Oklahoma’s Defensive Decline: Is Brent Venables Losing Control as Top Players Head for the Transfer Portal?
When Brent Venables returned to Oklahoma in 2022, the hire was met with widespread enthusiasm. As one of the brightest defensive minds in college football, Venables was seen as the savior of a program that had long been plagued by defensive ineptitude. He was expected to bring balance, discipline, and a return to the championship-level defense that had been a hallmark of his tenure at Clemson. Yet, as the 2024 season progresses, one thing is clear: Venables’ defense is not living up to expectations, and top players are beginning to bail. The question now is whether Venables has lost control of the program, or if the departures of key players to the transfer portal are the beginning of a much larger issue within the Oklahoma football program.
The Exodus: A Growing Concern
The latest blow to the Sooners’ defense comes with the departure of a veteran linebacker to the transfer portal, marking another high-profile exit from the program. This follows a troubling trend for Oklahoma, which has seen several defensive players leave in recent months, including key starters in the secondary and on the defensive line. It’s not just role players either; these are contributors who were expected to be the backbone of Venables’ defense for years to come.
It’s easy to chalk this up to the ever-evolving nature of college football and the influence of the transfer portal, but the sheer volume of players leaving Oklahoma’s defense raises serious red flags. When a defensive unit is struggling to perform and top players are seeking greener pastures, the problem might be more than just a temporary issue. Is there a deeper cultural or leadership problem that is driving these departures?
Venables’ Defensive Struggles: A Harsh Reality
Despite his reputation as one of the game’s premier defensive coordinators, Venables’ defenses at Oklahoma have underperformed. While the Sooners’ defense showed some improvement in 2023, they still rank poorly in key defensive metrics like total defense and points allowed. The team’s inability to consistently stop high-powered offenses in the Big 12, particularly in high-stakes games,
