We are less than five weeks away until Oklahoma Sooners football season starts. Are you excited about kickoff?

I sure am — and I’m expecting big things from Brent Venables’ team. Not that it’s playoffs-or-bust for me, but significant improvement is anticipated.

As part of what I’m doing with the ‘Oklahoma Memo’ newsletter, I wanted to start working in some sports to the mix. My first entry into that realm is a quick, weekly “here are the best football stories of the week” story, a little something to catch us all up on our favorite autumnal obsession.

5. OU’s road game rankings spark debate
Source: The Norman Transcript
The Transcript ranked OU’s 2025 road environments. Texas came in at No. 1, and Temple made the list too — even though neither are technically true road games. Then again, it’s not like Oklahoma is headed back to Baton Rouge, nor are they headed to Athens or Gainesville.

4. Offensive line gets Venables’ stamp of approval
Source: Sports Illustrated
Brent Venables says no position group has spent more time in the building this offseason than the offensive line. With three portal additions and four new signees, the chemistry is ahead of schedule — and that matters.

The only thing more important than chemistry (and talent, of course) is injuries. This group needs to stay injury-free.

3. Finebaum takes a swipe at Lincoln Riley
Source: Stormin’ In Norman
On-air with Dari Nowkhah, Paul Finebaum volunteered a takedown of Lincoln Riley. OU fans lit up social media in celebration. Riley’s USC tenure hasn’t wowed by any means, and if he doesn’t contend for a playoff spot in ‘25, we could be looking at the barbecue-master’s last days in L.A.

2. OSU transfer Kendal Daniels could be a star on defense
Source: Tulsa World
The hard-hitting safety is drawing Isaiah Simmons comparisons — the Venables-coached Clemson star now with the Packers. Daniels brings elite athleticism and versatility to an already promising OU defense.

1. Phil Steele’s prediction for Oklahoma football
Source: on3.com
College football analyst Phil Steele says OU’s defense is on the rise. His computer nailed last year’s projections, and for 2025 he sees a potential top-10 unit despite roster turnover. Year 3 under Venables might be the sweet spot.

Here’s the quote at the end of the story, from Steele:
“After going over the team with Coach Venables, I believe this is a playoff caliber roster so despite the rugged schedule they are also my #1 surprise team this year and have a great shot at going from a losing season all the way to a playoff berth!”

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Cover photo: Photo by Alex Batchelor on Unsplash