It’s a new era of SEC football with both Oklahoma and Texas joining the league this fall. When discussing the Longhorns, many believe that a smooth transition could be on the horizon. That’s mostly because of the success Texas had in 2023, showing the growth under Steve Sarkisian.
On the other side, Oklahoma comes with a lot more questions. Just how good can this team be in the first year in the SEC? Analysts seem to be a little split. Some believe a good season awaits, while others think a tough transition is much more likely.
When evaluating this roster and schedule, the latter feels a lot more likely. The Sooners could be in for a rude awakening when the 2024 season officially kicks off.
The good
With Brent Venables at the helm of the Sooners program, you should expect there to be a great attention to the defensive side of the football. Since Coach Venables took over, we have seen steady improvement to the talent and production on the field.
On paper, the Sooners have a chance to have their best defense yet, even with Zac Alley coming over from Jacksonville State to be the defensive coordinator. Oklahoma will lean on their proven playmakers who chose to return like linebacker Danny Stutsman (104 total tackles, 16 TFLs, and three sacks) and safety Billy Bowman (63 total tackles, six interceptions, four pass breakups), who are two of the better players at their position returning in college football.
Defensive end Ethan Downs also returns, as well as sophomore defensive back Peyton Bowen, talented pass rusher R Mason Thomas, and cornerback Woodi Washington. The Sooner also landed former TCU defensive tackle Damonic Williams from the poarl this offseason, who should help to sure up their interior. In general, this looks like a defense that should be formidable in 2024.
On offense, the pass catchers bring the most optimism. The Sooners returns both Nic Anderson, Jalil Farooq, and Andrel Anthony from a year ago. The 6-5 Anderson was especially dangerous, hauling in 38 receptions for 798 yards and 10 touchdowns, averaging an insane 21 yards per catch. Both Farooq and Anthony dealt with some miscellaneous injuries in 2023, especially Anthony. Despite that, those two were able to combine for 72 receptions for 1,123 yards and seven scores. That is an imposing trio when fully healthy.
Oklahoma was also able to land former Purdue pass catcher Deion Burks out of the portal this offseason, who is one of the more dynamic athletes in college football at wide receiver. He led the Boilermakers with 629 yards and seven touchdowns on 47 catches in 2023. In a better offensive system, which he will have at Oklahoma, Burks has a chance to be stellar this fall.
Clearly there are some things to be optimistic about, but several other areas bring a lot of concern. It starts with the jump in competition, which won’t be easy.
Transition to the SEC
The 2024 season won’t be the first time that Oklahoma plays good competition. They are a proud program who have had plenty of massive victories over the years. A large portion of them, however, have come in the Big 12 conference.
Now you are entering the SEC, which is the best conference in all of college football. When you look at the 2024 schedule, it’s extremely difficult. Traveling to play programs like Auburn, Texas, Ole Miss, Missouri, and LSU is going to be a huge challenge. The Sooners will also welcome schools like Tennessee and Alabama to Norman.
We’re not in Kansas anymore, Toto.
Related: The 2025 NFL Draft brings a lot of upside in the interior offensive line class, Pro Bowl talent at the top
Offensive line mess
Oklahoma has been known for dynamic offenses over the years, from the Lincoln Riley Era, and to what Jeff Lebby was able to accomplish before leaving for Mississippi State this offseason. Everyone talks about the quarterbacks. We also mention some of the outstanding passing game weapons, and the running backs.
One position that isn’t talked about nearly enough is the offensive line, which has been the backbone of the program for a long time now. A big reason for that is offensive line coach Bill Bedenbaugh, who is widely regarded as one of the position coaches in all of college football. His resume speaks for itself.
The thing about coaching is that they have the ability to maximize talent, and that’s what Coach Bedenbaugh has done. The major issue, at least for the 2024 unit, is that there seems to be a lack of talent compared to many other years recently. Bedenbaugh might be a great coach, but he isn’t a miracle maker.
Oklahoma seems like it might be depending on three transfers in Michael Tarquin (Florida), Febechi Nwaiwu (North Texas), and Branson Hickman (SMU). While there are a couple solid players in that group, there doesn’t appear to be any high draft picks or next level talent. There are several younger players that the Sooners are excited about but will that help them in 2024? It seems unlikely, especially due to the nature of offensive line play.
This could be a rebuilding year up front, which isn’t ideal jumping into a conference known for great defensive line play. This isn’t the best year to have so much uncertainty on the offensive line.
Offensive continuity
You know when else isn’t the best time to completely overhaul an offensive line? When you are breaking in a new starting quarterback. Jackson Arnold is set to start under center this fall, and the Oklahoma staff is very excited about him. Considered a five-star recruit by some out of Denton (Texas) Guyer, he certainly has some talent to work with.
The wide receiver position will be big for Arnold, who won’t always have to be perfect. Getting the ball in his playmaker’s hands will be the most advantageous thing for success in 2024. Once he begins to get more comfortable, then his playmaking potential can take over.
With the transition on the horizon, bringing back Dillon Gabriel might have been the much better option. Instead, the program wanted to turn the page and let Gabriel start. The lack of experience won't ease the transition.
Oklahoma has been spoiled with offensive playcalling for a long time. Both Riley and Lebby were excellent in that regard. With Seth Littrell now fully taking over, there are going to be some questions about just how good the quality of playcalling will be early on. Littrell is widely regarded as a smart offensive mind, but it is a question mark until it isn’t anymore.
Could Oklahoma make a smooth transition against a higher caliber or competition? Can the team figure out the offensive line issue, whether it’s schematically or player wise this fall? Will Jackson Arnold be ready to play at a high level despite only having one career start under his belt? Could Coach Littrell be the next great playcaller?
There’s a chance that all of these questions are answered, and we put a “yes” in the column, but the law of averages says that it is very unlikely that they all happen. In fact, it’s unlikely that the majority does.
That doesn’t mean that Oklahoma won’t eventually be a power in the SEC, or at least a consistent winner. That does, however, mean that the program could be in for a rude awakening in 2024. This feels like a tough transition with a 7-5 record firmly on the radar.
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