans—you don’t mind losses—but losing to Texas by 31, like, that’s… that’s not good. You lost to South Carolina by 26. You lost to LSU by 20. Like, those are beatdowns. Those are embarrassing moments,” according to Pollack. For Brent Venables, it’s a warning shot—this year has to hit different because of the schedule.

However, Pollack didn’t sugarcoat anything when breaking down the Sooners’ situation, and he emphasized that wins and losses aren’t all created equal—it’s about how you play the game. And for Oklahoma, consistency is still missing. “I think the defense is going to be really good. Right? Middle is going to call plays. Minimal studies, one of the best at it. I think the talent will be good. They’ll be good offensively. It is impossible for them to go backward. Absolutely nowhere to go,” said Pollack.

Pollack didn’t hold back when talking about last season’s disaster on offense. He painted a brutal picture—nothing worked. But with a new OC and QB chemistry already in place, there’s a glimmer of hope. And Pollack put it best, saying, “I’d reg my life savings—every freaking penny—that they’re gonna turn it around.” Last year? Man, it was awful. You just throw that poop on the wall—nothing stuck. Honestly, last year, they couldn’t block, couldn’t run, and couldn’t throw. Nothing worked.

However, in 2025, the Oklahoma Sooners’ offense is set to be led by QB John Mateer, who transferred from Washington State alongside OC Ben Arbuckle. Right now, their established rapport is expected to bring cohesion and a competitive edge to the Sooners’ offense. Following that, Pollack stated, “The only spark was the Alabama game—suddenly, the offense looked elite. Now, you bring in a proven OC who knows the quarterback. That changes everything, fast.” Adding, “Knowing the verbiage, the checks, the system—bro, that’s gold. Now all he’s gotta do is love his teammates and bond with that O-line.”

So, Pollack’s bottom line? The pieces are there. Now it’s time for Brent Venables and the Sooners to finally put it all together. Let’s be real, the good news for Oklahoma? The offense can’t get any worse. And David Pollack put it bluntly, stating—”Their offensive line can’t get worse. Brent like, walking for the run, walking to the pass, they weren’t good.” The Sooners have dipped into the portal, grabbing transfers like a Stanford lineman and a tackle from Western Carolina. Although it’s a patch job, but it’s progress.

Still, Pollack sees a wall ahead. “I think Oklahoma shoots up—immediately shoots up—and becomes exponentially more competitive. But the problem is the schedule.” With a brutal SEC slate looming, he’s not buying double-digit wins. “I don’t think they’re going to be a team that wins 10 games. It’s the gospel ball playoff,” said Pollack.

But Pollack isn’t the only one raising red flags. Another ESPN analyst also sent a clear warning shot to Brent Venables: improvement must come fast, or his Oklahoma job could be on the line. The message is simple—results matter now more than ever.

Oklahoma HC could be on the hot seat in CFB

The Sooners hit the reset button after the season when Jackson Arnold bolted for the portal. But Oklahoma didn’t stay down for long. In came John Mateer—the dual-threat dynamo from Washington State. He’s not just any transfer. Mateer already knows new OC Ben Arbuckle’s system inside and out. Last year, he lit it up with 3,139 passing yards and 29 TDs through the air and added 826 yards and 15 scores on the ground. He’s fast, fearless, and familiar with the playbook. Right now, for the Sooners, that’s a massive upgrade at QB.

With a new QB-OC duo in town, the buzz around Norman is building—and ESPN’s Rece Davis is paying attention. On the College GameDay Podcast, Davis spotlighted Oklahoma as one of the most intriguing teams heading into the season and said, “Because of the change at offensive coordinator, bringing in Ben Arbuckle, but more importantly, at least for this season, bringing in John Mateer to play quarterback there. They had quarterback issues last year. They had offensive issues. It’s not just because of that; it’s because it is highly likely that Brent Venables’ job security depends on it. They need to be better.”

So, the message is clear—Mateer and Arbuckle aren’t just upgrades. They’re the Venables’ lifeline. But Davis isn’t asking Oklahoma to win the SEC or crash the playoff party—he just wants to see growth. Here, Davis made it clear: the Sooners don’t need a miracle season. They just need momentum. What’s on the line? Everything for Brent Venables. Davis hinted that if OU flops again and ends up near the bottom of the SEC, a coaching change feels inevitable. The message is progress or pack up.

Although Rece Davis noted that AD Joe Castiglione is known for his patience—but even patience has limits. If the Sooners stumble again, things could spiral fast. Still, Davis believes Venables has a shot to right the ship. But if not, Oklahoma’s stuck with a hefty $34.9 M buyout tab.