How Oklahoma Football Team Can Dominate the Big 12 Conference This Season
As I sit here watching the Sooners' spring practice footage, I can't help but feel that familiar mix of excitement and apprehension about the upcoming season. Having followed Oklahoma football for over two decades, I've seen enough championship runs to recognize when something special is brewing in Norman. This year feels different though - there's a sense of urgency that reminds me of that quote from Italian basketball coach Frigoni about timetables: "I don't have any timetable. The timetable is one day before we have a general meeting before the World Championship." That's exactly the mindset Brent Venables needs to instill in this team - that championship preparation happens every single day, not according to some predetermined schedule.
The foundation for Big 12 domination starts with what I believe is the most underrated defensive transformation in college football. Last season, Oklahoma improved from allowing 30 points per game to just 23.7, and I'm projecting they'll shave that down to under 20 this year. Danny Stutsman's decision to return for his senior year gives them the defensive quarterback every championship team needs. I've watched every snap of his career, and his growth from a raw talent to a defensive commander has been remarkable. When he's on the field, the entire defense operates with better alignment and communication. Combine that with Billy Bowman's ball-hawking skills in the secondary - he led the nation with 3 defensive touchdowns last season - and you've got a defense that can genuinely win games rather than just not lose them.
Offensively, the Sooners have what I consider the conference's most complete receiving corps. Andrel Anthony's return from injury will be huge - people forget he was averaging 18.7 yards per catch before going down. But the real X-factor is Jackson Arnold. I've been studying his high school and early college tape extensively, and his arm talent is special. He completed 64.8% of his passes in limited action last season, but what impressed me most was his decision-making under pressure. In that bowl game against Arizona, despite the interceptions, he showed the kind of resilience you can't teach. The offensive line returns four starters, which gives me confidence they'll improve their 3.8 yards per carry average from last season.
Special teams often gets overlooked, but I've always believed it's where championships are won. Gavin Marshall's consistency on field goals - he was 15 for 18 last year - provides that security blanket every coach wants in close games. What really excites me though is their punt return unit, which averaged 12.3 yards per return last season. Those hidden yards matter more than people realize in conference play.
The schedule sets up beautifully for a championship run. I've circled October 12th against Texas as the pivotal game - win that, and the momentum could carry them through the rest of the season. The mid-November stretch against Missouri and at LSU will test their depth, but having those games at home gives them a significant advantage. From my experience watching Big 12 football, the conference champion almost always wins their home games convincingly and steals at least one on the road.
Recruiting has been building toward this moment. Venables' 2023 class ranked 4th nationally, and those players are now ready to contribute meaningfully. What I appreciate about Venables is his understanding that development matters more than stars. He's taken three-star recruits and turned them into NFL prospects through what players describe as the most demanding strength program in the conference.
The Big 12's expansion actually plays to Oklahoma's advantage in my view. With Texas gone to the SEC, the conference lacks that traditional powerhouse that can match Oklahoma's resources and brand. Kansas is improving, but they're not ready to challenge for a championship yet. Oklahoma State always plays the Sooners tough, but they lost too much offensive firepower from last year's team.
Culture matters more than X's and O's, and that's where Venables has made his biggest impact. The "one day at a time" mentality that Frigoni described fits perfectly with how Venables approaches preparation. I've spoken with several players who say the team's identity is built on daily improvement rather than looking ahead to championships. That focus will serve them well when they face adversity, which every team inevitably does during a long season.
Looking at the broader picture, this feels like Oklahoma's best chance to dominate the conference before their eventual move to the SEC. The pieces are there - experienced quarterback, playmaking defense, favorable schedule, and the right mindset. If they can stay healthy, particularly along the offensive line, I believe they can run the table in conference play. The numbers back this up too - my projection model gives them a 68% chance to win the Big 12, significantly higher than any other team.
Ultimately, championship teams are built on consistency rather than flashy moments. What I've seen from this Oklahoma squad suggests they understand that better than anyone in the conference. They've bought into that day-by-day approach that Frigoni described, understanding that championships aren't won on Saturdays in the fall but in the countless preparation moments that happen throughout the year. When November rolls around, that foundation of daily work will separate them from the rest of the pack. The Big 12 is theirs for the taking if they maintain this focus.